Setting up a home office may take a bit of maneuvering if you do not have a separate room such as a den in which to put your computer desk. It is always preferable to have a room with a door you can close to shut out the people you love when you are trying to concentrate on business and accomplish some work.

However, many of us do not have the luxury of a whole room allocated to our home office and have to carve our niche somewhere else. Depending on the set-up of your home, you may have room in your kitchen or dining room. I have my work area in my bedroom with a computer desk large enough to hold my monitor and speakers, printer and files with my computer underneath the desk.

Happily, my desk faces my backyard patio and through the glass doors, I can see the changing seasons while working. In mild weather, I open the doors and smell the fragrance of spring flowers wafting on the breeze. I am aware of the sun shining and am pleased not to be closed away somewhere in an office without a window. My radio plays soft music unobtrusively in the background. Hopefully, you too will be able to set up your office in an environment that is personally pleasing.

You have many options relative to the type of business you decide upon. Here are some tips to help you make that important decision:

" First of all, if you already have a job, do not quit your job until you are earning enough money to live on. Any business in which you become involved will take time to turn a profit and become successful.

" Be aware that there is no guarantee of success with an online business.

" Before making a choice of your Internet business, you should decide how much time you are prepared to devote. How many hours are you realistically willing to spend on this endeavor? How will this online business affect your spouse and children? They should be made aware of your plans before you make any serious commitment to your business.

" Make a business plan and put it in writing. Define what you would like to accomplish with your online business.

" Take the time to think about where your talents lie. Based upon your skills, experience, interests and hobbies, you may already have knowledge that you can put to good use in your Internet business.

Get involved in an online business only in an area where you are comfortable and happy. If the product, service or area of knowledge with which you would be dealing is not something with which you would be proud to be associated, pass it by!