People often jump into a home-based business. They rush to make money online much as men rushed to gold mines years ago. Oh it is certainly possible to make plenty of money online with your own business; working from home no less. That is much easier than the miners ever had it. However; the people who really succeed are those who come prepared, think ahead and are not tripping over themselves later on.So where does one start organizing for such a detailed operation as a home based business? One good way to go about it is to start with some money in the bank, in credit, or in a sock that can be cashed in. It may not be possible to set up a bank account for an online business right away. Money will be needed to get the permits and licenses required by States and towns in order to conduct an at home business. Federal, State and local governments charge fees for tax number filing. Every online business is required to have a tax number just like the shop down the street. Some States require a resale or sales tax to be collected by the online business owners who make sales to residences of those states. What does your state expect from work at home business owners? It pays to know. A call, with some questions, to the Town Hall, the Secretary of the State ‘s office, the State Tax office will yield answers to help you get your online business set up on the right side of the law.When all the permits, licenses and identification numbers for a budding home based business are in place it’s time to look at the office or work space. A healthy computer with some kind a high speed internet connection is a must. Though conducted from home, this is a serious business. Basic computer skills are also necessary. It’s foolish to try learning this important skill while starting a new internet business. What about the phone? Some at home businesses require a phone with special or extra features such as, 3 way calling, a head set, the ability to allow conference calls and more. A good index system or method of keeping track of vendors’ and suppliers’ information such as phone numbers, E-mails, passwords, etc. is essential. Don’t try remembering all of them.Now, let’s take a look at Bookkeeping! Again, a basic knowledge of this subject is essential in order to know how much money is going out, coming in,and exactly where it is happening. Bookkeeping for a home based business is best done on a schedule; day, week and month. The quarterly audit is a must for taxes and other reasons. If an accountant will be doing this work, be sure the fees are factored into your online business budget.The core of an online business is marketing. It is best to know something about marketing before starting a business. Luckily, it is a subject that can be quickly learned, especially with the help of a mentor. It is all-important to an internet business and requires ongoing study to keep up with market trends and how to use them.What works best now?If all these pieces are in place and in an organized workspace, there will be no need to play catchup while trying to build your business. One important last word: Don’t spend all your time getting ready. Start!