Do you ever daydream at work, thinking about what it would be like to turn your passion into a career? Author. Artist. Fishing Guide. Pet Groomer. Turning your passion into a career may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it's absolutely achievable.
And the best part? You don't have to sacrifice financial stability or resort to living off ramen noodles to do it.
Let's dive in...
Do Your Homework
You have to start by figuring out what people would pay for your services. Or if people would even be willing to pay for crocheted sweaters for their goldfish. Is there competition? What are their pricing strategies? And think about what makes your offering unique. Although, I think you would have the market for goldfish attire. Not sure where to start? Unlock your creative side.
Become A Brand
Create a brand that reflects your values, mission, and vision. That's business jargon to basically say: know who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Your brand should be consistent and help you stand out in the market. My mission is to help people practically live purposeful lives. There are entire retreats you can go on to discover this for yourself, but I recommend a simple exercise: Venn Diagram your skills, passions, and what people would buy. Once you find the sweet spot for all three, you have hit your brand.
Think Small
Test your idea on a small scale, such as by offering your services to friends and family, creating a small batch of products, or conducting market research. If you can't convince people on a small scale, don't expect the masses to buy in. I started my website with 30 subscribers. My goal, in the beginning, is to blow those 30 away with helpful content. Speaking of...
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Tribe Up
Alright, let's spice things up a bit! Tribe up like you're swiping right on your dream career. Go ahead and attend those industry events, join those online groups, or start your own tribe. And remember, networking is like dating. You want to make a good impression, show off your best qualities, and be yourself.
For example, attend a writing conference if you're a writer trying to break into the industry. Strike up a conversation with the person next to you about your favorite book or the struggles of being a writer. This is how I broke through with my book.
Be Boring
Ah, consistency. It's like the unsung hero of success. It's not flashy, and it's not exciting, but it gets the job done. It's like the whitey-tighties of personal development - it might not be the most stylish, but it's reliable and gets the job done.
Let's face it, consistency can be boring. Doing the same thing day after day can make you feel like you're stuck in a rut. But the truth is consistency is the backbone of progress. The small, daily actions add up to significant results over time.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. It's not the most exciting thing in the world, but doing it daily keeps your teeth healthy and prevents problems. Consistency works the same way. Doing small, consistent actions daily keeps you on track and builds momentum toward your goals.
Learn Something, You Idiot
Hey, you! Yeah, you, the idiot! Just kidding, but seriously, if you want to succeed in anything, you need to be willing to learn. No one knows everything, and running a business is a constant learning process. Be open to feedback, even if it's not what you want to hear. Learn from your mistakes because, trust me, you will make them. And most importantly, continue to educate yourself about your industry. Attend conferences, read books, and take online courses. So, learn something, you beautiful idiot, and watch your business thrive.
Celebrate, You Made A Thing
Let's be real. Turning your passion into a career isn't always rainbows and butterflies. You'll sometimes want to throw in the towel and return to your old job as a professional Netflix binger. But fear not, my friend, because celebrating your successes along the way is the key to staying motivated.
So go ahead and treat yourself; you made a thing! Pop champagne, eat a fancy cheese platter, or dance happily around your living room. Just make sure to take a break from the computer screen first. We don't need any accidental spills on the keyboard.
Remember, enjoying the process and celebrating the small wins will help you stay motivated to turn your passion into a career. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be able to afford more than just fancy cheese platters.
It's Time To Change Everything
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