Developing products can be a challenge in the home based business environment. The hardest part of the whole process is how to start? You're there. YOU are the crack team, as Donald Trump says. So forget about looking around.

You're it. Here's what you need to do for your own product development. First identify a need.

You want sales, so find something people want. How? Communication is the key. Ask your friends, your contacts, your business associates, your clients.

See what they could use to make their lives easier. Poll them, survey them, email them, call them. Post questions on forums and chat rooms.

When I want to come up with new ideas for products, I think of some of the things I do in my business. I try to think of something that will make a particular task easier. How can I do this easier? Chances are if you need something to help you or something that can make your life easier, then someone else probably needs the same thing.

As I go through my day there are many things that I say to myself ' there has got to be an easier way'. I will often write that down. I sometimes end up with a whole list of stuff.

Then I sit down and make of list of ideas on how to create a program that will deal with the problem I'm trying to make easier. Second, get organized NOW, if you aren't already. Take good notes as you go along. Keep organized, well-labeled computer and print folders and files in handy places.

Use an organizer with a calendar if you need to. Third, create a product based around the need you discovered above. No need to be Einstein or invent the wheel. Search and find others in the industry to help and see how others did their product creation before you. Then copy their methods,not exactly, but rather similarly follow in their footsteps.

For example, read trade journals, search the Internet, review archived magazine articles, ask your local librarian to help you and research "how to" get your idea off the ground based upon how others have done it in the past. Then team up, share ideas, share resources, share marketing funds and share revenue, etc. with those experienced.

Reach out and don't be afraid to find help and share. No need to go it alone or be greedy. There are a lot of programmers that can take an idea and turn that into a software product. Third, along the way, get legal or other authoritative help as needed. Start with the Small Business Administration and find out if you need special permits, licensing, fees, contracts, legal structure, etc.

Comparison shop, if possible, and get set up properly. Fourth, there are plenty of ideas to go around. After one success, you can move on and duplicate it again and again. Do it. In summary, product creation can be challenging.

But the results can be so rewarding. So take the plunge and forge ahead! Having your own product is money in the bank. Once you get going with your first product, you'd be surprised how easy it can be to come up with more. Information products are big, big sellers on the internet. Everyone is looking for information. Product development can be as simple as a 2 page report that you are an expert at.

It could be any subject that you can think of. As long as it has some benefit to someone, it's a product.

Ed Rizzo has been involved with Internet Marketing for over 10 years. He has written courses on many subjects relating to Home Based Businesses. If you would like more information about making money from home visit his site at http://www/dpdhomebusiness.com