When I think about successful home based businesses online businesses usually come to mind.  I write about about using the Internet to start successful home businesses every month it seems.

So what does it take to have a successful home based business online?

Well I’m tempted to go into a list of must haves like a website, an email list, and so on, but here is the thing;  A successful work at home based business just has to make money.  The whole business thing comes in when you start thinking about the systems used to create the money.

Of course successful home based businesses have to make more than they spend (expenses) at some point, but keep in mind plenty solid home based businesses don’t make any money the first year.  Personally I always have a profitability goal of being profitable in the second month.  If the upside were large enough I’d be willing to invest some cash and hard work to realise the longer term profits.

Web publishing is probably what my successful home business would be classified as, but I make make money several different ways.  Even the income streams I have that are not directly related to successful small business websites are connected in some way.

For example:  If you wanted to earn money consulting, it would be a lot easier to get great clients if you could show them you know how to get results by showing them your own…

For most, getting your foot in the door is the hardest part.  If you know what the hell your doing as far as your consulting niche is concerned you’ll get results, but you have to gain credibility first.  Having your own successful website or websites, is a great way to establish credibility with a potential consulting client.

So If I had to say ” do this one thing ” I’d say start a website or blog about the topic you wish to start your own business in.

Got any experience with these ideas?

Any comments?