Jack Hardy has some advice for those who want to start a business but don't know how to go about it: Get a job.

As the former chairman of the Miami-Dade chapter of SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business, Hardy, 75, has helped coach hundreds of fledgling entrepreneurs. And one of the mistakes he sees over and over again is people diving into businesses they know little about.

``One of the best ways to truly understand an industry is to work in it,'' he said. ``I can tell you right now, if you've never worked in a restaurant but want to open one you're up the creek without a paddle.''

A job - even a lowly one - in your target business can bring you valuable insight and protect you from making expensive mistakes.

Once entrepreneurs are sure they're in the right industry, the next steps to focus on are cash flow and developing a brain trust.

Cash flow is the number one killer of start-ups. Even if you have a blockbuster idea that will make you a millionaire in five years, it's dead in the water if you can't make rent on month three.

At free seminars that SCORE offers to show start-ups the ropes, Hardy often recommends breaking down cash flow on a month-by-month basis for at least 18 months. (Contact SCORE at www.score.org)

For The Cereal Bowl's sake, he said he hopes the trio have delved into the issue.

``I suspect they know they can pay their employees, cover costs and still have enough left over to feed themselves something other than cereal,'' he said.

On the knowledge front, no one knows everything, so it's important to surround yourself with people who can help, he said.

Hardy recommends establishing an advisory board with experts who know the ins and outs of legal and liability issues, finance and tax issues, and the nuts and bolts of your particular industry.

While the Internet can be a good source of information, he cautions first-time entrepreneurs from trying to save a few dimes by relying too much on the Web.

``Can you incorporate your business on the Internet? Yes. But I wouldn't recommend it,'' he said.

A good lawyer who understands your particular needs can help structure a company in a way that not only protects you but gives you the flexibility you may need down the line.

While The Cereal Bowl partners don't have a formal advisory board, they do have a mentor who has been in the food and beverage industry for more than 20 years.

Finally, before taking the plunge into long hours and financial instability, it's important to really be clear on why you want to be in business for yourself.

When he talks to students, there are often one or two who admit they want to start their own company because they can't stand their boss.

``I tell them get a new boss, get a new job. It's much easier.''

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