Make Money Doing What You Love

Take your hobby to a new level with these tips from business coach and author Christy Wright

- Christy Wright

Whether you’d like to sell your handmade crafts online or turn your baking prowess into a lucrative side gig, there has never been a better time to start a business. Between the many free social-media marketing platforms and the countless online tools at your disposal, you could launch your business tomorrow with little more than an idea and a Facebook page.

Most of us wouldn’t mind using our craft, skill or idea to boost our bank accounts. But what comes along with starting a business – how to set appropriate goals, embrace competition or stay motivated – might seem overwhelming and exhausting, and it might even distract you from your passions. It doesn’t have to! With the tips below, you’ll be off and running in no time.

1 FIND YOUR WHY

What’s your motivation for going into business? What excites you about it? Maybe it’s the joy you get from creating, or the satisfaction of planning. Or perhaps it’s boosting your day-job income, or having the flexibility to work from home and spend more time with your family. Whatever it is, your ‘why’ is the thing that moves, drives and energises you, and knowing it will keep you motivated when things get tough.

2 FOCUS YOUR FUTURE

Goals must be specific and measurable, and have a time limit. Instead of ‘My goal is to expand my business,’ think, ‘My goal is to increase orders by 50% by 31 December.’ With those details, you’ve specified how you want to grow and have moved one step closer to creating a strong goal that will work for you.

3 DON’T TREAT BUSINESS LIKE A HOBBY

Think of it this way: a business makes you money; a hobby costs you money. A business can and should be fun, but it has to make money in order to grow and last, and you need to make a profit to validate the time invested in it.