Your Hobby; Your Job? Starting the Right Business for Happiness and Success

If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’ve already decided that you would like to own your own business, right? This is most likely your first real attempt at self-employment. 65 percent of the business owners out there are first-time owners. Almost 70 percent of new businesses are started from scratch by someone like you.

You probably also have an idea of the type of business you want to start. Keep in mind; some people make bad choices when choosing their business. They only look at the moneymaking side of it. Now I realize, we all want the money, but doesn’t your happiness matter too? Remember, this is your real life, not a fantasy.

Let’s say there are millions of dollars to be made in the paper industry. Let’s say it’s an easy business to get into. I will tell you right now, if you don’t love the paper industry, you will probably fail, regardless of how easy it is, or how much money you can earn. Doesn’t it just make more sense when choosing a new livelihood to choose something you enjoy doing?

There are many business start-up books which suggest not look at your hobbies as a business choice; I strongly disagree. If you can’t wait until you have time off to do the things you enjoy, don’t you think you would enjoy working more if you were doing those things as your job? Now keep in mind, when looking at your hobby as a potential business venture, there is one concern; spending all of your income and profits on your own hobby. Why aren’t cocaine dealers rich? Because they blow all their profits! Do you get what I’m saying? No, I’m not suggesting you take up cocaine dealing; just be careful that you don’t use up your income and profits for a fun time with your hobby before you’ve taken care of business and personal household needs.

A business can be cheap and simple, or complicated and expensive to start-up. If you like the outdoors, it could be as simple as buying a mower, edger, and blower and starting a gardening business. You could go out and buy a small flatbed trailer and haul gravel, decorative rock, or topsoil to people’s homes. Buy a chainsaw and cut down trees. Buy a vacuum, mop, and some cleansers and start a housekeeping service. There are many options for someone with little to invest. Most of the big companies you know of started out very small.

Here are some tips to help you pick your business. First, get your paper out and be prepared to take some notes. Then make a list of your hobbies and interests; things you enjoy doing. Under each one, list all the possible ways to make money with that hobby. Here is an example of what a list should look like:

GOLF
Operate a golf course
Build golf clubs
Teach golf
Sell golf equipment
Operate a driving range
Open a pro-shop

HORSES
Board horses
Rent horses for trail rides
Tack and supply store
Feed store
Train horses
Teach riding

I realize there are many more ways to make money off each of these lists; these are just examples. Spend at least a week letting your mind wander and keep your list with you at all times. You will be surprised at what you come up with on your list. Once your list is complete, look through it for any expertise you may have in any one field.

You’re always better off with more knowledge than the next guy. Some of the categories on your list might need more education to pursue; and education never hurt anyone. You don’t want to lose this opportunity by rushing into something before you’re fully prepared.