Turning your dream – something you are passionate about – into a profitable business is not only possible, but it is also a way to invest in others.
In my consulting business, I work with many entrepreneurs that want to push past the daily grind of the 9-5 to achieve independence and step into what they are passionate about, all while building a profitable small business that helps people.
One of the first things I do with these clients is to help them define and articulate their dream. Then, we develop a step-by-step action plan to turn that dream into reality so that they can live the fulfilling life they long for and reach their full potential.
It is possible to live this type of life, but you must take the first step.
Let me tell you about my friend, Aylssa, and her dream. She is an artist who turned her passion into a profitable business that beautifies the lives of others.
Alyssa began looking for a way to express her creativity while providing her with independence and financial security. After some soul searching and evaluation of her skills and dreams, she discovered a canvas that surprised her—fingernails!
She started small providing a few clients with individually crafted nail designs for day-to-day wear and special occasions.
Today, Aylssa’s business is three years old. It is so successful that you must know someone to get an appointment!
Do you have a dream and a skill like Alyssa? Would you like to turn them into a profitable (and fulfilling!) income producer? You can!
There are many doors of opportunity available to begin your business and to make it profitable.
We will look at a few tools to turn your dream into a moneymaking business, but first, have a look at these statistics from the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report:
- There are 25 million entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- 57% of Americans see an opportunity to start a business
- 37% of all entrepreneurs are developing innovative products or services
Think about the new services that have sprung up over the last decade. Two of them are Uber and Blue Apron.
Uber is an on-demand car service that started in 2009. It is usually easier and much less expensive than a taxi. Now, they have expanded to Uber Eats, delivering takeout food to your home—even McDonalds!
Blue Apron delivers fresh meal ingredients with recipes to your home. My husband and I love it. Since its inception in 2012, the company worth has grown to 1.9 billion dollars.
It is possible to turn your dream into a profitable business!
Here are a few tools to get you started exploring your business idea:
1. Be passionate about your product or service
I have owned three businesses, all similar in passion, direction, and product. The only real difference was the customer base.
My first venture, and the one I am still operating, is my consulting and executive coaching business at cindy-stewart.com. This business came from my years of experience in the corporate world, and from the realization that my real passion was helping people and companies be the best they can be—all while tapping into their dream and discovering the steps to make it a reality.
I love working with small business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs who are motivated to build momentum, establish a healthy culture, and build strong teams to achieve their goals. What I do makes me leap out of bed in the morning.
It all started with identifying what I was passionate about and turning it into a profitable business that I knew would offer value to my clients lives.
My second venture was a family business. However, once the family no longer worked in the business and I was left running it, I realized that while I had the skills to make the business profitable, I did not have the passion to infuse into it.
There was no vision without the passion. For me, the business became just another job.
So, I chose to focus on my area of passion.
Passion drives your actions. It enables you to push through even during the tough times.
Ask yourself this: What do I have the passion to do? Where is my level of passion on a scale of 1 to 10?
Your answers will give you a clue about what product or service you should pursue.
2. Develop Your Business Plan
The Small Business Administration has a downloadable business guide. This will help you think through the different aspects of a profitable business’ plan, from planning and launching to growing.
Another helpful resource is score.org. This website matches you with a mentor that will guide you through the business plan process.
They also offer online workshops and a library for further business plan development and self-study.
Mentoring is so important when launching a successful business. If you would like one-on-one mentorship from a likeminded coach on your entrepreneurial journey, send me a message and we’ll start the conversation.
3. Gather Needed Resources
In a 2013 article in The Business Journals titled “Entrepreneurs Rev your Engines: Startup Activity in the U.S. at 13-Year High,” the author stated that 80% of all funding for new businesses came from personal savings, family, and friends.
Additionally, the author pointed out that nearly 69% of new businesses are home based—no expensive office needed—and 44% have a family member working for them.
An important part of building any profitable business is considering what you actually need to make the endeavor successful, and what resources are already in front of you.
I remember starting my first business. I developed my brand, which at that time consisted of a business card and a logo, and then hit the pavement looking for clients.
I landed few small jobs that kept me going. Then after a couple of months and many cold calls, I scored a major corporation who had recently acquired an international company.
One of my friends was an analyst, and she offered to help me with the initial review at no charge. She was a tremendous resource for me as I began my new business.
Identifying the resources in front of you will help you go from the big picture of your dream and begin the process of developing a plan.
This process will also help you identify the tools or training you need to gain to get started.
The time is now—step into your dream! You can live the fulfilling life you crave while adding value to people’s lives through a product or service that benefits them.
If you would like a partner on your journey, I would love to help you. Fill out the Connection Form and let’s talk.
Remember, you are the BEST investment you can make!
If you want to invest in your future, find your passion AND the why behind it, sign up for my 6-week online course, Compelled to Change.
In this class, you will learn practical and repeatable strategies to accomplish your dreams and be unstoppable!
Abundant Blessings, Cindy
Cindy Stewart has a passion for people and helping them connect to their life purpose, discover their passions, and live their dreams. Cindy’s latest book, God’s Dream for Your Life, brings clarity to your purpose while unlocking vision of what is possible in the natural and the supernatural. She is an itinerant speaker, an executive coach, and hosts a weekly podcast on Charisma Podcast Network. Along with her husband, Chuck, they lead The Gathering Apostolic Center in Tarpon Springs, FL.
Please email Cindy with any questions or comments to cindystewartauthor@gmail.com. She’d love to hear from you.
Remember, you are the best investment you can make.