You're tired from working all day long and tired of having to watch every penny you spend. For millionth time, you wonder what it would be like to work from home and make good money while you're at it.

A lot of people understand and share these feelings. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get caught in trap of expecting 'something for nothing' - you've worked hard, you've heard all good things about how people are getting rich on Internet ... isn't it YOUR turn? Heck, if OTHER people can do it, why can't you?

You can. Just don't fall into these common traps ...

__Looking for Easy Way Out__

Some people expend a great deal of time and effort looking for just 'right' opportunity, thinking that this one mythical and magical opportunity will instantly transform their lives.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING. Sure, there will be opportunities that suit your personality and skills more than others ... but ALL of them require hard work and staying power. None of them will make you rich by working only 3 hours a day, and none of them are 'automated cash machines'!

Forget endless and ultimately fruitless search for that one magical opportunity. Pick a good opportunity - or create one of your own - and then commit yourself to working hard. Instead of wasting effort *looking* for opportunities, put effort towards *building* one.

__Expecting Everything For Free__

'Why should I PAY for something when I can get it for free?' I've heard this so many times that phrase sometimes echoes in my dreams.

The Internet is an excellent source of free information, no doubt about that. When you're building a business, though, you can shave off MONTHS from your learning curve just by making a few smart investments.

Planning, planning, and more planning.

Before jumping head-long into a new business, you must lay foundation for long-term success. A good foundation is rooted in a solid plan.

Many new businesses skip what is perhaps most important part of a solid business plan... assessing individual strengths and weaknesses.

But does a self-assured, go-getter such as yourself really need to do a self-analysis?

Research has shown that many businesses collapse in their first year because of inadequate planning. A thorough self-assessment is first step in planning a business which lasts well beyond first year.

What happens if you skip this first step?

Picture yourself standing on a grassy knoll looking out upon a desert - a sea of sand. You must cross this desert to reach cool, refreshing waters on other side.

You begin your journey in brisk, night air. The warm sand feels good between your toes. But then, you feel a nip at your feet. It is a creepy creature of night which has mistaken your curly little toe for a frisky, hopping snack.

A thought... should have planned for boots.

It then occurs to you that your little toe will become quite curly tomorrow when sand heats up from blazing sun.

Not a pretty picture, is it? Ya gotta plan. Bare feet at first... great for comfort. Boots for later on... that's thinking ahead.

The questions below will help you to prepare yourself... for business.

A. Why Do You Want To Start Your Own Business?

Understanding your motivation helps you to see past romantic notions of being self-employed. The questions below have no correct answer. They are different for everyone. Just look at your answers critically and evaluate how important they are in choosing to start a business.

1. Do you want better work hours? If so, what hours do you want to work?

2. Do you want to be your own boss? If so, why do you want to be your own boss? e.g. creative freedom, current boss is a Neanderthal, better use of your skills...

3. Do you want to improve your financial condition? If so, by how much? How much income do you want every week? Every month? Every year?

4. Does your current job leave you unfulfilled? Why? Can your desire to be self-employed fill this need? In what ways?