Business is very, very difficult - so don't be surprised by finding out that the 'idiot' that you worked for maybe was not as big of an idiot as you thought.

I have helped a number of people start their business, but of all those that actually started their business, I have coached probably two times that many OUT OF starting their own business. Why? Because people are either:

A) Uncapitalized - a sure sign of impending failure no matter how good they are at their business in every aspect of what it takes to run one's own business.
B) Uneducated expectation - often people expect a much faster profitability or at least more income than happens. Oops.
C) Where's your business plan? - Of the people who made it? Every one had a business plan. While this does not guarantee success, it ensures a good preparation.

Cliff covered it pretty well, I believe.

You're going to have to do an outstanding job and give such amazing personal service that you are immediately noteworthy as being unique amongst your competition.

Shit, even do things like having a uniform for yourself and your workers. It's a small thing, but even such a small thing such as that promotes a professionalism compared to other companies. It's the small things that matter, and a really well-designed bid, a confirmation call the day of/day before you show up, a call afterwards or thank you note?

The small stuff matters. People remember that crap. It's hard enough to be a small business, so anything that makes you noteworthy?

Good luck, and let us know how your business is working.