If you really want to stand out, write a plan with teeth in it and put your competition to shame.

FORBES: How to Write a Plan or Proposal That Rocks

However, even with capital and expertise, it was still important to write out our idea and create a business plan.

FORBES: 5 Tips for a Great Business Plan

America's bail-out plan could even accelerate the pace of write-downs on structured credit if it sets a price below today's European valuations for nasty assets.

ECONOMIST: Are European banks insulated from the panic in America?