Who wouldn't rather work from home? With the economy in flux, and whispers of recession turning into frank discussions of how long the downturn is expected to last, it's no wonder that more people than ever before are taking a second look at home based businesses.

In today's workforce, the wealthy are getting richer, those with the least resources are getting poorer, and the middle is being squeezed out.

With gas prices gouging consumers, commutes to and from work are costing more than ever before, meaning less discretionary income when payday rolls around. And, as companies continue to tighten their belts and downsize, workers are taking on increased responsibilities for the same amount of money. What's the result? Working longer hours with less to show for it.  

As appealing as a home based business is, it's often difficult to evaluate the opportunity. After all, there are hundreds - if not thousands - of opportunities available. Here are several 10 tips to help you separate the best from the rest.

1. Find Reputable Online Reviews. There are websites that specialize in guiding would-be home based business owners toward legitimate opportunities.

2. Free vs. Paid. Though there are some paid business opportunities there are many that are free. If you have money to invest in your business, paid opportunities can often harvest greater capital rewards. That's not to say, however, that you can't make money at home from a free home based business. You simply need to understand the potential risks and rewards associated with each type.

3. Avoid Sales. Unless you're a natural born salesperson and have a passion for it, avoid the business opportunity that forces you to sell. You'll end up hating it, and the neighbors, friends, and family members that you try and convince to buy your product will wind up resenting you.

4. Avoid Inventory. Many home based business opportunities require that you invest in inventory. Keep in mind you need to make money, not tie it up in inventory. Moreover, you don't want to deal with the hassles and headaches of storing products, fulfilling orders, and shipping products.

5. Comprehensive Support. The home based business opportunity you choose should offer a comprehensive support program. This should mean that the company has a step-by-step training manual, online courses, and wonderful support staff who are available to answer any and every question you may have. Seek a company that also provides you with materials you need to get started.

6. Flexibility is Key. Whatever business opportunity you choose, it needs to be one that's flexible. If you join up with a company that insists you put in a certain number of hours each week, it's no better than working an eight-hour shift and having a boss. The idea is that you own your own business and that you have the ability to choose whether to work at your own pace, whether that's part time or full time.

7. Plan for the Future. For your first home based business, choose a company that can teach you skills and strategies that you'll be able to use in your future endeavors. Your first home based business probably won't be your last, so it's important to learn all that you can in order to succeed in the future.

8. Passive vs. Active. When evaluating opportunities, it's important to apprehend how much time you have to devote to your business. Some require actively selling products or services, while others rely on utilizing marketing tools to harness the power of the Internet.Many people find that the most lucrative home based businesses fall somewhere in the middle.

9. Diverse Revenue Streams. Although the know-how to generate money online has been around for several years, the path to success is constantly evolving. Those who know recommend diversifying your home base business revenue streams. You should launch several different types of online businesses to protect yourself should one source of revenue slow down. Cotton to the old saying, "Don't put your eggs all in one basket," diversification is key.

10. Start Small and Plan to Grow.  If you're new to home based businesses, it's going to take a bit of time to learn the ropes. The challenges are by no means insurmountable, but you'll still need to get your systems in place, develop a game plan, and become proficient in your new venture. Most experts recommend that you begin with one opportunity, master that, and then add another. The ramp-up period varies from person to person.

Finally. remember the home based business you choose should also be a good fit with your experience level and skill set. There are plenty of opportunities from which to choose, and finding the right one is a must!

About the Author:
Bob Macek is a business consultant specializing in small mid-size businesses. He has been a Professional Business Broker since 1982.
If you have questions regarding the purchase or sale of small, mid-size companies. Contact Bob at: bob@probizusa.com