Peter Gilbert

If I could only share one thing with you about me it would be that with 50 years of experience running small home businesses, I am keen to encourage others to follow in my footsteps.

I truly believe that having a supplementary income from a part time internet business is the only route to freedom and security in today's world of uncertain jobs.

I have been involved with part or full time businesses since just after the Second World War. In those days there was no such thing as an Internet, or even home computers, but the principles of business were the same.

I have only once tried a business which was not home based, and it was a complete failure (not totally my fault, a recession hit us). It was then I learned the hard way about the dangers of high overheads in a conventional business. I went bust, the bank taking everything including my house!

Never again!

I have been involved with computing since the early days, long before the PC came along. In those days we had to write programs for ourselves, by punching holes in cards which were then posted to a regional computing centre. We got the results back in the post (snail mail) a week or so later! You can imagine that when home computers became available I welcomed them with open arms - I still have in my collection some computers older than our local Computer Museum!

Two of the biggest advantages of Home Based Businesses are their low overheads and low financial commitment. The Internet makes it possible for anyone to have a full or part time business with minimal investment ( though not without any effort - all things that are worthwhile entail SOME work! )

Aside from that I'm married with a lovely wife, four grown up daughters, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. One of my daughters calls me "our 4th emergency service" as I now seem to spend time sorting out their problems!

These days I work because I enjoy it and because I get satisfaction out of "giving back". It seems a shame to let all my hard won experience die with me, and I love seeing others take the first steps on the road to Financial Independence.

Apart from my family, work and the internet, I enjoy books, dancing, walking, photography, gardening, etc. I don't know how anyone can find the time to get bored!