Book excerpt: Thanks to the Internet, home-based businesses are booming. With a home computer and a good idea, you can market and sell almost anything in the world just from home. Whether you’re selling homemade jams or working as a business consultant, today’s entrepreneur doesn’t even have to leave home. Home-Based Business For Dummies, 2nd Edition will help you make your endeavor profitable and successful! Ideal for future entrepreneurs who have the urge and want the know-how, this updated guide includes new information on home business scams and how to avoid them, shows how to create an efficient, comfortable (but not too comfortable) work environment, explains how to put new technologies to work for you, and much more. There’s even a 10-question quiz to help you determine if you’re ready. You’ll learn all the basics, including: Selecting the right kind of business for you Setting up a home office Managing money, credit, and financing Marketing almost anything in the world Avoiding distractions at home Home-Based Business For Dummies, 2nd Edition was written by Paul and Sarah Edwards, award-winning authors who write a monthly column for Entrepreneur magazine, and Peter Economy, an author or coauthor For Dummies books on managing, consulting, and personal finance. In straightforward English, they show you how to: Stay connected to the business community, even when working from home Keep your work separate from your personal life Handle benefits, health insurance, and your retirement planning Make sure your bookkeeping is accurate and legal Use the Internet to bid for work, list your services in directories, network, and more Choose the technology and other resources you need Develop your own marketing and advertising strategies Navigate IRS rules for home-based businesses Home-Based Business For Dummies is packed with ideas and information that will help you get started right and help established, successful home-based business owners stay ahead of the pack. Use it well and this handy guide will be the most important reference in your home office.