If you’re like most people, you probably dream of having a job that’s enjoyable and fulfilling. The solution maybe closer than you realize if you consider turning something you love to do
into a way to pay the bills.
You may be thinking, “There’s no way I can make money from my hobby.” But you might be surprised!
Just think how great it would be if you could make money from the one thing that you actually choose to do when you have free time. What could possibly be better than that?
You might not be able to replace your regular job right away. However, you could earn some money for something you would be doing anyway. And that can make a big difference.
The two basic routes to making money from your hobby are:
1. Teach:
Someone out there would like to learn what you know. Don’t make the mistake of believing that you have to be one of the world’s top expert on something in order to make money at it. Nothing can be further from the truth! If you know more about something than anyone on your street, you can certainly make money teaching others.
Some ways to teach include:
- Giving seminars (online or in person)
- Selling articles related to your hobby
- Writing and selling a book or e-book
- One-on-one coaching
- Setting up a website that provides educational information and sells related products and services
2. Sell a related product or service:
Most hobbies require supplies. Other people may as well be purchasing those supplies from you. If your hobby is collecting something, you can buy and sell whatever it is you collect. Or think of businesses related to your hobby. For example:
- If you love animals, an obvious one is you could sell your services as a dog walker or pet sitter.
- Do you love design and interior decorating? Do you like to watch design shows on TV? You might not be on television anytime soon, but you probably know more about decorating a house than the average person does. Consider staging homes that are for sale.
- What if fishing is your passion? How about reviewing and selling equipment or offering travel suggestions.
- Do you love to travel? Take lots of pictures and write about your experiences. Websites are always looking for good content so find a unique perspective in your travel and communicate it.
The real key is to take time to think about all the ways you could possibly make money related to you hobby, but always consider if someone will pay for what you’re offering. If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right course.
The hardest part of getting started for most people is sales. You must promote yourself and your business to get clients or customers. I find that many people starting out think first about creating marketing materials — websites, business cards, brochures. Yes, you should get those things together to add credibility, but please know that those things alone are not going to get you business. They’re support materials. Don’t think of this process as “if you build it, they will come.” They won’t. At least, not automatically. And don’t waste a ton of time making perfect marketing materials, like trying to get just the right logo. These things can always be updated.
Instead, be bold and actually talk to people about what you’re doing. Tell your neighbors and family members about your plans. Look for community or meetups groups in your area and figure out a way to integrate what you offer. Get the word out to businesses with customers that have an affiliated interest in your topic. See if you can create a team approach or a way to package your offerings with them to add value to their services. Bottom line, people have to know you’re out there or they can’t hire you or purchase from you.
Imagine the excitement you’ll feel the first time you cash that check for doing something you used to do for free! Once you make a little money from your hobby, the wheels will really start turning, and you’ll be surprised at all the other ideas that come to mind.
Start today by making a list of all the ways you could possibly make money with your hobby. Have fun, and good luck!