The
10 Key Questions to Ask Before Developing a Lucrative Hobby
by
Kim Nishida
Finding
it harder to make ends meet? You're not alone. Many people
believe that even $100 more a month would make a difference
but they don't see a raise or big-time bonus in their future.
More than a few folks earn money on the side, selling stuff
on eBay, designing handmade greeting cards or invitations,
doing freelance writing or web design. If you are thinking
of turning an interest or hobby into a vehicle for earning
a little extra cash, here are some questions to get you
started. FYI, Mrs. Fields started her multi-million dollar
empire as a hobby in her kitchen and a challenge from Mr.
Fields that she wouldn't sell $50 worth of cookies on her
first day in business.
1) Why
now? Why will you succeed now as opposed to last year or
5 years from now? Simply put, why is this the right time?
2) What
is my purpose? Be clear about why you are considering starting
up a business. Is it simply to earn extra cash or would
you eventually love to be self-employed? Are you doing it
to meet people or to educate the public? Know your purpose
and always keep it in mind when making simple as well as
important decisions.
3) What
am I passionate about? What is going to energize and motivate
you even in the face of obstacles and setbacks? If you don't
have passion around your product/service, how do you expect
others to get excited about it? Think about what you LOVED
to do when you were ten years old.
4) Does
the public want my product/service? You might think that
a self-published cookbook of cat food recipes will change
people's lives, but if most people have trouble cooking
dinner for themselves, they probably don't have time to
cook for their cat. You think they need it, but if they
don't want it, they won't buy it.
5) What
are the current trends? Thinking of selling homemade pasta?
Check out the low-carb craze and you might realize that
your timing is off. Maybe selling homemade beef jerky is
a better bet.
6) Who
will hold me accountable? Are you incredibly self-motivated
or do you need someone to crack the whip over your head
when times are tough? Do you see setbacks as a challenge
or a reason to give up? If your answers are the latter,
make a deal with a friend or colleague to check in with
you and keep you on track. Or hey, hire a coach!
7) What
are my 1-week, 1-month, 1-year goals? From first steps (what
you will do today) to the big vision (where you will be
in 5 years), plan and write down every last detail.
8) Who's
on my pit crew? Don't do it all alone. Delegate the tasks
you either have no skill or passion for mastering. Hire
a web designer, accountant, or enlist friends and family
to be your support team with ideas, constructive criticism,
and unflagging encouragement.
9) How
important is this? Very similar to asking, "Why now?" Is
this just a whim or an incredibly urgent goal? If your reasons
are not that compelling, question whether you've identified
the right goal for you at this time.
10)
Once again, why now? What will make you successful today
as opposed to times in the past. Do a SWOT analysis to help
ensure success. If you aren't familiar with that exercise,
email readytoevolve@earthlink.net, with SWOT in the subject
line for a free detailed worksheet.
About
the Author
Kim
Nishida, Walnut, CA. Kim Nishida is a certified life coach
and fitness professional committed to helping others become
healthy, wealthy, and wise. The owner of Ready to Evolve
Coaching, she lives and thrives in Southern California.http://www.readytoevolve.com.
email: readytoevolve@earthlink.net
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