To help you weed out the so-so from the spectacular, we've compiled a list of the signs associated with a legitimate home business opportunity as a starting point:

When you're investigating companies, trust your first impressions. If you feel that you are getting the proverbial “run around” from franchise owners or the sellers of an established business, don't hesitate to find another, more legitimate home business.

Even if the company you're researching is on the “up and up”, you'll never be able to truly trust them; and usually your instincts are important to follow. Remember – ethics matter. If you're investing your hard-earned dollars and you're getting virtually nothing in return, it isn't a legitimate home business.

Reputation

Does the business you're considering working with have a positive reputation? If you don't know, check out the local Better Business Bureau and/or surf the Internet looking for any complaints. Though it's common to have a few disgruntled customers, if the organization has more than its fair share of warnings, you may need to look elsewhere for a legitimate home business.

Another sign of a good reputation is if any of the employees at the enterprise you're looking into has been quoted as an “expert” in a reliable media article or story. Usually, journalists gravitate toward legitimate home businesses for quotes and stay away from quoting those with questionable backgrounds.

Education & Mentoring

Will the home business you're considering provide you with any kind of education or learning opportunities such as distance learning courses or onsite classes? Or are you just expected to do well without any kind of support or education at all?

Legitimate home business sellers always make certain that their franchisees are comfortable with the language and format of the organization; they realize that your success will help them in the future.

If the home based business you're researching isn't treating you with the respect and information you deserve to know, it's time to find a different opportunity.

Growth Opportunities

Finally, it's important to remember that all legitimate home business opportunities will allow you to grow rather than stifle your expansion. In fact, the best of the best will provide you with all the secrets you need to know to do exceptionally well. Thus, if you feel like you're being “kept down”, you deserve something better and need to move on because you're not working with a legitimate home business.

Good luck in finding the perfect legitimate home business opportunity that will allow you to reach for the stars!