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I've been making a living from home for the past five years. I do so mainly with freelance writing. But, I've learned that there are other things that can supplement my writing income. In addition, there are things that you can build a complete business from.

So, I've decided to put together a list of the best ideas I can find. Here it is:

Idea One - Start a Freelance Business

You don't need to be a writer to start a freelance business. You can be a web site programmer, graphic designer, editor, etc. To get started, you can look on the freelance job boards such as ifreelance.com and rentacoder.com.

The goal is to build your client base. Determine what your skills are, create a few samples, and use different ways to find clients. Here is a list of ways you can find business:

* job boards
* freelance bid sites
* cold call different companies
* start a website or blog
* send pitch letters to different companies
* send out a direct mail package
* attend networking events

Idea 2 - Direct Sales

This type of business is also another good option. Companies like Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, and more provide a way to earn money from home. Most companies are very good at providing support to help you succeed.

The goal is to find a product you are passionate about. You earn money from making sales and from getting recruits. Each company is structured differently. Find one that suits your needs the best.

Idea 3 - Virtual Assistants

Companies like Team Double Click and other virtual assistant organizations are good places to look. You can make $20-$40 an hour as a virtual assistant.

You can also become a virtual assistant independently. Find clients by promoting yourself online, attending network events, and using the freelance bid sites. Rentacoder, for example, has a category for virtual assistants.

Idea 4 - Internet Marketer

his is one of the best ways to make money online but it requires a set of skills that you may need to learn. Basically, this kind of business is based around selling your own products or someone else's (affiliate marketing).

I find that it works with my freelance business very well. There are a lot of products and services that I use all the time (such as helium and associated content) that have affiliate programs I can promote.

Idea 5 - Customer Service

Companies such as AlpineAccess.com hire people to work from home to provide customer service for large companies. This is a great work at home option for people.

You get hired through an extensive screening process. Once you get the position you can set your own hours.

Idea 6 - Start a Craft Business

If you have a skill, you can sell your wares at craft fairs, on ebay, on your own website, etc.

Think about the things you know how to do. Then, determine if there is a demand for it. There are two sites that I've found that help support craft businesses. They are cafepress.com and etsy.com.

Idea 7 - Sell on Ebay

You can also sell things on ebay that you make, or that you find in other places.

There are people who have built their entire business around setting up an ebay store and selling their goods on the site.

Because of the internet, it is more than possible to start a home based business. In fact, it is easier than ever. Choose the business idea that you are passionate about and just go with it!

Learn more about this author, Katherine Huether.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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