Yes, I know I talk a lot about turning your passion into profits. A lot of people still question whether passion should be part of the equation when looking for work. Shouldn’t we just be responsible and find something with a paycheck? When we released Wisdom meets Passion I was inundated with inquiries about how people can turn their passion into their income generator. And you hear me giving examples of artists, sculptors, magicians, comedians and musicians who have done just that. I have a neighbor who told me how he became a millionaire at age 33 after reading No More Mondays – and he’s a Christian musician. I love hearing those stories and am thrilled at the novel passions people are able to develop into real businesses.
I’ve taken my passion for writing, speaking and coaching and turned them into my income generation. So do I think it’s possible to take an unusual passion and have it create extraordinary income – Absolutely! Do I recommend it in every single situation – Absolutely Not!
Here are some questions from just one recent 48 Days Podcast with my very abbreviated answers – that may surprise you.
Shawn says:
During my years as an investment adviser, I found I more enjoyed volunteering as a debt counselor helping people get out of debt and learning how to save and manage their money. I was able to make the switch and get hired as a credit/debt counselor with a local nonprofit agency (with a serious pay cut). Now I am thinking of building my own debt counseling practice to make a reasonable income. Your thoughts/advice?
Absolutely – it appears now your trying to force something you enjoyed as a volunteer to now be your only source of income. There’s nothing wrong with having a core career that provides income, while doing something you are passionate about in discretionary time. You don’t hear me saying that in every situation you should turn your passion into your only income generator. A meaningful life will include multiple things that provide a sense of purpose, accomplishment and peace. I’d suggest you tithe your time as a volunteer debt counselor (4-5 hours weekly) and find a position that uses your skills to create more income as your primary career.
Raven says – I’ve been volunteering at museums and galleries but now have been offered a real job in the insurance industry. I don’t have a car or a place of my own.
I encouraged Raven to take the job. No one does their best “art” when they are desperate. Get yourself out of a position of wondering how you’re going to put food on the table first. Then you’ll be in a much better place to recognize and nurture your art.
Brian says – I want to coach parents in how to be more effective as “sports parents.”
Can you create an income model for doing that? Parents will have to be educated on the value of “coaching” for this application. If you have “passion” and “talent” but no money you don’t have a real business.
Rob says – I’ve been making my living painting houses but I know my passion is photography.
I think having photography as your income source is one of the toughest things I can imagine. As you know better than I, today everyone’s a photographer. With the new iPhone 7 and PhotoShop you can do some amazing photography. To make that work you have to be 90% a great salesman and 10% a great photographer. It’s a whole lot easier to market painting houses. Here’s what I would suggest. Establish your monthly income needs – let’s just use $4000 a month as an example. Make sure you are making that every month with your house painting. But continue working with your photography, doing themed calendars, t-shirts, mugs, cards – whatever. As soon as you have had 3 months in a row where you generated $2000 from your photography – you have my permission to quit your house painting and ramp up your new business.
As I clarify in Wisdom meets Passion, there are three legs to the stool. We can’t just hope our passion alone will product profits. I see many people ignore the basics of creating a real business by thinking their passion will magically bring dollars in the door. Nope – we all need these three components:
Missing any one leg will create a stool that will fall over – it may be a hobby but it’s not a real business. Carefully develop each leg and you can grow dandelions, make fantastic fudge or stand on your head in the middle of a mall. And I’ll be there to congratulate you on your success.
All the world is going to be sunny
If, with your passion, you could make some money
But balance, you’ll need
If you wish to succeed
And make a living for you and your honey
Cliff – I love it. I myself need to keep figuring out how to “make a living for me and my honey.”
Hey Dan,
Just a quick note to let you know that I love the new design of your newsletter! It’s sharp, crisp and easier to read. Change is good.
Have a fantastic week!
Holly,
Thanks so much – we keep experimenting to hopefully make it better and better!