Do you have a passion or hobby that you love – genuinely love and believe in so much that you could potentially turn it into a full-time side hustle this holiday season and into the New Year? Here are some quick money-making tips.
Doing what you love and making money at the same time is a dream come true for many people. In fact, developing a professional reputation based on passion is something that anyone can dream about, but oftentimes, many people never act upon.
Thanks to today’s constantly evolving digital landscape, more and more people are taking the leap and enjoying their lives with income generated from something incredibly close to their hearts.
Side hustle opportunities, especially during the busy holiday season, are boundless. In my experience as a successful entrepreneur and business owner, I believe that whatever your experience or education, it is 100% possible for you to turn a hobby, passion or talent into a profitable, location-flexible business. I know, because I did it myself. I turned my love of crafting into a full-fledged business with the Bowdabra bowmaker! If I can do it, you can too and here are some ideas to get started!
Get Those Wheels Spinning
Before diving in headfirst, it’s essential to take time to carefully think about the various ways you can make money doing something you love. While this step might seem simplistic, too many people often skip over it and rush into a career or job opportunity that doesn’t suit their skillset or personality.
Before you consider what path to take, give some careful thought about your knowledge base, talents, and unique qualities and characteristics. Start this process with an open mind and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with doubt.
Ask yourself questions, such as:
- What have I always been good at?
- What do other people often give me compliments on?
- What am I the “go-to person” for?
- What do people often ask me for advice about?
- What activities or tasks come easily to me, perhaps that others often struggle with?
After you come up with your answers, think about how you might be able to parlay these skills into earning money. Next, dive deeper and discuss your strengths and talents with other people – this is an essential step. People tend to overlook their abilities and skills because they don’t realize that what comes easily to them can be a major struggle for others.
Ask at least 10 people the following questions:
- If you were to ask me for advice, what would that advice be about?
- Why would you come to me for that advice?
- What would you say are three of my greatest strengths?
- What do you think I do well, which other people might be willing to pay me for?
Remember, you don’t have to agree with – or follow through on – people’s answers. But they can help you gain a useful perspective on the skills and expertise you can foster for a business opportunity.
Five Ideas to Generate Money Doing Something You Love
- Coaching, teaching or tutoring. There are numerous ways to coach, teach or tutor, and in a variety of settings. You can offer these services face-to-face, via phone and email, or even over apps like Facetime and Skype. Don’t be disheartened if you think that very few people in your local area would be interested in the services you provide. The digital world has opened doors wide open in this area, and you can now mentor, train and educate individuals all over the globe. Alternatively, if your services are suited for local, in-person delivery, you can offer small-group sessions in neighborhood schools, stores or community spaces.
- Social-media-related services. If you enjoy writing and understand the art of blogging and social media, you can create social media or blog posts for organizations that you support and whose missions you are passionate about. This can be especially helpful for small, local companies that don’t have a strong online presence yet. Social media marketing has become wildly popular and significant to businesses everywhere, yet many small companies don’t have the time or resources to manage this aspect themselves.
- Cooking-related services. If you enjoy cooking or baking, and often receive praise for your innovative dishes, there are many ways to make money from your passion without necessarily starting a full-blown bakery or restaurant. You could create a blog where you post recipes and videos demonstrating how to perform certain cooking techniques. Or, you could sell recipe e-books or online cooking courses on your blog. You also could investigate running a pop-up restaurant or selling dishes that you make at a local food market.
- Pet-related services. If you love animals, there are many ways for you to earn extra money while spending time with them. For example, if you already have pets, or have a house set up to accommodate them, you could lodge pets whose owners are away on vacation. Or, if you don’t mind staying at someone else’s home, you could pet-sit when people travel. Additionally, if you like getting out and about and have lots of energy, you could sign up to be a dog walker.
- Sell handmade craft items. If you are a whiz at knitting, sewing, designing jewelry, making soap or candles, creating handmade cards or anything else craft-related, there are plenty of places where you could sell your products and build a reputation. Many people sell crafts online via an Etsy store, or you could create your own online shop using software provided by companies such as Squarespace or Shopify. Or, you could sell on social media by posting pictures of your products to sites like Pinterest and Instagram.
The Bottom Line
It’s important never to stop dreaming big. If you want to develop a holiday side hustle, take time to think outside the box and never let other people think you aren’t capable.
At the end of the day, when our professional and personal lives are backed by things we’re truly passionate about, we are more inclined to be happier and less stressed. So, discover your talents, take action and you will likely find yourself reaping the benefits of your passion sooner than later.
Sandy Sandler is the creator of the Bowdabra® bow making tool, which has been featured on QVC, HSN, and overtime has exceeded $10 million in retail sales. Now, the Bowdabra® can be found in craft retailers all over the country, with sales and customer loyalty continuing to rise. Her products are designed to help the “creatively-challenged” create beautiful crafts, accessories, and home decor.
Sandy is no stranger to hard work. This talented entrepreneur has had the opportunity to establish several businesses in the craft world over the years. She started her career as a product marketer when she introduced the “Klika” to the U.S. market. She founded Crafters 4 Kids, with the mission of creating creativity by bringing arts and crafts to children and families.
