In relation to finding the type of work you love, Steve Jobs once said, “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
What many people won’t tell you is that starting your own business will be like hopping on an emotional rollercoaster full of adrenaline highs and nerve-racking lows. The only fuel that will get your business through the other side is your passion, discipline, commitment, and love for what you do.
Anyone can register a company name, but it’s much more difficult to grow and sustain a business through the daily challenges and rough periods (which are unavoidable).
As a business leader, focusing on your purpose and the reasons why you started your own business in the first place is of utmost importance. Keeping your core priorities and values at the forefront of your mind will enable you to make faster decisions and stay focused throughout the hardcore but wonderful rollercoaster ride that is running a business.
Here are three steps to help channel your passion into a successful business:
1. Do your homework.
Research, research, research! You have a passion for something and think it will make a solid business, but do you know enough about the industry? Do you have comprehensive experience, contacts, and potential clients?
Preparing yourself by increasing your industry knowledge will enable you to hit the ground running and become established much faster. But if you aren’t familiar enough with the sector to get started, use your network, speak to experts, or get a mentor to support and guide you. By connecting with people who have gone on a similar journey and learning from their mistakes, you can not only save yourself time but also avoid unnecessary challenges.
When I started my own recruitment company, BECRUIT, over 10 years ago, the one and only clear idea I had was my passion for connecting people with the right job positions and companies.Before this, I had worked as a recruiter for a few years, but I had no clue on how to run a business. I began by networking and discussing ideas with successful and supportive friends and peers in the industry. Based on their real-world experience, I learned strategies, tips, and tricks for successfully running a recruitment firm.
2. Get your hands dirty.
You will never be ready to start, so you may as well dive in head-first. In the beginning, you may not have a plan mapped out, and you’ll likely make significant changes to your first model. But the benefit of starting a business around a passion is that you know why you’re doing it and can more easily overcome barriers that come up along the way.
It’s this deep-rooted drive and purpose that will keep you motivated, engaged, and committed when you are selling a product or service. This is where taking the plunge, is so important.
If you sit and wait for the right moment, it will never come.
3. Surround yourself with others who share your vision.
You will hear a million times that what you are doing is a “crazy idea.” For most people that have never run a business, what you are pursuing seems confusing and intimidating. Creating a network of people to surround you who have gone through similar challenges and who support or share your vision is fundamental to keep you going on this journey. You can expect long hours and difficult work days in the beginning, and support from others with similar values will see you through these times.
Perseverance Pays Off
Turning your passion into a successful business requires effort, dedication, and perseverance. It is not enough to merely have a passion for something; you must also be willing to do the work required to turn that passion into a profitable business.
By following the three steps outlined in this article – doing your homework, getting your hands dirty, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals – you can turn your passion into a thriving business.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey full of ups and downs, but it’s the love for what you do that will keep you going. So, fuel your passion, stay committed to your purpose, and always keep your values and priorities in mind. With time, effort, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can create a successful business that not only provides for you but also brings value to your clients and customers.
