It's true. Although affiliate programs are a great way to add additional streams of income, best money maker is still a unique product or service that you control. That way you earn all of money instead of only 10% - 40%.

Here are six tips to help you choose a winning business idea:

1. Start with what you know. If you have experience in a particular area, either through your work or hobbies, then best place to start is thinking how you can turn that experience into a business. It doesn't have to be something you've worked at for 20 years, think of things you're good at and that you could expand your knowledge on to create a business.

2. Don't waste time trying to find a brand new idea. At height of dot com era there was a race to be first to launch a new product or to service a particular market. Although many of first launched services received alot of recognition for their innovation, they ultimately failed because they were breaking new ground and didn't know how to succeed. Many of second and subsequent businesses in those markets succeeded because they saw mistakes that were made and capitalized on fixing them.

When thinking of a new business idea don't assume you have to find something that isn't currently being done. A better strategy for most new entrepreneurs is to find something that is being done but that needs improvement.

3. Find a business area that needs improvement. Think about products and services you use or that you've heard other people talk about. Are there any that could be improved on? Is there anything they're not offering that would be of value? Consider starting a business that fills a need that isn't being met by current providers.

Well, when it happens to me there are a few things that I do to try to find some fresh ideas. Maybe some of these ideas will give you an idea or two. ;-)

*Check message boards - Message boards are a great place to see what kind of information people are looking for. Follow discussions and see what things people are interested in and need to know more about. I have found many an article idea reading boards.

Try these boards to get started: http://homebizlink.com/wwwboard/ http://www.internet-marketing-forum.com/forum/index.php http://www.friendsinbusiness.com/board1/

*Catch up on your email discussion groups - Another great place to find out what info people are looking for is email discussion groups. Not only can you get ideas for your articles, but you can learn a lot as well. If you are not subscribed to any of these groups, here are a few I recommend:

mailto:digital-women-subscribe@yahoogroups.com mailto:hbj_chat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com mailto:ideasbypost-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*Visit a few Internet news sites - These sites can keep you informed of current events, happenings and online news. Research and write your own news articles to keep your readers informed.

These sites might be of help: http://www.internet.com/home-d.html http://www.internetnewsbureau.com/ http://www.newslinx.com/

*Read through your emails - Take note of what people are asking you about and what they are most concerned with. Keep a file on hand and record all questions and email that can be turned into articles.