<p>Like many other business owners, I enjoy talking to people about their businesses and careers. It's interesting to find out the various motivations people have for doing what they do. As you know, the majority of people are just in "it" for the money. That's fine of course - we all need some! So often though, people tell me that they don't know what they <b>really</b> want to do, and that they've always wanted to own their own business. At some point in our lives, we've all been in that searching, unsatisfied phase of knowing there is something more to life and work. I ask them one simple question: If you could do any kind of work you wanted, but didn't get paid for it, what is it that you'd do? The answer to that question is very important for each individual. The answer leads people to discover the inner drive that motivates them - imparted gifts - their heart's desire - life purpose - PASSION.</p><p>Inside of you there is something totally, completely different from anyone else on the planet. If you can tap into your "passion," you are on your way to feeling fulfilled about your life's purpose. Many people never discover their passion and purpose even though it's available and inside each of us. The brightness of life slowly dims as a person moves further away from their passion and who they were meant to be. </p><p>Finding your passion is a huge, wonderful breakthrough. So... having your new found awareness is all fine and dandy until you have to take it to the next step. Now what? Enlightenment becomes contemplation. How can you make a living with it? How <b>do </b>you monetize your passion? Is it possible to turn a purpose into a paycheck? I have to admit that monetizing my passion has not always been so easy for me. Both in figuring out how, and feeling strange about charging people to have me do something I love. </p><p>Here are a few business and career examples of monetizing your passion:</p><ul><li>Operate a non-profit corporation</li><li>Own a service business</li><li>Teach and/or present</li><li>Sell a product related to your passion</li><li>Create info products like CD's, workbooks, videos, etc.</li><li>Make products to sell</li><li>Work for an existing company/business</li></ul><p>Unfortunately in this imperfect world, it just isn’t normally possible for us to work for free. Those darn bills just keep coming! When that twinge of guilt rises up in your mind as you ask someone to pay you for your work - your passion - quickly change your mindset. People are normally happy to pay for a creative service or a talent that someone else possesses. In their mind, it's money well spent to have someone else's skill go to work for them. I'm sure you've said to yourself on various occasions, "Boy, I really should pay someone else to do this..." That's a sure sign that trading their time for your money would be a good idea. Give that task to someone who is good at it, and actually likes doing it! It takes all of us - every gift, skill and talent to ensure the mutual success of all of us, right? After all, life is a team sport so get good at the position you are meant to have. When you find strategic people who each partner up their passions, that's when you'll have a business team that's humming. </p><p>When you finally discover your purpose and passion, you now have a responsibility to do something about it. Go get the necessary training. Find a mentor. Ask for help when you need it (you will need it). Develop your skills and hone your gifts. Have the right attitude and believe in your unique "why." If you start a business, start the type of business that fits you and your life best. Set business goals and move towards your goals with each decision you make. Don't allow your passion to wither away and perish. Keep your day job at first if you financially need to. What you have to offer the world is very valuable. Your skill, talents and passion should make you proud and help others (and YOU) see the value of it too.</p>
2008-07-05T15:58:21Z
2008-07-06T16:25:18Z
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finding-monetizing-your-passion
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2008-07-06T16:25:11Z
2008-07-06T16:25:11Z
<p>How <b>do </b>you monetize your passion? Is it possible to turn a purpose into a paycheck?</p>
Finding & Monetizing Your Passion
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2009-02-24T09:45:02Z