Other important elements to successfully finding work from home include:

-- Opening doors for themselves by starting out as volunteers.

-- Knowing how to network.

-- Having self-discipline and good management skills.

-- Having a supportive supervisor or manager.

Before starting any type of venture it is always helpful to be clear on what that venture is and to have a plan for that venture. Very often people decide they want to work from home (for various personal reasons), yet they aren’t sure what type of work they will do, or even if they’re suited for a telecommuting life. Our survey respondents offered some suggestions and ideas to look at before even beginning a job hunt. In order of their most common responses, these suggestions are listed below:

1) Be able to recognize a scam. If you plan to use Internet at all for your job search, save yourself a lot of time and energy by knowing different types of scams out there so you can bypass them altogether.

2) Locate sources of legitimate telecommuting opportunities. This, of course, is easier said than done. But it is possible.

3) Learn how to research a company. Don’t just browse a company’s web site. They won’t tell you on their site if they have a problem paying their workers, or if this is a third attempt to start this company, or if work they have for contractors is extremely inconsistent. Look at company from other sources, such as Better Business Bureau, Rip Off Reports.com, message boards that focus on type of business that you’re interested in, and even Google.com will have information about them.

4) Understand what are realistic earnings for each type of profession when performed as a telecommuter. Do not be surprised if as a counselor you made $30,000.00 at your local rehab center, but only make $10.00 as a home-based, telephonic counselor. (Approximately $19,000 a year.) Companies that use home workers know that you won’t have usual commuting costs and work expenses. Working from home is NOT a way to get rich quick.

5) If necessary, get resume assistance. If you think you have a great resume, look at resumes of other people and compare. Chances are you could use a resume expert to write one up for you. Remember: Your resume will be what determines whether or not you even get in door to make a proposal for telecommuting.

6) Be sure you have an up-to-date home office. Up-to-date does not have to mean “top of line”, “super expensive”. It means that you must have: a computer with at least WIN98, a fax machine, a printer, and usually high-speed Internet access. None of these things are luxuries anymore. They are basics. Also, part of having an up-to-date home office is actually having a workspace that is separate from rest of house. The dining room table will not do.

7) Know realities of a telecommuting life. Some most common ones are: constant interruptions by children or non-work-related phone calls, and distractions of home such as laundry or lawn. For some teleworkers, they have to constantly struggle with family and friends to convince them that just because they are home, they are still at work and cannot be at everyone’s beck and call. Their time at computer needs to be treated as work time, without interruptions.

8) Companies who hire telecommuters do so to save themselves overhead. Part of saving money is hiring independent contractors rather than employees. This eliminates need to pay employment-related taxes such as unemployment and workers‘ compensation. This means that you will be responsible for your own taxes. Learn what it means to be an independent contractor from IRS’s perspective.

9) Another part of a company‘s telecommuting plan is often not having to pay for benefits. Be prepared to fend for yourself when it comes to health insurance. If your husband or wife works outside home and receives benefits, this makes things a bit easier. However, health insurance options are still something worth researching in event you end up being responsible for obtaining healthcare for family.

10) Finally, life of a telecommuter can be a lonely and independent one compared to those who work in a company’s office with all hustle and bustle of fellow workers. Not only do you not have someone close by to share latest jokes with, but you also do not have a conveniently located person around to bounce ideas off of or discuss work-related issues.

Taking all these things into consideration, as well as all bumps that come with finding a telecommuting position, how important is working at home for our survey respondents? On a scale of one to ten (one being lowest), almost every one said “ten”. Having their independence makes it all worthwhile. Being able to spend more time with their family instead of on highways outweighed any downside of telecommuting. Having a personal life, even if it wasn’t an exciting one, was of more value to them than any other benefit a company could give.

ME: "Don't fall for greed-merchants. Sure, they may have made that much and have proof - but they didn't start from same position you are! Let's get back on track here:

Now you have a site and a list (or at least something that will start building your list) it's time to do some research. There's plenty of messageboards you can hang out at for a start. They are one of most useful resources I know of.

Then there's e-zines. Sign up for a bunch (use a spare e-mail address!). Any that you like, stick with. Any that are just endless ads or don't provide information you need, unsubscribe.

You can also use Search Engines to see what comes up. Just enter interesting terms into Google (like "Internet Marketing") and view sites you are offered. Don't pay for anything - at least until you've done a little research to see if product on offer is worth it. A question in a forum would get you good opinions. And don't forget ad-words boxes on Google pages. The people who place these have enough faith in their product to pay for visitors, so they are surely worth a look."

NEWBIE: (excitedly) "This sounds cool, but I need a little more practical advice. Like - How do I get money from all this?"

ME: "You're still missing point. Money *will* come, but make friends first. Profits are made with affiliate programs, products you have created or have resell-rights to, and possibly services you provide. They are all potentially lucrative.

People will be wary of buying from you until they know you. And with market as it is TRUST is essential. I'm sorry to labour this point but it is very important.

Place your offers strategically at your website, and in your e-mails, but always second to help, advice and friendship you offer. Give things away - software, ebooks, articles etc. Things like this do wonders for your image. And when you do "sell" it is more about persuasion than blatant in-your-face `Buy This!` advertising.

Copywriting is way you persuade your `friends` to buy. This is maybe most important skill you can learn and it comes with practice. Appeal to their *wants* (not their needs) and give plenty of reasons why your product will improve their life. As a famous copywriter said - sell Sizzle and not Steak!"

NEWBIE: "I think I get point now," (laughs). "But can you tell me straight, with no bull, is this just a paper exercise or does it really work? Do YOU actually make money on Internet, or do you profit from others dreams?"

ME: "Hey! I object to that!" (also laughs). "No, seriously - I do make money. I don't make hundreds of thousands, I don't make enough to retire to some carribean island (yet!), but it is a nice second income. It most certainly is NOT a dream. It's a reality.

You have to go with flow sometimes, and you have to chalk up bad results to experience. Some things that work well for you may suddenly collapse and you need to start again, but it's all a learning experience. You are always learning. Always!

Spend carefuly. Don't jump into latest so-called money-spinner, unless you're 100% sure, and make friends before you sell. Or rather, `persuade to buy`.

Find path you like. Invest profits, or at least some of them (I know it's hard, but resist temptation to spend). Running your own business is something many people aspire to, and with advent of Internet it's NEVER been easier."

NEWBIE: "Hey, thanks! I don't know it all yet but I'm raring to go. I sure appreciate all your help."

ME: "No problem. Just remember, when you are on a roll be sure to help others yourself. See business as a long term venture that includes short term rewards, if you know what I mean. I hope I'll be hearing from you in future. Be seeing ya!"

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Stuart Reid publishes Netpreneur News and is webmaster of Netpreneur Now. To receive e-zine, view Blog, or access wealth or Resources at NetpreneurNow.Com and MembersSite.net simply click below. There is absolutely no charge! http://www.netpreneurnow.com