In the past I worked long hours, day-in, day-out as the cook in an eating place. I passed a large percentage of time working for other people, and was not able to attend big occasions like marriage anniversaries, celebrations, and my children's birthday celebrations. After considerable soul searching - I made a decision to get out of the restaurant business and start off a completely new journey - I wanted to perform the job for myself, with my loved ones, at my home.

Even though it has not always been an uncomplicated changeover, it was the ideal move of my life and today I wish to share with you the path I took to attain success:

1. Know your passions. Make use of your proficiency.

Consider the stuff you truly love to do - For instance, if you take pleasure in reading and you can actually recognize improper grammar - why not look into becoming a writer or editor?

2. Take time to research.

Learn if your brand-new business is actually going to fly! Spend your free time trolling the net for the entire details you need. Get ready for every possibility.

Here's a few great guides to get you started: 30 Second Commute, AllBusiness, StartUpNation and Businessweek: Small Businesses.

3. Begin with the folks you already know.

Where are you employed today It can be worth chatting with your existing, or latest company to find if these people require any off-site staff. It goes without saying, if you're still already working for the company you may wish to approach this issue carefully so as not to deteriorate your present job rapport - but it never costs you anything to ask! Should you decide to contact your superior, go armed with a definite scheme and proposal. Take into consideration how you are going to keep track of your time, what you will be accountable for, the advantages to the business enterprise, and develop important points you can equally agree upon.

4. Network as much as you could.

Every brand-new enterprise requires marketing, marketing and further marketing. You may need to get your name, vision, and skills into your market so that you can put together a sound work-at-home business.

Face-to-face marketing is a truly powerful approach, however, the cyberspace has made it tremendously convenient to do all of your networking without going out of your home.

Let me reveal a couple of ideas to help you start:

- Become a member of a nearby small businesses team. Do a small amount of study to check out what various other small business owners in your location are working on, they may already have a meet-up planned. Find out if you are able to go along - and don't forget to hand out business cards!

- Make use of social media sites for instance Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, or Bebo (to name but a few).

- Become a member of an appropriate online forum and take part.

- Start running a blog. Not only does it give you a chance to publicize your online business, but it also provides you a place to utilize your professional knowledge to speak to potential clientele and develop your home business. Take a look at Problogger - it's a terrific reference for figuring out how to maintain blogs.

5. Get ready to perform the job.

Although you do the job from your house, you're still operating a business. You can be successful by engaging in these things:

- Make a dedicated work environment. This is definitely important to getting into the "right" outlook to operate from house. Invest in all the equipment you will need to perform your job well.

- Be sure you register your internet business with the correct documentation. No matter whether you plan to be a single trader, or a limited company, do the paperwork and put in place the suitable taxation method.

- Schedule your day. Working from house could be challenging, you'll find certainly more disturbances! If you stick to a correct routine, you're very likely to fulfill your goals.

This is how you could maintain a prosperous home business enterprise!!