The price of housing, gas, and insurance has shot through the roof. Meanwhile corporations are downsizing, meaning you have to work longer hours for often less pay. If this describes your situation, you probably feel like you're caught between a rock and a hard place.



Fortunately, this is the BEST time in history to own your own small business. Yes, it's true. You CAN work from home, doing work you love, and earning a BIG extra income. And you can do all this without a lot of expense or additional training.

There ARE solid home business plans out there that use the power of the Internet, or the amazing ingenuity of anyone who is their own boss, or connects the millions of home workers who can work together to create a truly BIG business of independent owners.

But before you get the idea that all is rosy, it's not. There is scam after scam just waiting for anyone who hungers to work their own business from home.

1. Watch out for the business that sounds great and gets everyone excited, but doesn't offer much in the way of a product or service. If you read page after page of exciting ad copy and glowing testimonials, but STILL can't figure out what they're selling, then you've probably found a very weak business opportunity. Don't let the fact that it's all dressed up in the trappings of success fool you. Walk away.

2. Be wary of businesses that are brand new and largely unproven. Many opportunities are around just long enough for you to build up your business, then the parent company goes belly up and you're left with nothing to show for all your work.

3. Pay close attention to how the business is supposed to get its customers. Just throwing up a web site that sits along with thousands of other sites just like it WON'T attract new customers. Make sure the marketing and promotion methods available will be effective.

4. Make sure you have enough time available to properly work the business. Are all the people making big money in the business working full-time when you only have an hour or two per week available? That's probably a business you'll have a hard time succeeding in. Instead, find a home based business opportunity that lets you pull in good money working in your spare time nights, weekends, and days off.

5. Above all, insist that your business is one you can be proud of, one you're excited about, and one you don't mind telling others about. Work a business you enjoy. You'll learn it faster.

As a school teacher, I know what it's like to be a highly trained professional working long hours and still living pay check to pay check. I tried several business opportunities that turned out to be shaky at best and scams at worst.

Ultimately, I discovered a solid business based on traditional mail order. The business felt honest and fit well with my abilities, likes, and available time. I'm proud to say it's a great fit and I'm making good money in my home business.

So check out the business opportunities that interest you. Use the guidelines I've provided for you in this article. Your road to profits will be faster and easier.