juliem, you're probably with the same program I am! If that's the case, I can understand why you enjoy it! Either way, I'm happy for you and much success.

Yes I would agree with the last response from ammfrm. There are legitimate work at home businesses out there. You do have to do your research and check them out. I am an independent distributor of a real legitimate company who offers a 50% profit rate. I also really enjoy my business.

Sorry warm, I don't work there. But I know several people that do, and they are so thankful to have the opportunity to do so.

Frankly, I really hate when people call others "nazis". What, this business killed 8 million jews? The beat their employees?? Give me a break.
Say that they are hard to work for, give some facts behind what you have to say, but quit exaggerating.

rlms and darius-- Go tear it up guys! Great decision to do what you're doing. It's been a blessing to me as well.

rlms~ Good for you! Be proud of the fact you're willing to step out and do what the majority won't. Home based businesses make up over 50% of this countries small businesses, yet, people are still stuck trying to get past the stigmas that are out there from the past. We're in a different age now and change is inevitable. Congrats on doing what it takes to make it happen! I'm right there with you as well. I came into my business on faith because someone else chose to believe in me and put me in a position to win. Believe me, I had every walk of life trying to talk me out of it or give me their advice. Problem was, all these people giving me their opinions, were hurting just like I was if not worse. I hope you have a prosperous '09 with your entreprenurial journey!

There is a local business, Home Entry Services, which I have heard great things about.

Anybody looking for a second source of income or even replacing a primary souce of income would find the books helpful. Network marketing is the future.

The book is titled "Who Stole The American Dream II" by: Burke Hedges. Another book that will give people a great insight as to how home based businesses are reshaping the future of business is called : "The Next Millionaires" by: Paul Zane Pilser. The baby boomer generation has dictated every major trend that's hit our economy since 1946. Right now, the wellness industry is the place to be. The key is, a product that works. A preventitive alternative as opposed to a quick fix which simply doesn't exist. If the something for nothing society would open their minds and understand the changes taking place with this global economy we're in, they could take advantage of some great opportunies that exist out there.

I'm curious rlms.....what is your business?

I work at home, but its my business. I work for myself. I did have to invest up front but less than a 100.00. It has been the best thing for my self and family in more than one way. However to either work at home or have a home based biz. YOu must be a self starter and some what ambitious don't expect people to come to you or your phone to ring off the hook with out working your butt off. But the benefits out weigh all the negatives.

People just need to be smart, and research what ever they do.

I do know there are several online company's that hire cust. service reps to work at home they are very legit. If I can find the link I will post it on here.

Kleej~Amen! You recommended a book some time back that talked about the misconceptions of home based, network business programs. It definately cut through all that thick fog in my head and got me to start thinking about my financial future and the wealth of opportunity that's out there. The first thing I had to do though was to stop taking all of my friends advice that had no idea how to move forward in this new economy. The second thing I had to do was to stop listening to my own! It's really paid off. Thanks for that.

There are some very mislead people out there in terms of home based businesses and network marketing in general. The Amway, Schaklee, PrePaid Legals and other programs worked for the few and didn't create a means for everyone to win. There are programs available that are totally win-win opportunities and anything of that nature will never be presented as a something for nothing type deal. There is no such thing. The problem with many programs is they were also around in the Industrial Age and people didn't have the market at their disposal to grab their piece of the pie. We're in a different age and many people choose to ignore that fact and base the future of networking on what they think they know because of the stigmas of the past. The truth is, Network Marketing, better known now as Relational Marketing is the future whether you or I like it or not. Just because the economy has gone sour doesn't mean the money in this world has just magically disappeared. It's just not in the U.S. anymore like we've been accustomed to. It's in other countries now and the internet is a valuable tool to tap into that global market. The internet + a legitmate network program that has the results and the credibility to back it up will give ANYONE who chooses to step out and have faith, an income opportunity that can be mind boggling! Trust me.

I recognize that most of these at-home job offers are scams, but my problem is there are so many scams that it's difficult finding a legitimate at-home job. I'm not looking for a pyramid scheme or "make easy money" job, I'm willing to do actual work (programming for example, or data entry), but where do you go to find legitimate jobs at home? I spent so much time sifting through junk that I finally gave up in frustration (for now).

A "at home business" and "working at home" are two different things ammfrm. One is starting your own business at home (which would require capitol just like any other business) and the other is working at home which insinuates working at home for an employer. This article is not a "business at home" feature.

I've been looking into working at home for a while now. I've seen a lot of jobs posted that require you to send them money. I can't believe people fall for it! When do you ever have to pay a company to let you work for them? If it sounds too good to be true then it usually is! Look into the company first to make sure they are legit.

The article is more about "jobs" which may be as an independent contractor but are still more employment than starting a business. Yes, there are numerous legitimate businesses that you can start out of your home, but mostly they involve selling a specialized skill (e.g. computer or appliance repair). The demand for actual jobs that pay by the hour but let you work from home is much higher than the supply, and has always been a lucrative excuse to scam the un(der)employed. Very much more so during this recession. It isn't just Janesville where these shady operators are trolling for easy marks.
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Information from the fraud division of the Federal Trade Commission:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer...

I'm concerned at how this article was written and implying that at-home businesses don't cost you anything. There are many legitimate at-home businesses, which do require money to get started- just like any other business. There are usually some kind of start-up costs.

It's doing the research to make sure the business you are wishing to pursue is legitimate.

I enjoy my personal business as a supplement to my full time income. But there was a small startup cost- it wasn't free.