by Doreen Martel

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: January 31, 2012

You have decided that it's time that you were your own boss. What an exciting time for you! You have made the decision that thousands before you have made, to start a home based business. There are some people who simply are not cut out to run a business from home. Before you quit your job, you should make sure you are not one of them. You can be your own boss with a home based business if you can answer these questions honestly:

1. Can I work on my own? If you are the type of person who is focused, able to juggle multiple tasks and are not a procrastinator, you are the ideal candidate to run a home based business. If you are person who requires someone to "force" you to work, being your own boss might not be the best course of action for you.

2. Am I dedicated to my own success? You might think that because you have decided to be your own boss this means you are automatically dedicated to your own success. Often, this simply isn't the case, some folks "dabble" at making a living. Simply making the decision to start a home based business doesn't mean it's going to succeed. Success takes planning, persistence and patience. Make sure you have the right level of dedication to make your home business succeed.

3. Do I have a support system? If your family and friends are not supportive of your decision to be your own boss of a home based business, you are going to find it more difficult to succeed. Perhaps you should consider a mentor if this is the case. A support system is critical to your success. Having someone to discuss the ups and downs of your home based business with can help you celebrate successes. Support is needed even more often if you have the occasional failure which is nearly inevitable in any business.

These three questions will help you determine if you are ready to be your own boss in a home based business. Once you have answered these questions you need to decide the following:

A) What kind of business will I start? Your home business should be a reflection of your talents and skills. Let's face it if you are a great writer and lousy artist, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to start an art business.

B) How much time am I willing to devote? All business takes more time than we ever anticipate. You should be prepared to give up personal time and perhaps sacrifice weekends for a while to get your business started.

C) Do I have the necessary tools? If your home based business is going to require nothing more than a computer and printer, chances are that you have them already. Make an inventory of what you will need to succeed and find out what additional tools you are going to need.

D) What are my short and long term goals? If you set out attainable, clear goals for your at home business, you will have a model to follow to keep you focused, and keep you on track. Your goal list can also help you determine how successful your business is.

Many of us dream of being our own boss in a home based business. Not everyone can succeed working at home, but if you have the necessary skills to stay focused, a support system and a carefully crafted plan you have the beginnings of what you need to be your own boss in a home based business.

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