That's right, every day, there are millions of people looking to start a home based business. And it's not just stay at home moms, anymore. It's men and women who are sick and tired of being sick and tired and are looking for a life-changing opportunity.

The sad part is most of those people who endeavor to start their own business will fail. Not because they don't want to take control of their financial lives, but because most people don't know what to do after they've started up. Ninety percent who “succeed,” on average, make ten dollars a week. I don't find that to be life-changing. Do you?

There are a few simple, yet essential, elements that have to be in place before you venture into the sometimes murky waters of being in business for yourself. First and foremost, you should know why you want to own your own business. And let me just help you out and tell you that if it's to make a lot of money, you may as well not waste your time.

If it's not more defined than “making a lot of money,” you won't succeed because money in and of itself is not a motivator. It's what the money will allow you to do that will get you over the humps and hurdles you will run into building your business. So, define it and be very specific about what it is you'd like to buy or the place you'd like to visit or the how much money you'd give to charity. It's your life and your dreams, so the sky's the limit!

Next, you should look at the company. Who are they? How long have they been around? Just how great is their opportunity? What is the leadership like? What is their track record? Are more than a handful of people enjoying financial success? The more questions you ask, the better.

Also, it's important to know about the products and/or services they offer. Is it something you truly believe in and could see yourself recommending to others, your family even? If so, you're close to making a decision!

You also have to recognize who your market is. Your list of friends and family is only so long. When that runs out, who else will you talk to about your company and product or service?

Once you figure out who you're marketing to, you have to figure out how you're going to market to them. This is where most people fail in home based businesses. They run out of people to talk to and don't know how to find quality prospects for either their business or their product or service. And when you don't have customers, your business is now out of business.

The good news is the internet has totally changed the industry. In home based businesses, it's all a numbers game, and the internet gets you the numbers faster and easier than any other type of marketing out there!

So, if you've decided to start your own home based business, congratulations! If you have solid answers for each of the areas listed above, go for it!

I wish you the best in finding the work from home, home based business opportunity that's right for you! There is one out there with your name on it. When you find it, give it your all, and the rewards you reap will far outweigh the labor in attaining them!