Turning a hobby into a career
Doing what you love and making a living from it is not something that everyone will be able to do in their lifetime
As the saying goes, “Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” However, after a few years working in the real world, you quickly realise that this is a lot easier said than done! Doing what you love and making a living from it is not something that everyone will be able to do in their lifetime. However, it is not impossible! If you are determined to get out of the nine-to-five life and create a business based on your favourite hobby, then you will want to follow our handy tips about how to turn your hobby into a career.
Walk before you run
If you have decided that you want to create a business based on your favourite hobby, we would not recommend drafting up your resignation letter just yet! In order to start a business, you need to have the funds in place. This includes at least a few months’ worth of expenses saved up for the start up costs of your business as well as money to live on while you are getting this process going. We would suggest starting your business while you are still in your current job as this will give you security while you figure out if there is a real market for your product or service. You can also figure out how much work is required, allowing you to work out the details of your finances. Working more than one job can be exhausting. However, you need to stay determined as the extra stress will be worth it in the long term.
Make connections
Social media has been an amazing tool for connecting with like-minded people, and for small businesses, it is the most cost-effective way to not only promote your product but also meet other people in the industry. Become part of the community so that you can start selling your product or service right away.
Make a business plan
Making a business plan is not usually anyone’s favourite part of starting a new business, but it is vital if you want to be a success. This is also particularly important if you need funding from an investor as they will require this information. A business plan will help you organise your savings and plan for any unforeseen circumstances.
Spread the word
As we previously mentioned, social media is a great way to get the word out about the product or service that you want to sell. Start posting across your favourite networks and let the world know that your company is open for business! If you are planning to use a platform such as Facebook, it is a good idea to have some short videos created, using a tool such as Biteable, showcasing your product or service. Facebook prioritises videos, and this is far more likely to grab people’s attention. You can make videos with this tool quickly, and ensure they look professional and that they match the tone of your new brand.
