As the pandemic took a toll on the job market, many entrepreneurs found new ways to make money. The dream of turning a hobby or pastime into a money-making venture was no longer a fantasy. Scarred by the coronavirus, millions of people around the world were forced to create their own jobs to make ends meet, often turning to their favourite hobbies or pastimes.
Turning their favourite passion into a business could be what some just wanted to answer their creative calling. With the pandemic mostly over, turning a hobby into a money-making venture is a great way to get more side cash. Pursuing your hobby as a career also gives you more freedom to be your own boss and create your own schedule.
If you are feeling stuck, here are a few ways to develop a plan.
Do It For Free
Before you turn your hobby into a job, do it for free in the beginning. This will allow you to develop your skills and build more confidence. For example, if you are considering a career as a freelance writer, try creating a blog first. Give people a chance to see samples of your work, and when you feel more confident, offer your services for a fee to a website or local business.
Determine Your Ideal Client
Researching your clients in advance is a great way to determine who to bring on. Think about the ideal customer, their likes and dislikes, and interests. Once you clearly understand who your ideal client is, you can cater to them. Brainstorming ways to assist them, allows you to see what sparks their interest.
Make Connections
Making connections plays a crucial role in drawing attention to your work. There are many ways to expand your circle and share your interests. For example, if you want to write about fashion, you can start a blog and share your posts on social media. Invite friends and followers to share your content with others to grow your followers.
You can also provide incentives to grow your network by creating draws and offering prizes. Once your network is aware of your work and finds value in it, you will be a more attractive contributor to them.
Do It For Cheap
When you have a decent following, you can begin asking for money. When you start asking for money, you don’t need to ask for an exorbitant fee. Start small and work your way up. When you want clients to pay you for your work, you can always refer to your portfolio and work samples. If a job is service based, having references is a great way to showcase your skills and abilities.
Simplify Your Message
When pitching your ideas to the world, work on the quality of your pitches. Tell people what you do and why you do it. A strong pitch gives clients an opportunity to differentiate your product or service from other competitors and establishes credibility. Your tone should always be cordial and conversational, more like telling a story.
Follow A Pro
When you want to spark your creativity, look to influencers or inspirational people you admire who do the same work as you. Examine their strategy and tactics, how they do what they do. You do not necessarily need to reinvent the wheel. Learning from them doesn’t necessarily mean you will be exactly like them. Inspirational leaders revive energy and goals. They can encourage you to dream big and never give up on your goals.
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
When your freelance gig gains traction, you might be tempted to quit your day job if you have one. Nevertheless, you will want to slow down before you do that. Building a solid business isn’t easy. It takes time, care, and attention to ensure it is sturdy enough to withstand financial hurdles and setbacks.
Keeping your day job for some time can help you fund your new project and provide an additional source of income. Keeping your job also takes the pressure off your passion project, which can become joyless when it’s only about money. A day job also allows you to get employee benefits such as dental insurance, paid time off, and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).
David Messiha | Staff Writer
