Are you thinking of joining the millions of people who have opted out of the traditional 9-5 work environment? In today's economy, home based businesses are becoming a norm and the opportunities to start one are plentiful. Additionally, with continuing advancements in technology, working at home is quite feasible and often cost effective. If you have an entrepreneurial sprit and the desire to provide a quality service, a home based business could be a good choice for you.

Here are 10 of some of the best home based businesses.

• 1. Consulting Business- Do you have a long track record in a particular field or profession?Are you an expert in a specific subject that you can share with others? Consider the option of being paid to give your expert advice in your field or speciality. You can start your own home based consulting business founded on your expertise. As you define your niche, you can decide if you want to offer short term or long term consulting relationships to your clients. Some examples of services may include: marketing; accounting; management; IT; etc.

• 2. Event Planning - Individuals and companies often outsource the planning of meetings, parties, and other events. The types of event planning needs may include the planning of: celebrations, meetings, promotional events, and other ceremonies. Events can range from basic social functions to large business conferences. Because people often lack the time or skill to plan such activities, event planners can lend their skill and expertise and be well compensated for their efforts.

• 3. Home Improvement Services - Ranging from a small addition to overall cosmetic changes, this home based businessis not limited to interior decorations. Many tasks can fall under the umbrella of home improvement. You can specialize in renovations, remodeling, and can offer focused specialties such as painting, or carpentry. If you want to do larger projects, you can market your business to major remodeling of basements, kitchens or bathrooms.

• 4. Catering Services/Personal Chef - With its high potential for expansion and growth, catering and chef services can serve as the basis for a fun and lucrative business. This is also home base business through which you can offer unique services including specialty cuisines, lo-carb diets, vegetarian catering and other special needs diets. Not only can you share the culinary experience through food, but also education, such as teaching cooking classes!!

• 5. Cleaning Services - If you love cleaning, you can start a home based business servicing anything from homes to commercial offices. You can also decide to expand into specialty areas such as drapery cleaning, landscaping, window cleaning, carpet cleaning and other tailored services.

• 6. Life/Business Coaching Services - Help individuals turn their dreams into reality by coaching them to success in business or everyday life. Assisting people ready to make changes in their lives though teaching the skills needed to set goals and overcome obstacles, you can coach people to new levels of success. There are even specific areas that can be focused on in coaching such as: personal coaching, large and small business coaching, writers, women, health, and parenting, to name a few. Often, coaching is done via telephone making this an ideal home based business opportunity.

• 7. Web Design - A computer and good ideas can go a long way, and skilled web designers are compensated well for their talent and efforts. Often rated as one of the best home based businesses, your services can include designing websites from scratch or redesigning current websites.

• 8. Personal Trainer - Having a personal fitness enthusiast is not just for the wealthy anymore. Today's busy schedules and the desire for convenience while reaching health goals has opened an entire new customer base for this home based business. Share your fitness expertise with others by teaching proper fitness techniques and information on healthy living overall.

• 9. Pet Products - Most pet owners want great products for themselves and their pets. Unique items including pet clothing, collars, treats, and toys appeal to pet lovers. Also, let's not forget the accompanying pet services that can be offered such as pet sitting and pet play groups.

• 10. eBay Business- You can sell items either purchased or made either through the eBay auction process or through your own eBay store. People from all over the world access and use eBay for sales and purchase. If you make crafts, have access to unique items, rare objects, surplus products, or just need to clean out your attic or garage, chances are that you have the beginnings of a home based business selling on eBay.

The list and the possibilities of home based business could go on an on. The great thing is that you can just about take any talent or skill you have and turn them into home based business opportunities. With some basic research and planning, selecting the right fit for your lifestyle may lead to a profitable career change and allow you the flexibility to generate income while working at home.