It is sad, but true, that people do have enough negative experiences with trying to start a home-based business that they give up. Worse, they become resigned that home-based businesses do not work and, therefore, are not legitimate.

Well, I am here to tell you that having a legitimate home-based business is viable. However, you must understand that any worthwhile business requires work, your attention, takes time to build and requires a certain amount of risk.

However, there is something you can do to reduce your risk and make a good choice for yourself in a home business.

Look for value. Then provide value.

Value includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. A good reputation.

If you're considering a home-business program, make sure the company offering the program has a good reputation. Use the Internet, the Better Business Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, and The Small Business Administration to conduct research on the company.

Then, also focus on how you can provide value with your home business.

2. Quality products and/or services.

If you're selling someone else's products or service, sample them. Are the products well made? If it's a consumable product, are you getting the results you expect? Also, most companies that provide quality products and services offer some type of guarantee, such as a 30-day, money back guarantee.

If you're creating your own product or providing your own service, have people try what you're offering first. Get feedback. Make changes if necessary.

3. Avoid "get rich quick thinking." Find resources that help the home-business owner build his business on a solid foundation, over time, with a certain amount of effort and dedication.

4. Enough people want what you will be selling. If there is not demand for the product or service, then that product or service is probably not providing much value. To put it another way, if the problem the product or service is there to solve is not a significant enough of a problem for enough people, you're not going to be able to provide much value.

5. Does the cost of starting and running your home business seem worth it? Every business requires start-up costs. Avoid spending too much to get your business started. But, avoid not spending enough. This is subjective - it's up to you. It's based upon your definition of value. Are you going to "get enough" from what you'll be spending? If you're not sure, then take some time to determine this for yourself. For example, find seasoned business professionals in your network and ask for some advice.

Strike a balance between conducting analysis and taking action. Too much analysis will paralyze you from making a decision and moving forward. Not enough analysis could cost you.