Is confusion or fear keeping you from starting a home-based business?

As a result of the economic downturn, there is a proverbial tsunami of home-based business activity on the web. An estimated 200,000 people in the US alone are looking for a home-based business opportunity.

If you are one of the seekers, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that you are swimming in a sea of ​​false hope. There are literally thousands of home based businesses on the internet. Unfortunately, the fact is that 90-95% of those opportunities will never make you money. The good news is that there is money to be made on the internet, IF you are ready to learn and know what to look for. Don’t let all the hype and outlandish claims keep you from a real opportunity.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Solid products with multiple streams of income. It is crucial that you believe in the product and even better if you have a personal connection to the product.

2. A strong compensation plan. Strong products are of no use to you if you don’t have the potential to get paid!

3. Training by qualified and proven Internet professionals and a mentor who works with you personally one on one. This step alone can save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.

4. An automated marketing system that does all the work of selling, telling, sifting, and sorting for you. This is key as it will save you hours of time.

Once you’ve found an opportunity that meets the above criteria, the next step is the mindset. You must be prepared to face your own doubts and fears. It’s important to be skeptical, ask good questions, and do your due diligence. Going into a new company can be daunting, especially if there is an investment involved. But too often I have seen highly competent people fail to take the step that could change their lives because of their own fear and doubt.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Don’t anticipate trouble or worry about what will never happen. Stay in the sunshine.” and James Russell Lowell wrote: “Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the hardest misfortunes to bear are those that will never happen.”

These quotes are great reminders that what we fear most often only conjures up forebodings that never really materialize. How often do we let the fear of failure keep us from pursuing a dream, learning a skill, or trying something new?

When I started an internet marketing and tutoring business, I had all kinds of fears and doubts to resolve. While these doubts and fears appeared to be legitimate concerns, they were all ultimately shown to be unfounded. Now, like riding a bike, I no longer fear the things that stopped me from acting in the beginning.

If you’re going to fear something, fear this: Fear the consequences of NOT acting. He fears a life of mediocrity instead of a life of excellence and virtue. Fear the results of not changing negative thoughts and behaviors. Don’t fear failure, because every perceived failure is actually an opportunity to learn. Fear of the possibility of missing an opportunity that could change your life. Now go and jump!