What many people don't realize is that a home-based business is just that - a business. There are certain things that you must do to succeed and if you don't do them, you may just doom yourself to failure. So what should you do to succeed?

Decide whether you want to work at home for someone else or if you really want to start a business of your own. When I was a stay-at-home mom, I took on a lot of different jobs that I did at home. I worked for other people, doing various tasks such as typing for local businesses, tele-marketing, proofreading student papers, and baking home-made goods for delis. This suited me fine at the time, because I didn't really want the responsibility of my own business and I made a few extra dollars while staying at home with my children.

But my goal now is different. I do have a part time business, which I conduct from my home and I realize that time, money, education and effort is necessary for success. It is my business and I am the boss, but that doesn't mean that I can spend my time goofing off. Organization and goal setting are the keys to success.

When you work at home, it is important to have your own space. Whether it's a corner of your dining room, or a separate office, you MUST have some space to call your own. You need all the tools at your fingertips. Take time to set up a desk with all the appropriate supplies at your fingertips. You don't want to waste time looking for a paperclip when you need one.

Pick a niche that you're interested in. Stick to one thing at a time. Decide what you want to achieve. Don't go in too many directions at once. Many people make the mistake of starting one thing, then flying off into another direction when something better comes along. Do one thing at a time.

Set up a proper bookkeeping system. It doesn't matter whether it's on a software system on your computer or in a handwritten notebook. Just keep good records of your income and your expenditures and all the receipts to go along with that, so that when tax time rolls around, you won't regret it!

Ignore the people who tell you that you can't succeed. This is vitally important and at the same time, a very difficult task, especially if the nay-sayers are your family or friends. What often happens, is that people in our lives see us in a certain role. When we deviate from that role, it upsets the applecart, and we are faced with resentment and hostility. "What do you mean, you have to work? It's time for you to cook dinner (or go shopping with me, or go to the movies.)" People don't like change, and as much as they love you, it's a rare individual indeed who will accept the changes in you without an argument.

Find a support system. It is critically important to find a mentor to guide you, if you are just starting out. It is also critically important to find some new friends who share your passion. Your family and friends may not be interested in your new passion and you really need to find a support system to brainstorm with and build you up when you are ready to give up!

Set realistic goals. Realize that millionaires aren't created by accident. They have certain goals and are willing to do certain things and give up other things in order to reach their goals. They may be willing to work 90 hours a week, hire a staff, or outsource certain tasks. They may not have family demands, or they may have money to invest. Remember that everyone's situation is different and every decision has consequences. If you're a stay-at-home mom, with an hour each day to put into your business, your goals and outcomes will be different than a single person with no responsibilities. So think about the time, money and resources you have to invest before you set your goals!

Then TAKE ACTION! That's the most important ingredient for success. You must believe in yourself, set proper goals and take action. Then you have all the ingredients for success!