For years I have read online forum posters request information on working from home. As soon as they press the send button they are then bombarded with mlm, sales, and call center-type information. More often than not, these "opportunities" require money, stringent guidelines, and headaches. I have done my share of business opportunities and wasted a lot of precious time and money so I know the drill.

Through it all I have learned a few lessons:

1. The best business opportunity exists right under your nose.

2. The time and money spent on other opportunities could be better utilized on your own idea.

3. You are likely to be more passionate, enthusiastic about a business that you came up with on your own.

It's Not About the Money

The issues arises, not because you lack money and opportunity, but because you lack creativity. As a society we have become so used to instant gratification and having other people think for us, that it becomes nearly impossible to come up with viable ideas on our own. We'd rather implement the pre-packaged ideas of a handful of innovative people rather than put on our thinking caps and come up with some ideas. Brainstorming the possibilities is simple and can be a lot of fun. The end result is a business that you build slowly and steadily into a long-term profitable business.

It's About Creativity

So now you must get down to the task of thinking up an idea for a business. There are many websites that can help you with this. They can be idea generators, but for the time being I'll ask you the age-old question: What are you good at'� What are you passionate about? What do people compliment you on the most? Are you a good cook? Can you do laundry exceptionally well? Can you type at the speed of light? Are you good at organizing? Can you teach or speak exceptionally well? How about creating an awesome garden? Do you work well with children? Adults? Take a long hard look at your life and draw some conclusions about what you do well. Take each element of your gift (and yes you are gifted) and think about what can be done quickly or for the convenience of others.

Believe in Your Gifts

There are millions of people in this world that don't have the talent or ability to do what you do naturally. Case in point, I am a graphic designer. I love to design brochures, ads, flyers, etc. and I do it quickly. I have a natural gift for spatial organization and seeing the end result when presented with a few ideas. Over the years I have honed my crafts and people think I am a genius, but to me it is really simple and easy to do. Sometimes we don't have enough faith in our ability to do a thing effortlessly. You may be able to organize my paperwork and my home in general. I feel very incompetent to do it because 1) I don't desire to do it and 2) I don't it as well as I'd like when I do muster up the energy to tackle the task.

Don't Reinvent the Wheel

There is a lot of talk on the internet these days about developing a niche in terms of product, service, or segment of the population. It is not rocket science, but it is a matter of observation. Sometimes it is just a matter of listening to the news or looking at the latest statistics. If you are still not sure about if your idea will work, take a look at other people who are doing the same or similar thing as you want to do. You don't have to re-invent the wheel, but can adapt what is working for others to your own venture. Start out small and steadily build momentum. You will not get rich over night unless you have an amazing product and customers coming out of the woodwork to buy it. Remember that slow and steady wins the race. Give yourself time to learn and implement, learn and implement.

Focus! Focus! Focus!

There are countless ways to make extra money using the skills you already have. The key is to make a decision and focus on doing that one thing until you are making money at it. Sometimes you may have to go back to the drawing board (I have countless times) and then start again. There is plenty of free help available to help you develop your idea. SCORE is one organization that can help you as well as your local Chamber of Commerce or city business development office. The Small Business Development center is also available to assist you.

Stop the Madness!

So no more talk and confusion about finding a work at home business. You already have a business, you just have to look deep inside and find it. Take some time to think and use your creativity to come up with a viable work at home solution for you. Good luck and God bless!