Here's How:

1. Do you have space in your home?

You will to set aside space in your home - quiet space that is well equipped - in order to run a successful home business. Depending on the type of business, at the very least you will need an office, computer, phone line, and a desk.

2. Are you self motivated?

Being your own boss is a great feeling. But you must be able to budget your time well, stay focused despite the distractions of working from home, and know when it is time to work - and time to "call it a day".

3. Do you have an idea for a home business?

There are many possibilities for working at home. And while working at home is convenient, it is still work - and to pay the bills, you must make money. When choosing a business:

- choose one you will enjoy doing every day

- choose one that can make you money

- either start the business part-time until you make enough money to live comfortably, or

- make sure you have enough money saved up to live on while you build your business

4. Do you have the skills to make your home business idea work?

To run a home business, you should have a least some basic skills to make the business work. For example, if you decide to start a home catering business, it may not be necessary that you are trained as a professional chef, but you should enjoy - and be good at - cooking, planning meals, and making meals look appetizing!

5. Do you have the money to get started?

Starting a home based business does not require as much money as opening an office or retail establishment, but you will need some money to get started. Some of your startup expenses will include:

- office supplies

- office equipment (computer, phone, fax, etc).

- insurance, licenses, etc.

- advertising

- brochures, business cards, etc.

- specific needs for your chosen business - samples, business clothing, travel, etc.

6. And do you have enough money saved up to live while you build your business?

Starting a business is a relatively quick process. But getting customers may take some time. And for some businesses, collecting payments may take time. For example, if you are consulting, you may not get paid until the project is complete; if you are selling real estate you won't get paid until the home is sold. And even with the best plan, some business simply take longer than expected to become profitable!

7. Do you have the determination to keep going through the "growing pains" of starting a business?

There are many potential roadblocks to building a business - none of them are reasons to give up - but all can make success a lot harder. So make sure you are ready to "step up" when the going gets tough!

- shipments getting lost

- customers not paying

- suppliers letting you down

- the economy changing

- downturns in your business market

- people telling you that you won't succeed

Here are a few final tips:

1. Starting a home business is exciting. So make sure you answer the questions above very honestly.

2. If you can answer yes to most of these questions, then starting a home business is probably a good idea!

3. Above all, don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING get in your way of being a successful home business owner!