Is the coffee any good in here?

I'm in a similar kind of situation to yourself, planning my busines launch for early next year - my advice is as follows :

1) enjoy
2) take the time to meet up with suppliers sub contractors - I'm meeting numerous webdesigners, marketing companies etc who I will need to work with when I launch
3) join as many forums as you can find - the knowledge and help out there is immense
4) Lastly and most importantly, there is a book out there for every imaginable situation/problem so as you allude to, keep on reading and expanding your horizons

Phil

With ref to etiquette, I think it's about being open and honest. An opinion honestly expressed is always valid so long as it doesn't aim to offend and in particular constructive critique is something I'm always open to - in my business (admitedly still in the planning stage) I often go off on an enthusiasm overload and my business partner to be often pricks the balloon but has learnt to do it in such a way as to not dent my pride but rather point out realistic concerns/offer other options.

I've posted on other forums than Flying start ups and gained quite a few important new contacts using the above idea.

As an aside, also try out some business related podcasts - my favourites currently are :

Beermat Radio (Mike Southern hosts this and his books are produced by the same publisher as Steve)
Business Success Tips

You shoud find both easily on itunes