Top 5 Home Based Business Ideas for the Stay at Home Mom

It seems like the cost of living is always increasing, because of this it's almost necessary to have a two family income and stay at home moms everywhere are being forces to take jobs. However, with the economy on a downhill slide and unemployment rising, the work at home trend is hotter than ever. Ideas for starting a home based business are everywhere. Finding the right home based business means stay at home moms can easily earn a lucrative income all while taking care of the house and raising the kids! There is something out there for everyone, but how do you find the business that's right for you?

1. Direct Sales: What started out years ago with companies like Mary Kay, Tupperware, and Home Interiors has grown into a vast market for nearly every product you can imagine. Direct sales is one home based business option that is dominated by stay at home moms. You shoudl choose a product that you are passionate about so selling it comes naturally. After you have decided on a product, you need to choose a company. To do this compare both the commission plan and the hostess plan. Mkae sure you aren't paying for anything you don't haev to and that you are receiving a good comission amount. The key to success in direct sales is to sell both your product and your business opportunity.
2. Freelance Writing: The great thing about starting a business in freelance writing is that as long as you havea computer and Internet service you are ready! There's no additional cost for this home based business. It's also a great way for stay at home moms to earn money because you can easily write around you kid's schedules. To get started you should visit places like Bukisa and eHow. Publish a few articles to use as samples and then apply to every web content site you can find! (check out Am I Really a Writer? for job leads)
3. Graphic Design: There are so many ways you can go with a graphic design home based business. You can design complete web sites if you have the knowledge. If not though, you can break it down. Companies frequently need logos designed or images. You can even use the little knowledge you have and start a digital scrapbooking business.
4. Virtual Assistant: As a virtual assistant, you would preform the same type of office duties as an administrative assistant only out of your home office. You can easily start a home based business doing this by scouring on of the countless freelance websites for work. You can even specialize in working with certain types of businesses. For example, if you have a lot of knowledge in building blogs, you can be a virtual assistant to professional bloggers.
5. Child Care: What better way to entertain your own children than having other kids for them to play with. Daycares are expensive so starting a home based child care business is a great idea for someone who loves kids. Design flyers and pass them out in your neighborhood and run ads in your local paper, you are bound to get some good leads.

The options are endless when it comes to starting a home based business. Stay at home moms can easily earn a lucrative income without having to return to the outside work force. As long as you are creative and determined, you are bound to make a great income right from the comfort of your own home!