More people dream about starting a small business than they do about going to college or seeking promotion.  However, owning a small business is more than just a full time job, it can become your lifestyle.

The lifestyle you create depends on the small business that you create. It is important to find the best small business to start.

There are two types of small businesses namely the one where you have to work incredibly hard or the other where you work smart and not hard.

Owing a small business can become your life if you are not careful and disciplined. For example a typical store owner can be in demand twenty four hours a day. His or her day doesn't end when they go home or when the store closes.  Even if they are fortunate enough to be able to afford sufficient staff and are able to successfully delegate, it can be difficult to find staff that you can trust. There are times when it can seem that everyone needs their attention – the staff, the customers, the reps, the family and even the mobile phone. Often small business owners are seen to the outside world as being wealthy, prosperous and extremely lucky. Little do they know the hard work and effort required to succeed in a small business. There can be many sleepless nights and worry over how to pay the bills, wages and to buy new stock not to mention the responsibility for the health and safety of staff to comply with the Employment Law. There are also the issues of ensuring equal opportunities and of paying the business taxes and insurances on time on top of bank loans for the business. No wonder many small business owners have health problems due to the pressures that they face.

There is however another type of small business that is less costly to set up and less stressful to run namely a home based small business.  The main advantage of this type of business is that it is open to ordinary people as most small businesses can be run from any small room in a house like a study, bedroom or even a garage without incurring huge costs that other businesses and franchises incur.  There are no costs for staffing, travelling or rent for the business premises. The turnover, profits and return on your investment can be as big or small as you choose. There are no limits to what you can achieve with this type of small business.

Many choose to start a small business as it offers independence. Many small business owners left their jobs to become their own boss as they wanted to make their own decisions, take their own risks but more importantly to reap their own rewards from their effort.

There are many home based business opportunities and it is important to carry out research to establish the best small business to start. There are many internet home based opportunities now available, many of which offer the opportunity to make sales from home. There are unlimited trading possibilities with these types of small businesses due to the global market available. The overheads for these types of businesses are low as there is often only the need to own a computer and a phone. You can also work flexible hours based around your own needs because an internet business does not close down. It is open for business twenty four hours a day. You can even be earning money as you sleep!

This type of small business is often an easy business to start. It can be the best home based business to start as often one to one coaching is offered to help you start a business from home.

This type of business is a successful alternative to a "bricks and mortar business".  It can provide the opportunity to earn more money, work less hours and help provide more time to spend with friends and family. However as with any other small business your business success will be determined by the time and commitment you put into your business but with the right mindset and motivation it is possible to achieve great rewards both financially and on a personal level.

(Source: Articlesbase)
* Roy Derrick is freelance writer.
* The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his/her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of SME Times.