From Passion to Profit: Monetize Your Hobbies
Constant movement is your only way to success. We are not discussing what success is; let it be the best realization of your soul.
All steps you take are correct. You might not believe it, but the worst thing is not taking any steps at all. Let’s talk here about your career. Any step you take in your career and business will lead you to success, to different kinds of success each time.
Let me give you an example. Early in my career I wasn’t satisfied with employment. It’s not important why, but it was mostly because of a low management culture, limited opportunities, and low salaries. I just wanted more. I started with trainings in early 2013.
I was working at American software company as a lead generation manager (or “lead grinder”, as they called it). They showed me the path: a market niche with some demand, and a way to do the job. I was an early fan of LinkedIn and started using it in 2008. The network itself appeared in 2003. So, I observed how it all works, how the Ukrainian community slowly started using it, how C-level executives gradually appeared on the network.
I began educating local Ukrainian corporations on how to use LinkedIn to reach anyone they wanted for their sales. Now it’s not a topic, but 10–12 years ago just a few office professionals in Ukraine knew how to use LinkedIn, and my obsession with this network led me to success in my trainings. I closed deals with several big corporations off the street.
When conducting trainings, I noticed that my clients did nothing afterward. I asked them, “Have you accomplished anything you’ve learned?” and they said “no,” giving various excuses. So I started doing the job for them. This is how GrowSpire Agency appeared.
My story won’t work today. You can’t just copy this path and create a business anymore. But what I’ve learned will help you on your unique journey:
▸ Constant learning in the things you do. You won’t be able to master supersonic things by reading books, but you can learn important lessons by trying something new.
▸ An obsession with life and a genuine interest in new things will lead you to success. Experiment with new technology that you see around you, and discover what you love.
▸ You can’t master skills by attending trainings: professionals rarely share the up-to-date secrets of their trade. Most trainings are superficial. However. you can acquire your own professional secrets by doing your job daily, pursuing what you love, and experimenting.
▸ Some people and companies will pay for things you do effortelessly and with passion. Are you a gamer? Do you cook with ease? Are you drawing on fences? Do you love to dance? — your new profession awaits!
▸ Industry knowledge paves the way to new business opportunities. If you’re interested in starting a business, immerse yourself deeply in some industry. Compile databases of companies, manage communities and discuss their needs.
▸ If you don’t know what to do, or if you’re in a crisis, just do something. Become a volunteer, work for free. It will lead you to success.
I hope my Osho-style story inspires you to take action and learn new things today. I wish you success on your path! Just keep in mind: everything you do is right.
Would you share your story in the comments how you’ve monetized your skills?
#Entrepreneurship #CXO #Marketing #Career #Executive
