Q: I love drawing.Do you think I can make money from this hobby? If yes,how?

A: You can make money from any hobby,it’s all in your hands.I tell you,it’s great to delve into an interesting hobby such as artwork, photography, or crafting paper jewelry. It’s even more exciting (and financially rewarding) to turn your special talents into a successful home-based business. I call it a fun way of making money and that’s exactly what I have done with my love for reading,writing and empowering others.I have turned what used to be hobbies into a money-making venture.Just like me,you also have hobbies,though they may not be reading and writing.Your hobby could be singing,dancing,sculpture,sewing,just about anything.But then,how do you turn this hobby into cash?

The tips below will help you.

1.Do a thorough soul searching and ask yourself,what am I really passionate about? Get a piece of paper and list all the ideas that cross your mind on the right side.You must however note that this is a subjective analysis.Once you have successfully done this,you will now move to the next stage,which is the objective part of your analysis.

2.Ask friends and family what they think you are good at.This can be very objective if you ask them open-endedly,that is,don’t ask,’I’m good at packaging parties? Aren’t I?’ Simply ask them,’what do you think I’m good at?’ Their answers are going to surprise you.Now that you have done this,write the answers you got on the left side of the paper you used for step number 1.

3.Now,try to balance both sides.Is there any where you listed an idea and a friend told you, you were good at it? Note that down as one of the probable hobbies you can turn into a business.You may end up with 3 of such overlapping results.Now,out of the 3 hobbies pencilled down,which one,in your hearts of hearts,do you think you are most passionate about? That will be the hobby you will turn into a business but before you rush to start,make sure you heed the following steps to avoid heartache and frustration.

4.Is there a market for it or just a fad that will fade away? Be certain there is a market for your hobby to thrive in the marketplace before you launch out.

5.Now that you are prepared to launch out,start getting the word out about your business through word-of-mouth.Your first customer could as well be a friend or relative.Devise a system of effectively marketing and publicising your business.It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune,there are free ways of doing it.

6.While the business is growing,you could take a short course in business management,accounting,etc to empower you the more as only the passion aspect of it is not enough to sustain a business in the long run.

7.When your business starts experiencing teething problems,just put in all the passion you have for your hobby and very soon,you will be smiling to the bank! Don’t say I didn’t tell you.

People that Started their Business as a Hobby

Debbie Fields (Ms. Fields Cookies)
Michael Dell (Dell Computers)
Charles Schulz (Peanuts Cartoon)
Martha Stewart (Jailbird, oops – Home decor
Richard Pryor (Famous Comedian)
Wally Amos (Famous Amos Cookies)
Paul Newman (Actor, Newman’s Own- Food Products)
Dave Thomas (Wendy’s)
Oprah Winfrey (duh…)
And believe it or not…eBay.com started out as a hobby!

Who knows,your hobby could be the basis of the next million naira business the whole world will be talking about.Make it happen!

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