At some point in time in our lives, we have all dreamed about starting a home-based business and being our own boss. The difficulty with starting a home-based business is not just deciding whether or not you want to do this, it is deciding what type of home-based business that you would like to start. Once you have decided that this is the course of action you want to pursue, the real challenge is just beginning – specifically, selecting the right home-based business for you. The following are 4 steps to consider that will point you in the proper direction so your decision is easier to make.

Step #1: Determine whether or not this is really meant for you – there is so much that you need to know in order to determine whether or not a home-based business is right for you. It takes a certain character and mentality as well as drive and determination to be successful with your own business. Do you have what it takes? Can you financially afford giving up your steady paycheck by jumping into the home-based business arena? Can you continually motivate yourself every day towards your success? These are just some of the questions you need to answer in order to determine if a home-based business is what you truly want to do.

Step #2: The internet is flush with a number of opportunities – internet marketing is now a huge part of the home-based business sector. Despite the fact that you could start up a land-based business, there is no greater benefit than working in the comfort of your own home and earning money in the process. You are your own boss, you write your own schedule, and your commute is measured in feet – not miles.

Step #3: If the home-based business you are considering is requiring you to stock and ship your products to your customers, walk away and consider a different business to get involved in – 9 times out of 10 you will have a garage of clutter and stagnant products that you have to donate or give away, meaning that you could lose some serious money. Taking a bath on your investment is not the purpose here so you want to

avoid these types of businesses like you would a plague.

Step #4: Affiliate marketing is the big gun in the internet marketing arena – according to Inc. Magazine, internet marketing is one of the top three hottest online home-based businesses to get involved in. If you really have the desire to offer products and services to your customers, there are thousands of affiliate marketing programs available. What you want to remember is that you need to do your homework and thoroughly research each and every affiliate marketing program you are considering. Remember, the old rule of thumb – if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Watch out for the scams and protect yourself from them.

As a closing note, you want to remember that the most critical components to succeeding in any home-based business are what we like to refer to as the "3-D’s" – dedication, desire, and determination!