10 Steps to Turn Your Passion Into Money

Figure out how to create your own success tool kit /secret sauce made up of all the different skills and experiences that only you have. This is what will make you stand out and keep your service unique.

Maybe you’re thinking about a career in photography. Maybe you also have writing skills, and you could start a blog to promote and build excitement around your photos.

Spend some time researching the needs, interests, and preferences of your ideal client. Then brainstorm ways to help them.

Think about your ideal customer. What’s their lifestyle like? What else do they like to do? And most importantly, based on who your ideal client is, what value can you bring to them?

There are plenty of cheap and easy ways to expand your circle and attract people who share your interests.

For example, if you want to write about food, start a food blog and get on social media. Invite friends and followers to share your writing for the chance to win a free cooking gadget. When you build your platform, you’ll be a more attractive contributor to a web site that pays writers.

When you reach out to paying clients, you’ll be able to present the free work that you did as a sample or a portfolio. For a job that’s service-based, make sure you get references to help you move into the paid arena.

Take notes as you gain practice and experience; learn from both mistakes and successes.

Maybe you’ve found that the blog you’re keeping for your budding photography business isn’t gaining traction, but your Instagram account is getting lots of attention; it might be time to refocus your strategy.

Don’t get stuck in a rut just because it’s the path of least resistance. It’s okay to adjust and shift gears as you go.

Maybe you thought you’d like taking wedding photographs, but the hours are a killer, and you think you’d prefer studio work.

In order to get the word out, refine your elevator pitch. Think about including not only what you do, but why you do it.

Your “speech” should sound like a friendly conversation that tells your story, not a sales pitch.

Take a look at the people you admire who are doing the work you want to be doing. What’s their strategy? How do they do it?

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, Copy strategy, but make the rest yours.

A day job can help fund your new venture until you start making real money, which takes the pressure off your passion project.