How to Find Your Passion (So You Can Start a Business Around It)
Starting a business out of what you love to do in life is a beautiful concept that’s easy to talk about yet very hard to execute. This is because a lot of potential business owners don’t get to know themselves better, make decisions, and act without a plan.
As a result, these would-be solopreneurs quickly abandon their ventures when times get tough. And it's sad to say that their passion could've reached business success if they just took careful steps such as the ones you'd find below.
1. Bet on your strengths
Find what your strengths are first. These are personal qualities that greatly benefit your life. Patience, respectfulness, discipline, enthusiasm, and determination are a few examples. Then use these qualities to pursue your passion and start a business out of it.
2. Focus on a vision
A vision is how you want your business to look in the future minus the obstacles. For example, an auto mechanic can make a vision to make her shop the best service provider in the entire state. You should create a business vision as well.
This tip is very important because you’ll be able to picture out what you truly desire and make the necessary steps to achieve it. To follow up on the example given, the mentioned auto mechanic can achieve her vision by stocking up on high-quality auto part replacements and mastering her craft.
3. Define what makes you unique
Every business has competition. You’d be very lucky to find out that your passion/business idea is a fresh new concept. However, if you’re not the only one making money out of a niche, then find in yourself what makes you stand out from your competitors.
Even the skill of cleaning glasses can eventually be turned into a cash cow. Remembering the compliments you’ve received for your skills is a good way to start. You can also ask yourself this simple question: “What do you really want and love to do for a living?”
4. Don’t quit your full-time job
A lot of small business owners fail as a result of being over-enthusiastic when starting a venture. Some quit their jobs before starting up and others resign after earning huge amounts of profit from a one-time deal. You must slowly transition first from being an employee to your own boss.
Start by working on your business off-hours and only be a full-time business owner when your venture can pay for all your needs even during the most trying times.
5. Seek professional guidance
Do you know anyone who’s been an employee, started a business out of their own passion, and became very successful? If yes, then ask them to be your mentor. Learn strategies, lifestyle choices, and other more important things.
If you don’t know anyone for mentoring, you can attend business seminars, webinars, read entrepreneurship books, enroll in an online class, or hire an online coach to train you.
6. Create a demand for your passion
Your uniqueness, strengths, business vision, and business idea out of passion aren’t enough to secure financial freedom and achieve business success. You must create a reason for customers to buy what you’re selling.
I know a furniture maker. He loves to create beautiful wardrobes, nightstands, beds, and dining sets. But people nowadays buy furniture from chain stores like IKEA and Target.
Yet, he was still able to sell all his products and always has pending orders. His selling point? All his furniture is uniquely designed, made from legal timber, heavy, and durable to last for generations of families. Unlike the flimsy products found at the aforementioned stores.
7. Find your audience
Your target audience are the people who bring a lot of value to your venture. This is because they can be your loyal customers. It’s important that you clearly define who you want them to be and build a deep connection with them.
8. Practice for a thousand hours
Get good at your craft by using your spare time. Always strive for excellence because your competitors will do the same to outperform you. Discover new techniques and approaches for your passion. A good example would be upgrading from a florist to a landscape designer.
9. Start today, not tomorrow
Most important tip of them all: Don’t wait for the right moment. Create it and seize it. Stop making excuses. Once a plan has been made and the resources are ready, get yourself moving.
“The key to success and fulfillment in life starts with the awareness of and confidence in your own personal greatness.” - Anonymous