Work at home on internet business programs are usually either a service business (consulting, designing, etc.) or a sales business (either soft or hard products).

The professional service realm often involves selling your own professional skills and knowledge as a consultant, sales rep, real estate agent, dentist, lawyer or contractor. The internet is simply the marketing medium (like TV, radio, newspaper advertising) that puts you and your message in front of prospective consumers. Of course you're still selling, but typically not from a catalogue or at predetermined prices. This kind of work usually involves one on one interpersonal contact over longer periods of time, with emphasis on the service instead of the product

The sales oriented work at home on the internet business, whether selling soft products (software, digital books, opportunity programs etc.) or hard goods (jewelry, cars, antiques, etc.) typically features marketing fixed price items, sometimes from a virtual catalogue or storefront to various prospects. More closely related to retail work, the personal contact is usually brief with an emphasis on the particular product although your own experience with the product(s) can provide added value in the eyes of the customer.

As you might guess, there is considerable overlap between the types of internet businesses, but it does help to identify which general type of internet work at home business is meets your own interests and experience since we are usually most successful at that which we enjoy. As you research various opportunities, think about whether these are sales or service programs and whether they will appeal to you over the long term.