In order to succeed in a home based business, there are some practical skills you'll need:

Organization: There is a lot of paperwork associated with running a business. You'll have to keep track of invoices, customer information, permits, bills to be paid, tax information, and more. Develop an easy to follow filing system and stick to it.

Marketing: One of the least pleasant but most important task a business owner has is marketing their service or product. This means direct mail campaigns, writing and placing ads, cold calling, and networking. No matter how shy you may be, you're going to have to get out there and sell yourself. Customers won't come to you if they don't know you exist!

Computer skills: At the very least you should be able to use a Word processing program. Knowing how to use a spreadsheet program like Excel and a financial program like Quickbooks is even better. The more you know the better organized you'll be-and the more money you'll save by not having to hire someone to do it for you. Basic web designing skills don't hurt either-more on that later!

Budgeting: Managing cash flow is crucial to success in any business. Learn how to set a budget, calculate taxes, and draw up customer estimates and quotes. If you have a hard time just balancing your checkbook, you're going to run into trouble as a business owner!