Is Your Business Your Passion?

[Linda]

I was just curious...how many of you have a business that was born from one of your passions, your hobby. Do you feel that because you have such a passion for your business or you just enjoy it so that it is, should I say, easier to do? I would love to hear your responses on this subject. I know there are many scrapbooking retail stores around here whose owners are moms who live for scrapbooking. I personally love photography but am just not good enough to make any money at it or start a business based on it. Lets hear from you.

[Old Welsh Guy]

I am passionate about my work, and have always loved messing about with computers etc. I love selling and sales, and miss it to the point that I am working woith Tracey on some new projects, to release my passion

My real passion is my family life though. That said, my rugby forum is a hobby that has turned into a really busy bit of fun, and looks like it will be raising money on a regular basis to buy sports kits for kids rugby. So I guess it is a busines, just non profit

[Karri]

That's a good question that more people should be asking before they get into business for themselves!

If the passion isn't there, it inevitably becomes difficult, even impossible, to sustain your venture during the rockier times. One of the first articles I published on the web was about this very subject: http://ideamarketers.com/library/art...4&from=PROFILE

I think that too many people get hooked into money-making ideas that are not aligned with their values and personal goals. We all know the tremendous discipline it takes to continuously drive your enterprise forward, but without the passion to fuel you, it's unreasonable to think you can sustain that momentum indefinitely. You will just burn out.

I think you also require a general passion for business overall or else the details will overwhelm you instead of motivate you.

And of course, you need to be a little fearless!

Karri

[Paul Martin]

I would have to say that on my list of priorities (or "passions"), my business is about 4th on the list, after God, Family, and Community. It is a very important part of my life, and enables me to serve the first three passions in the best way I know how at this time, but no, I would not say it is my passion.

- Paul

[jeanm]

My business is certainly my passion. I started off by painting a plaster ceiling rose for our bathroom. Then I began painting them for others adn then the mighty tin ceilings came along. The original ceiling rose never did get installed. I can't wait to start each day to see how I can help someone achieve a stunning ceiling. I like saving my customers money and wouldn't want to sell them something I felt was unnecessary or something I feel doesn't suit their purpose. Honesty is something I'm passionate about in business. I'd better stop right now. I'm babbling......

[Hendry Lee]

I have a firm opinion that successful business has to start from a passion. Sometimes it takes years and long hours before you can even see a light. I simply can imagine if I don't have passion in my business.

With that said, I came from a Unix and Linux administration background. I worked long hours staring at the computer. I've started my current business for almost two years. And it is still related to computer technology, but now I am bringing my experiences and skills to help others to implement technologies into their online business and marketing on a shoestring.

[danyboy]

Hi Linda

I'm glad to give my opinion on what you think or want to do.

Linda you personally love photography, i'm just wondering are a proffesional photographer or its just that you feel and other's have just said that you are good in photography. Before you can try something always analyse and see whether you are capable to go to the next level. Make a small study on how successful photograhers have had their own business and what ideas they used and it will help you. Most of us start our own business as its our hobby and something we like however how many of succeed????????

Make a research and try to see what best you can do or if you need my help personally you can feel free to contact me by mailing at [please use Private Message to contact]

Cheers

Daniel Joseph

[jmjj215]

I really think I have found a passion in my hobby-turned-small-business. It's definitely interesting to see how many hours I'll pour into something for the business without even realizing I'm working

[vangogh]

I'm with the group as a whole in that my business is my passion. I certainly have many things I feel passionate about, but my work is certainly one of them.

I think Kari's thoughts are closest to my own. Running a business requires a lot of time and work and if it's not something you enjoy then it can become drudgery quite fast. I've always believed if you do something you love it will help sustain you during tough times.

I also think if you're passionate about what you do you'll simply be more inclined to improve your skills more. I know I often find myself relaxing by reading and learning more about the things that will make me a better webmaster and seo (Am I really that sad and do I need more of life?)

Life isn't really all about money. Sure we all want it and I'd much rather have more than less. But we spend so much of out lives working that it only makes sense to me to enjoy what you do during all those hours. I'll gladly trade some money for enjoying my life. For me the journey is far more important than the destination.

[Busy B]

Yes, I have a great passion for my card making hobby/business. It all started many years ago when my mom signed us up for a scrapbooking class (I was in junior high I think!) I know, you may be thinking, that isn't card making! But the element is essientially the same.

I'm not sure when my scrapbooking hobby actually evolved into cardmaking. My mom started talking about how she'd like to make cards. At first, I wasn't too keen on the idea. Then I started making cards for birthdays for my family and friends A lot of people told me I should make cards to sell. It started from that point.

My favorite moment was when I made my dad a rocket "out of this world" card for Father's Day. Now, my dad is a real "man's man" and he often doesn't notice things. When he opened the card he said "wow" many times and displayed his little "art" for weeks by his recliner.

I love the creative process of designing the cards and I really anticipate the joy that other people get when they receive them! We can spend hours working and never notice how the time passes. It truly is wonderful when you love what you do!