What is the best way to start a home based business? A free way to gather information is to visit your local library and pick out books regarding business and management. If you live close to a university or college, visit their libraries as they usually have a greater selection of the books you are seeking. Some universities and colleges offer workshops or seminars about small business ownership. Your local small business association also holds workshops and seminars on starting a small business.

Having a home based business is a wonderful way to save money and time in certain areas. One of the main ways of saving is on the ever rising price of gas and the time spent in heavy rush hour traffic. Another money savor is the cost of always updating your business wardrobe.

For me the most important part of a home based business is family time is not compromised. Working around spouse and children schedules is easier depending on your home based business. However, you will have to practice strict self-discipline or your home based business will not survive.

Here are three suggestions to consider for starting your home based business.

1. Yard or Garage Sale ? ?the old and perhaps the new?

I would bet to say you or family members have clothes that have been worn only a few times. Items of clothing given to you that you did not like or they did not fit just right. Now on Monday, sell it.

Your sign announcement: Clothes for sale!

Your children played a certain sport and now have moved on to another sport. Or they have grown up and no longer play sports. Maybe you just had some sports fanatics in your family that collected sports memorabilia but now it just sites in a closet or corner. Now on Tuesday, sell it.

Your sign announcement: Sports items for sale!

I think you are getting the picture of what I am trying to convey. Sell different kinds of items on different days. Make it interesting a fun.

2. Cooking and Baking ? ?Sweet. Spicy. Sour.?

Are you comfortable in the kitchen and love to be creative? Maybe a catering business is for you. If you like baking then you could make cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

If you like cooking then you could supply party type food for meetings, parties, and other gatherings.

Some people have converted their garage or part of their house into a mini caf? where local people like to gather. Make it a relaxing place with light music for your customers to have a good cup of coffee, a favorite sandwich and then finish out their stay with a great dessert. Not only will your customers come back for more but they will bring their friends also. Your small caf? could grow into a large and famous caf?.

3. Scrub and Clean it ? ?From top to bottom?

Are you the type of person that likes everything nice and clean all the time? Why not help out your neighbors and other members of your neighborhood? Many of these people lead very busy lives with their jobs and other activities. They would appreciate having a friendly, trusting person from their own community help them out with keeping their homes clean.

Advertise your services around your community first and then if you have extra time you can expand your area. Emphasize that when the environment is healthy, the client is healthy as well.

These are only three ideas to help you get started in a home based business. Find something you like to do and offer your services to other members of your community.