You have taken a great deal of time and put forth effort seeking 
out a home business opportunity that matches your individual 
desires, skills and goals. You have registered with a legitimate 
and supportive program and you have taken the time to create a 
detailed written business plan for yourself. You have researched 
promotional methods and strategies and perhaps you have even 
begun to create your own web site. You feel primed to move 
forward with the initial steps you have so carefully structured.

One potentially serious pitfall needs to be avoided at all 
costs. Some new home business entrepreneurs develop a mindset 
that they “want it all” and perceive all others promoting the 
same or similar products, services, and opportunities as the 
“enemy”, and they begin to develop a fiercely protective 
attitude towards their new business. Fear of your competition 
will not steer you toward your goal of independence; rather 
it will propel you towards isolation.

I would invite you to take a daring step outside of yourself 
and reach out directly to those you might perceive as “the 
competition”. In doing so you are highly likely to encounter 
numerous friendly, helpful entrepreneurs just like yourself, 
some of whom have made quite a success of themselves with 
their home business.

There are many sources for seeking out and interacting with 
similar minded entrepreneurs. The program you have enrolled in 
no doubt has numerous forums and if not, do a web search for 
home business forums and make a habit of visiting them and begin 
to make yourself known. Post your questions, concerns, and ideas 
in the forums. You will absolutely receive responses from other 
enthusiastic home business owners. Get to know them individually 
and exchange email addresses. Strike up friendships and share 
your goals, methods, and hopes. If you have a web site, swap 
links.

There is no reason to protect yourself from or avoid others in 
your field. Those who develop their business with a stance of 
protectionism and isolationism are likely to remain in isolation 
and indeed may fail as a direct result. A network of friends and 
mentors within your field is a tool that you will come to find 
invaluable as your network will aid you in sharpening your 
goals, direction, and strategies. The Internet is a vast place 
and there is ample business for all who are dedicated and apply 
a well-laid out strategy. Seek out and befriend those in your 
field. Don’t make the mistake of shunning them. You won’t be 
sorry!