There are plenty of business opportunities available to you. If you want to start a business that is right for you, you should read this "Top 10 Requirements" list in order to make a wise decision. Be careful not to get too excited over a new opportunity if you haven't first checked to see how it measures against these requirements.

To make sure you don't get caught up in the excitement of a new business opportunity, use the following check list to give yourself a realty check. Do your research on the company or product and check references to avoid any home based business scams. There isn't a shortage of business opportunities out there, so pick your new business wisely by making sure your business meets all 10 requirements listed below.

Ten important rules to run an "ideal business".

Great profit potential of at least $30,000 each month in the first year. (that is $200 per hour for running a part time business!)

Every person has a different view of how much profit is needed from the new business. You may just want to break even if your business is just for hobby. Even then, it is very much possible to meet the mentioned financial targets if the right business model is chosen.

2. A business that will thrive even in a recession

Even if the US doesn't slip into recession, the next few years are certain to be rough for most people and businesses. Finding a business that won't just survive, but will actually thrive in a recession is key.

3. A market with a solid trend of growth and expansion

Every industry and product has its share of good and bad times. Just to take the example of Real Estate which is in pretty bad shape right now. To make higher profits you should be able to spot products and services which are just about to begin their upward trent or are in the middle of their upward trend.

4. Low start up and overhead costs

You should always keep your start-up costs low, regardless of how much investment money you have. Many business opportunities out there cost less than $2,000 to get started. Also, businesses with a large amount of overhead tend to be riskier. Two ways to cut overhead costs are to work from a home office and avoid the need to keep inventory.

5. You have the flexibility to work from the comfort of your home.

Working from home is also quite a deal - you will be able to enjoy the comforts and flexibility that it allows. Also, shared office systems or operations may be a good choice that save money.

6. Receive income quickly (short account receivable timelines)

The issues of cash flow arise if you need to wait for a long time,say 30 or even 90 days before the payment is made to you for your services or goods.It is imperative that payments are received quickly for the maintenance of a healthy company.Proper attention also has to be taken about the cancellation and refund policies.

7. A business that's simple, but also presents enough challenges to prevent just anyone from entering.

If it is too difficult for you to communicate your business model to a close acquaintance, it just might be too complex. Such business models frequently encounter difficulties in their implementation. The simpler it is, the easier it will be to implement and run.

The ability to organize and assign tasks, to free up owners schedules.

Eventually, you should seek to hand off control of your operation to someone you trust. This way, you can have more free time to do other things, such as work on another project, start a new business, or just take a relaxing vacation. However, if the product or service you sell requires heavily on your abilities and input, it may be difficult to do this.

9. A portion of your income must be passive income, and you should be able to increase it monthly.

Sleep profits are the dream of each and every entrepreneur. Income earned while one dreams away, while obviously requiring little or no effort on your part, will strength your company as part of your monthly income is from passive functions.

10. The business should be fun; something that doesn't make you worried or depressed.

Business is hard work, of course, but there is no reason why you shouldn't have fun with it as well. If you choose work that you find exciting, you will be much more successful. Also, it is important that your business be ethical in its dealings.

It took me 3 months to prepare this top 10 list. 3 months of full time search and exploring over 80 business opportunities to find the right business for myself.