In 1957, Yvon Chouinard, a mountain climber, began doing what many people who like to take control of their lives do: Start making money from one’s passion.
Chouinard began selling climbing equipment as a way to make ends meet. He did that for almost 10 years. It wasn’t until 1965 that he began gaining enough traction to start an actual company and hire employees.
By 2022, Chouinard’s company, Patagonia, became Inc.’s Company of the Year.1Source: Inc
If you have a hobby or interest that you are truly passionate about, then turning it into your full-time job is not just a dream. It’s all a matter of having the right system to start making money from your passion.
I know because that’s what I also did in 2015 when I quit my full-time job in London to start writing.
Based on my own experience as an entrepreneur/writer and based on the experience of many others who have turned their “passion” into a successful career, here are five steps I’ve learned along the way.
1. Accept the truth about passion and freedom
Whatever you want to do, you have to approach it from a business perspective. That’s the reality for any person who wants to make money from their passion while retaining their freedom. The late singer and billionaire Jimmy Buffett said it well:2Source: Forbes
“If you’re an artist, if you want to have control of your life . . . then you gotta be a businessman, like it or not. So the businessman evolved out of being an artist.”
Aside from the money he made from his hit songs, Jimmy Buffett built an empire of resorts, restaurants, and merchandise chains. Interestingly, Jimmy is not related to the investor Warren Buffett. But they were friends and sometimes referred to each other as “Uncle Warren” and “Cousin Jimmy.”3Source: CNBC
Recognizing the value you bring to the table is paramount. Money should not be a taboo topic. Think of it as a means to continue doing what you love. Monetize your skills, knowledge, and expertise.
If you’re a skilled artist, you can offer commissioned artwork or sell prints of your work. If you have knowledge in a specific field, consider teaching an online course or creating digital products such as e-books or guides.
The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you’re providing value to others and charging appropriately for it. The key here is to think outside the box and be creative.
2. Focus on providing REAL value
Essentially, making money from your passion is all about solving a problem or need. And getting paid for it. Whether it’s through a product or service, your focus should always be on providing value to your customers.
In Patagonia’s case, Chouinard saw a need for high-quality outdoor gear that was environmentally friendly and decided to fill that gap. By focusing on providing value, he was able to build a loyal customer base and become recognized as an industry leader.
In my case, I started writing and publishing free articles on self-improvement that people found to be useful. Eventually, they subscribed to my newsletter. Some folks bought my books and courses, which is how I earn a living.
On this journey of making money, stay authentic. Your passion is what sets you apart from others in your field. Don’t try to imitate someone else or follow the latest trends just to make money.
You must create real value. Something that makes the lives of others better. People are drawn to authenticity, which will help you create a unique brand.
3. Validate your idea
Hope isn’t a strategy, and dreams alone don’t pay the bills.
Before you dive headfirst into monetizing your passion, validate your ideas first. A good rule of thumb: Ask yourself if this service/product is currently being sold. Because if it is, then it means people are truly willing to spend money on it. It means there’s an existing market and demand.
But if nobody else is executing your idea, then there are two possibilities:
- You’re the next Mark Zuckerberg, and you’re inventing the new Facebook.
- Or you’re creating something that people don’t want or need. There’s no market demand. And your product/service is doomed to fail.
So, what’s your next move? Create a landing page. And try selling it to your target audience. If you don’t get any interest — then it’s a sign that the idea probably isn’t good. And you have to move on to the next.
4. Build a brand, not just a business
People don’t just buy products; they buy stories. They buy something because they believe in it and it makes them feel good.
Steve Jobs wasn’t selling computers; he was selling an experience, a lifestyle. Your passion must translate into a brand that resonates. As Jeff Bezos puts it:
“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
Be consistent, be memorable, and be personal. People want to connect with a brand that feels authentic and relatable.
5. Create a system that assures sustainable growth
Growth is essential for any business, but it must be managed sustainably. This includes having a system in place to track and analyze your growth metrics regularly.
How will you keep getting repeat customers? Here’s what you can do:
- Ensure your product/service is of the best quality. Again, ensure you’re providing the value that you promised.
- Reward customer/client loyalty. Another way to keep customers returning is by offering them incentives for their continued business. For example, students who enrolled in my previous courses have the incentive to take advantage of any future updates I make on the course.
- Ask for feedback and act on it. Your customers can give you crucial insights on how you can improve your products or services.
Remember, making money from your passion isn’t a fairytale—it’s a battle. With the right strategy and consistent execution, you’ll find that sweet spot where your passion pays off.
Each step is a stepping stone to not just making money, but making a meaningful impact with your career.
