I have decided that there is another emotion that an entrepreneur must be able todeal with in order to continue the fight to success. That is frustration.

Events occur and situations develop that can be extremely frustrating. Usually these things result from lack of cash to do the things that need doing for growth. It is frustrating to write a check for unemployment taxes (despite not having laid off anyone) when the same money could have gone for a new piece of equipment to help get your new product into production.

The new product, of course, would require hiring new people which would help the economy and your cash flow resulting in another new product which would then result in more jobs. You get the picture.

Frustration will also result when the people you train decide to move to Idaho despite your best efforts to treat them right and give them the opportunity for education and advancement.

I never begrudge a person's desire to better their situation or make a move for personal reasons but that doesn't mean I can't get frustrated about the situation. Personnel problems can be the most frustrating of all.

Customers can be frustrating. Sometimes a buyer will reject your product based on his or her experience with a similar product. Or your new product isn't given a chance despite the rave reviews from everyone else you've shown it to.

Does your new product require dealings with the Patent Office? Guaranteed to cause you some frustration somewhere along the line.

So, along with the day to day problems and uncertainties, you will often need to deal with a high frustration level. I try hard to channel my frustration into creative energy, looking for a way around the current bottleneck. Some days Ijust go home and crack a beer.