Every week I receive email from would-be entrepreneurs,
asking, 'What kind of home business should I start?'

This is a question that only *you* can answer. Although
it seems like business opportunities are everywhere you
look, there's no reason why you have to limit yourself to
someone else's 'prepackaged' opportunity.

'Biz ops' usually cater to a very limited set of interests
-- nutritional supplements or Internet marketing are common
examples. Instead of trying to force yourself to 'fit' into
one of these opportunities, why not consider starting and
building a business of your own making?

Many successful entrepreneurs are running businesses based
on their personal interests and experiences. You'll be
surprised at how simple ideas can turn into profitable
home businesses! For example, one lady in my neighborhood
creates unique 3-dimensional bookmarks in the shape of
various wildlife -- and she sells them to tourism stores
in the nearby National Parks, among others.

Another example came from a local newspaper. A woman with
a 'knack' for picking out the 'perfect' gift offers a
shopping service: she'll go gift shopping for birthdays,
Christmas, and other special occasions so that you don't
have to endure the stress or the crowds. And she LOVES
to shop!

There are many examples of people who turn their passions
into businesses. For additional ideas, try the 'Secret
Underground Business Plans, Projects and Ideas', available
at: http://homebasedwork.com/cgi-bin/a .cgi?bizideas

So how do you go about deciding on a business? Start by
asking yourself several questions:

* What are your interests? What skills have you learned
from your current job or your favorite hobbies? Do
something you love... business doesn't have to be a
chore, it can be a joy! If you're passionate about your
business you'll work harder (and have fun while you're
at it).

* Are you a 'people-person' or someone who prefers less
customer contact? There are people who adore talking
to others and excel at it... these people are far more
likely to do well with businesses that require lots of
face-to-face customer contact than people who are
uncomfortable dealing with strangers.

* What are your strengths and weaknesses? An honest
assessment can help you decide which business ideas
are realistic and which are fantasy. For instance,
an excellent writer won't necessarily be a great
proofreader, which requires a high attention to detail.

* How much time, money, and effort can you realistically
devote to a business? Every business is different...
some require more financial resources upfront, while
others require very little. Likewise, with some
businesses you may see a profit in very little time
(ie. dog-walking or an errand service), while with
others it make take a year or more.

Take a good look at your skills and your interests...
Your perfect home business could be staring you right
in the face. Imagine the possibilities!



About the Author
_____

Angela is the editor of the At Home Workers Express, a free
newsletter for people seeking to start a work-at-home career.
It offers a practical, hype-free, and informative articles
on starting a home business or searching for telecommuting
work. Pick up your free subscription today at
http://homebasedwork.com/newsletter.html