Caption: It’s possible to turn your hobby into a business.
It’s got to be high on nearly everyone’s list of dreams to be able to do more of what you enjoy and get paid for it (in other words, no more long grinds and days of boredom). But have you ever considered the pros and cons of converting your passions into cash, and do you know how to make it happen? There are many hobbies that you can possibly transform into a business. All it takes is a little know-how and a lot of hard work!
Difference Between Hobby and Business
What is the main difference between a hobby and a business? I would say that a hobby is undertaken primarily for enjoyment, whereas the main focus of a business is to make money. You can still enjoy your business, and you can still have ethical concerns, but a business can only survive if it makes profit. The moment that you take the leap into the business world, you will have to take your passion much more seriously and factor profitability into your plans.
This is actually something you should consider before taking a dive and cashing in on your passions. If you leave your love for music as a hobby, then you only have to think about letting go and enjoying the music, progressing in whatever way you want. If you want to make money, you will have to deal with record labels and companies, play to someone else’s schedule, and perhaps even adapt your natural style at times.
Similarly, making a business out of writing, painting, crafts, horse riding, or any other passion can put more of a serious edge on whatever it is you do. You may find yourself doing more of what you love for other people, but less for yourself. Ask yourself, “Will I enjoy this if I have deadlines and if I’m doing it to keep a roof over my head?” It’s a choice that shouldn’t be taken too lightly, but if the pros outweigh the cons and it is feasible for you, then you should go for it.
Possible Avenues
Caption: There are many possible avenues for turning passions into business. Dog lovers could consider dog walking, grooming or training.
If you’re wondering what kind of hobbies and passions you could turn into a business, then the answer is just about anything. Of course, you need the resources to make it happen. There might be start-up costs or learning curves to go through. But the chances are if you like something then a certain segment of the population will also like it, too—and there lies your market.
Conversely, you might have a talent that other people generally don’t have, and so you find yourself able to provide a service, whether it be sculpting or snorkelling lessons. You could use your baking skills to open a cake business, utilize your love of woodwork, or walk dogs and get paid for it.
You can turn pretty much anything into a business. Take the example of Chris Moneymaker, who made $2.5 million after making an $87 investment on PokerStars and is now running his own tour. Or consider Mark Zuckerberg, who turned his side project into a multi-billion-dollar business known as Facebook. The key is to work with you already know and love—that’s the whole idea, after all!
How to Create A Business Out of Your Hobby
Without further ado, here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide that will help you to turn your hobby into a thriving business. It’s going to take a lot of love and a lot of work!
Research and Plan – Before you leap into the unknown, gain as much information as you possibly can and develop your plan of action. Research the market and your competitors. Think about how you will save up to cover initial costs and ongoing expenses. Will you start small and build it up? Can you go part-time and keep a job before going full-time with your hobby? Making a proper business plan is the first step to success.
Make a Sale – You’re going to need to build up your presence and customer base, but making that first sale really gives you a confidence boost, even if you sell a piece of art to a friend. You need to know that you can actually make money, and by making one or two initial sales, you can reinforce that notion.
Market Yourself – Next, it’s time to make more sales. Lots of them. To do that, you will need to get the word out there. How you do this will depend on a lot of things, including what exactly your hobby is, but these days it’s nearly always worth having an online profile or website. A strong online presence can make a lot of sales. You should also be looking to network with other professionals and potential leads. Talk and listen to those around you, both online and offline.
Treat Your Hobby Like A Business – Once you make the shift so that your hobby becomes your full-time business, you need to treat it as such. No being lazy or getting complacent. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technology, read and research constantly, and become an established expert in your niche. Put enough time aside to get your work done, and keep up with the numbers and legalities.
Building a business out of your hobby probably won’t be easy, but it’s also not impossible. With enough time and dedication, and a steady and realistic approach, you can make money doing what you love. There are many possible avenues to consider, from photography to product reviewer. Consider your options, and see whether you can make your first sale soon!