By ANITA BURZZESE
Gannett News Service

Sometimes you're not even really looking for a job, and then it just kind of plops in your lap.

An opportunity to be part of something new and exciting -- an offer to work for a start-up company where the hopes and expectations of future riches are high.

You may be intrigued by the thought of being part of a business from the ground up, where new ideas are greeted with enthusiasm. But at the same time, you've seen the reports of dying dotcoms, the statistics about how small companies often fail within the first five years of existence.

Those thoughts can be pretty scary, whether you're just starting out in the world, or you have decades of work experience under your belt. How do you make the decision about whether a new venture is a good idea for you?

First, take a step back and consider exactly what a new company can offer you, both in terms of immediate payoff and future benefits.

Take a look at:

• Who is running the show? OK, so the offer has come from a childhood friend, or a cousin or a business acquaintance, but that doesn't mean it makes sense to leave a current position. Apart from your personal feelings, does this person have the solid business experience to run a company, the vision to move forward and the management skills to hire good people? Who will be the key people you will be reporting to? Failing dotcoms are full of people who had the technical savvy, but not management skills, to run a business.

• Career opportunity. If a start-up offers you the chance to leap up the career ladder, it may be more appealing than staying stuck in a job that offers you little chance for growth. Get the specific job duties, what goals you will be expected to meet, and what training you will receive. Will this job make you more marketable, even if the venture fails? Will you walk away with more skills than when you entered?

• Compensation. This can get a bit tricky, especially since start-ups may offer you stock options, and not a salary equal or greater than what you are currently making. Still, you can determine what you must have to meet car payments, pay utilities, eat, etc. At the same time, ask about employee benefits such as health insurance and vacation time.

• Organization. Look at the space the new company will occupy. It doesn't matter if it operates in a windowless basement, as long as that doesn't bother you. But make sure you are comfortable there with start-ups you're probably going to be putting in some long hours. At the same time, are supplies and equipment adequate? If not, this may be an indication that your Cousin Bob hasn't really gotten his act together. He may talk a big game, but he doesn't translate it into getting a viable business off the ground.

• Network. Ask peers or those in professional organizations if they have been part of a start-up, what their experiences were, any advice they would offer. If you find those who are in a start-up, keep in touch if you plan to take the new job. Networking with others will help you and your new company. Encourage others in the new organization to join a professional group that can offer the opportunity to find a business mentor for each area needed.

• Your personal expectations. It's no secret that a new company will take a personal toll. Unplanned business emergencies, flaws in a new system and the daunting task of competing in today's business world is likely to interfere with a good night's sleep. Accepting such a position will certainly affect you, but those around you will also be affected. Consider the payoffs against some of the sacrifices you will make.

Write to Anita Bruzzese c/o: Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 1000 Wilson, Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22229-0001. For a reply, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.