Personal Development for Smart People Forums

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

 

Go Back   Personal Development for Smart People Forums > Personal Development > Business & Financial

Notices

Business & Financial Career, work, money, income generation, personal finance, investing, debt, wealth, abundance, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, SEO, commerce, economics, blogging, podcasting

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-07-2009, 03:44 PM   #1 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Turning hobby into business. Good or bad?

I always had passion for sports. I now am bodybuilding and I love it. It gives me opportunity to grow, both literally and figuratively. I just got laid off and have been thinking of creating a web site for bodybuilders where I could post information for newbies and others on how to reach their goals, stay motivated and communicate with others who love BBing. The problem is I'm not sure this is my calling.. I just dropped law studies which I talked myself into because lawyer is a good respected career and it pays much. And for some time I imagined myself being one... but I just stopped caring about my studies after a year and wanted to do something else. And the social network idea for bodybuilders seem so nice, but I'm just not sure. Maybe it's just fear because I plan on big things so my mind is just looking for excuses... maybe not.. maybe I'm talking myself into something I don't like again...

Anyone been through something similar? It's holding me back now...
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 04:26 PM   #2 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 912
SimonaRich is on a distinguished road
Default

Only you can decide if this is your true calling, no one else can.

So if you are really not sure just try it out and see how it goes. If you find out eventually that you don't like it, then you will know that you don't like it!

Otherwise, if you don't try it and you are still not sure, you will blame yourself for the missed opportunity.
SimonaRich is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 11:49 AM   #3 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cape Giradeau, MO
Posts: 63
Trey Baird is on a distinguished road
Default

Just do it. Build something valuable, and put yourself fully into it. Give it 6 months to a year. If it isn't something that is working for you, sell it off and start a new chapter in your life. After all, some of the most successful people tire of projects, and start new ones. Steve comes to mind with his software company.
Trey Baird is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 01:56 PM   #4 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trey Baird View Post
Just do it. Build something valuable, and put yourself fully into it. Give it 6 months to a year. If it isn't something that is working for you, sell it off and start a new chapter in your life. After all, some of the most successful people tire of projects, and start new ones. Steve comes to mind with his software company.
Hmmm.. I doubt software company was his true purpose it was just a wrong turn...

I like that 6 months to a year tryout idea of yours. Thanx
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 07:40 PM   #5 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 14
profess is on a distinguished road
Default

The benefit of turning your hobby into your career is that you are already passionate about your hobby, so you can be almost positive that you're going to put your all into the project. I have a friend who became a personal trainer because he was playing football in college and it just seemed like the perfect transition for him. He is doing well with his business and he has actually had the opportunity to work with the local high school and is currently training a pro baseball player and some high school students who are being heavily recruited by some D-1 colleges. I guess my point is that you have to follow your heart and do what it is that you enjoy doing.
profess is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 08:59 PM   #6 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 65
Hanselich is on a distinguished road
Default

I also think you should at least try it. Making hobby to your business is the best thing that can happen to you. Hobby makes you enthusiastic and enthusiasm in business is probably the biggest push toward achieving your goals. Good luck, you can make it!
Hanselich is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 09:58 PM   #7 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 636
Rebecca800 has a spectacular aura aboutRebecca800 has a spectacular aura aboutRebecca800 has a spectacular aura about
Default

If you feel you have to "talk yourself" into doing a career, then it probably isn't right for you. I talked myself into certain studies at school, and ended up biasing myself - imaging positives that weren't necessarily there, and ignoring the negatives. My brother did this for several years, he talked himself into becoming a policeman, then a teacher, then a pilot. He did the training then quit when it came to the actual job (except for the pilot one - he got talked OUT of that one by his parents!)

You love body building and that's an excellent driver for your career. I love writing, and now can't imagine a job where I don't get to write. My partner loves Mixed Martial Arts, and runs his own MMA gear import business. Seems to me that following your heart while paying attention to the practical applications (eg, can you make money from it?) will see you right. You may start another project in 5 years. Nothing is for life. Sounds like you should make your bodybuilding website either full time or just as a hobby at first. Remember that nothing happens until something moves......
Rebecca800 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 05:36 AM   #8 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Thanx for support and help... I'm still afraid a bit, but I'll do it!

Cheers
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 06:37 PM   #9 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
youngmetropoly is on a distinguished road
Default

I'm in the process of doing this myself.

I went to school for computer programming and graphical design, and ended up on a completely different career path (financial advisor). While my choice of career has made me realize personal needs that I wasn't originally aware of (building relationships and helping others), there's a part of me that yearns to utlize the skills I learned in college.

In addition to this, there are some topics that I'm very opinionated on, and I want to share my views.

These things combined have led me to develop 2 blogs, and to get re-acquainted to website development by tinkering with the coding firsthand.

I've committed to continue this until June/July (6 months).

If this is a passon for you - totally go for it. It's better to try and realize it's not for you, than to wonder if you could have done it.
youngmetropoly is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 08:44 PM   #10 (permalink)
Family Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Home
Posts: 2,578
Andrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to beholdAndrew Brunelle is a splendid one to behold
Default

See how much traffic you can get by starting the website and if it doesn't work, then go to something else. You are the driver of your life, to an extent.
Andrew Brunelle is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 10:58 AM   #11 (permalink)
Family Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
alexplatups is a splendid one to beholdalexplatups is a splendid one to beholdalexplatups is a splendid one to beholdalexplatups is a splendid one to beholdalexplatups is a splendid one to beholdalexplatups is a splendid one to behold
Default

After a Dream,

here is what I think,

#1...self doubt is a normal thing to feel for all human beings, even though most
people will argue with this...who live in a world of trying to motivate themselves
with positivity...eventhough...it never works in the long run

#2...body building is a huge market...without a doubt, and even though there is
a lot of competition, there is a proven pattern of people paying *cash* for
information and other products and services

#3...tapping true desire...happens when you become completely honest with
who you are and what you like and love in life

...imo....there is nothing more important than knowing what you like and love
in life...because this is the path that will always lead you in the right
direction

...so, if you like bodybuilding, or maybe even love it, then just go for it, plus
Steve recommends SBI, and since I have an SBI site...I confirm, this is the
ultimate way to create an online business, and to make it profitable
in the fastest amount of time

later

Alex Platups
alexplatups is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 02:20 PM   #12 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 341
Ralph is on a distinguished road
Default

Congratulations for your choice, you're a happy person. Happier than you realize, probably


Bodybuilding website does have the monetizing potential, but only if you have the guts to follow through a year of low profit
Ralph is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 06:06 PM   #13 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

A lot of advice... I LOVE THIS D .. I'm currently deciding on whether to make my site international or only to people in my country (Lithuania)... More money worldwide but I think there is still a niche in my country for bodybuilding site..
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 06:28 PM   #14 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 83
saif is on a distinguished road
Default

Not sure if this will help but I tend start reading stuff and then finish and that's about it. However if the same content was given to me in a viusal or audio form I tend to get involved. Though not a body bulding person my self but I think this can lend itself to a vidcast.
saif is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 06:29 PM   #15 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 175
dannielo is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AfteraDream View Post
I always had passion for sports. I now am bodybuilding and I love it. It gives me opportunity to grow, both literally and figuratively. I just got laid off and have been thinking of creating a web site for bodybuilders where I could post information for newbies and others on how to reach their goals, stay motivated and communicate with others who love BBing. The problem is I'm not sure this is my calling.. I just dropped law studies which I talked myself into because lawyer is a good respected career and it pays much. And for some time I imagined myself being one... but I just stopped caring about my studies after a year and wanted to do something else. And the social network idea for bodybuilders seem so nice, but I'm just not sure. Maybe it's just fear because I plan on big things so my mind is just looking for excuses... maybe not.. maybe I'm talking myself into something I don't like again...

Anyone been through something similar? It's holding me back now...
You might want to map down how this business will look like when it's ready.

A website with information is a start, but for information only people don't pay money. And forget about ads.

You have to think in terms of "advice", and package your information advice in various forms (different products). First an eBook, then a DVD that expands the content of the ebook, then an audio program that you can listen in your car.

These can be sold and will form a business. Even Steve Pavlina will create his products this year. Read the latest blog article.

I think you can do it too, if bodybuilding is really a passion.
dannielo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 06:35 PM   #16 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by saif View Post
Not sure if this will help but I tend start reading stuff and then finish and that's about it. However if the same content was given to me in a viusal or audio form I tend to get involved. Though not a body bulding person my self but I think this can lend itself to a vidcast.
Yeah.. thanx a lot, good idea
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 06:45 PM   #17 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dannielo View Post
You might want to map down how this business will look like when it's ready.

A website with information is a start, but for information only people don't pay money. And forget about ads.

You have to think in terms of "advice", and package your information advice in various forms (different products). First an eBook, then a DVD that expands the content of the ebook, then an audio program that you can listen in your car.

These can be sold and will form a business. Even Steve Pavlina will create his products this year. Read the latest blog article.

I think you can do it too, if bodybuilding is really a passion.
Good thinking, I'll need to work on this... monetizing my site.. I'm not sure people in my country are gonna pay for ebook or DVD seminar... they really love everything that is free and don't like to pay for stuff esp. on internet.
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 07:07 PM   #18 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 286
Susanna77 is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AfteraDream View Post
Good thinking, I'll need to work on this... monetizing my site.. I'm not sure people in my country are gonna pay for ebook or DVD seminar... they really love everything that is free and don't like to pay for stuff esp. on internet.
I find that books or advice that work in the USA don't work here in Europe. Marketing strategies vary a lot. E-books and seminars would not work in my country but maybe because no one ever tried. Who knows?

Best of luck.
Susanna77 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 07:18 PM   #19 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 269
AfteraDream is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Susanna77 View Post
I find that books or advice that work in the USA don't work here in Europe. Marketing strategies vary a lot. E-books and seminars would not work in my country but maybe because no one ever tried. Who knows?

Best of luck.
Yeah... I think we in Europe are behind U.S here....unfortunately
AfteraDream is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2009, 08:00 PM   #20 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 19
rmuller965 is on a distinguished road
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by AfteraDream View Post
I always had passion for sports. I now am bodybuilding and I love it. It gives me opportunity to grow, both literally and figuratively. I just got laid off and have been thinking of creating a web site for bodybuilders where I could post information for newbies and others on how to reach their goals, stay motivated and communicate with others who love BBing. The problem is I'm not sure this is my calling.. I just dropped law studies which I talked myself into because lawyer is a good respected career and it pays much. And for some time I imagined myself being one... but I just stopped caring about my studies after a year and wanted to do something else. And the social network idea for bodybuilders seem so nice, but I'm just not sure. Maybe it's just fear because I plan on big things so my mind is just looking for excuses... maybe not.. maybe I'm talking myself into something I don't like again...

Anyone been through something similar? It's holding me back now...
Hi,

This is really great if you earn something from your hobby.There are two benefits,firstly you are doing whatever you passionate about and you are earning with pleasure.This will reduce of so many mental tensions,like many people are doing what they dont like but they have to do it to earn...which made them unsatisfied and frustrated.
But if you make your hobby business you will not suffer those problems.

Best wishes
rmuller965 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
I need a hobby bluesharpist101 Personal Effectiveness 17 01-17-2010 06:38 PM
Book reccomendations: Turning a creative hobby into your job? justin Business & Financial 1 11-29-2008 06:45 PM
Good idea? Trying to start a business on a shoestring budget. Meldread Business & Financial 11 09-23-2007 09:17 PM
Does Anyone Have a Creative Hobby Michelle Fun & Recreation 54 03-11-2007 06:23 AM
When is a good time to do the tax side of business? Lucas Business & Financial 6 01-31-2007 11:21 PM


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:27 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Copyright © 2010 by Pavlina LLC