- This is a true "home" business, work only at your computer.

- You can do just about ANYTHING you want as your business.

- All skills you need are using a computer and Internet.

- Any motivated mom can do it, regardless of her background.

So if an Internet business is best home business for stay-at-

home moms, why do so few mothers actually do it?

"When I share with other mothers what I do, I get a polite nod, some curious questions, and a puzzled "yeah, right..." look", Milana says.

Perhaps they don't know anyone who is a successful Internet business owner. May be they have heard all about it, but believe it's total hype. Or may be they tried it and realized that it actually requires some efforts, and not at all "make

money while you sleep" type of business.

Most likely it's because they have no idea how to get started. Sure they can use a computer and surf Web... but what do you do to actually start an Internet business?

You get online and read. Do your homework. Visit forums to find out what other Internet business owners are doing to become successful. Get a mentor and emulate other successful people.

Milana Leshinsky has created a web site just for moms who want to start an Internet business. You will get answers to questions such as:

- Why should you start an Internet business?

- What should you sell online?

- What do you need to build a web site for your business?

- How to make a transition from your full-time job?

You can also download a free copy of her "Internet Business Ideas For Moms!" report to find out what kind of profitable online business you can build.

Visit her web site today at http://www.BusinessMom.com/?sh

2. Don't be fooled by advertising hype touting thousands of available projects. If 95% of projects listed are not in your area of expertise or industry, that sure doesn't help you get a client.

3. You may not get any clients. During my year's time, only one project somewhat fit my skills and experience. I had to partner with another consultant in order to meet project's requirements. Together, we submitted a proposal but didn't get project.

4. For each project, you compete against a group of people that provide similar services. This competition further reduces probability you'll get project. However, if you get clients through people you know or through a friend-of-a-friend, competition doesn't exist.

5. It can take a long time to get a project. The person I partnered with on my lone proposal said it took him 3 years to get a project through this company. While his project more than made up for cost he incurred up to that point, he was strongly considering not renewing his account.

6. Some of projects submitted are only ploys to test marketplace for a particular kind of service. Others are a means to satisfy a company's policy that requires "competition" for each project. The reality is a free agent was selected before "competition" search began. However, this should not deter you from submitting proposals. You never know if you'll get a project unless you submit a proposal.

Here are some thoughts to consider when evaluating various project broker services:

1. Are there a sufficient number of projects listed in your industry that match your skills and experience? If a large portion of projects involve unfamiliar industries, be cautious.

2. Can you get your money back if you are not completely satisfied within 30 days?

3. Is there a clause that you get your money back if you don't get a project within first year? This way you can't lose. The worst that happens is company uses your money free for one year.

4. Does company or service perform marketing in offline world? Just because you are in cyberspace doesn't mean your potential clients reside there too. Exposure in real world through press releases, magazine ads in appropriate industry publications and trade journals are a good indication company is getting word out.

If you are a new free agent or if you haven't had many clients, it is best to spend your time strengthening your local relationships. These contacts are an excellent means to get your first few clients. Consider joining these services when you become more experienced, have an adequate client list, and can afford risk.