Most of us have home business opportunities right under our noses that we never exploit. Instead we spend good money on network marketing offers that don’t work or get-rich-quick schemes that are barely legal. In this article I outline tips for starting a home business on a shoestring budget that is bound to make 2006 profitable.

My snow business worked because it was obvious and filled a local need. It also had no overhead costs: my family already owned a snow shovel. The problem was its seasonality. And some winters had more snow than others. Ideally, you want to begin a business that has year-round potential.

First write down the things you enjoy doing and are good at. Yeah, I know, you’ve heard this one before and you can´t believe anyone is going to pay you because you like to fish. Wrong. One man built an incredible business based on his love of fishing. First he shared information about his favorite fishing spots. Before he knew it he was giving tours and fishing tips, all of which allowed him to quit his trucking job.

Add to that list skills you have that friends and family rely on. Maybe you´re good at carpentry or math or horseback riding or have a positive outlook on life that others enjoy. Include any talent you have, large or small, that draws people in. Be honest with yourself. False modesty gets you nowhere.

Now divide your list into two categories, goods and services. Some of your interests may suggest creating a simple product. Put that idea under "goods." Other interests, like shoveling snow, would fit comfortably under "services. Sometimes your idea might be listed under both categories.

For example, there are many examples of people with a gift for baking who began businesses simply by making and then selling pretzels or cookies. This then expanded into providing goods for local restaurants and bakeries. What has this home-grown baker done? He or she has created a good - the cookies or pretzels or whatever - and then also provided a delivery service.

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