Blog: How To Turn a Hobby Into an Industry Career

​How To Turn a Hobby Into an Industry Career

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​Whether your hobby is soap-making, painting, or related to the performing arts, many of us dream of making our pastimes a career. However, some of us may have been put off from disheartened enthusiasts. There are also those who are anxious about budget constraints. Nothing is beyond our imaginations, however, and so it is important to research your industry if you are considering taking it seriously. Below are a few ways to take your hobby to the next level, or to start progressing through the industry:

Online and Local Communities

While you should always take advice with a pinch of salt, online and local communities could be invaluable to you and your particular industry. If you are making soap, for example, and have struggled time and time again with a particular recipe, you may want to seek advice from those who have been there and done that. Making your presence known to those who are also in your circle could also potentially open up opportunities for you in the future. 

Industry Shows

Whether you attend conventions or in the future potentially host one at a convention center, industry shows are often the Mecca for traders. These large trade shows allow sellers and experts to showcase what they are really capable of, and to provide expertise to fellow enthusiasts. These are a great place to start, too, for market research. If you’ve ever wanted to see your what chosen industry would look like if it were to show up in one place at the same time – this is a prime example of that. Being able to witness so many businesses in one space allows you to learn from the best of them and potentially spot gaps in the market. 

Get Savvy

One of the main differences between maintaining a hobby and starting a business is your approach. In order to start making a profit, you will need to start getting savvy with number-crunching. For example, if you are spending plenty of money on supplies, but charging very little, you could start out by making a significant loss. You will need to make note of your overheads, the cost of your supplies, and what you would have to charge in order to make a profit. By doing this, you are already one step closer to becoming a savvy businessperson. 

Take On Board Feedback

Becoming a more robust, savvy business-person also means being able to take criticism on board. Any feedback you receive should be taken seriously and not dismissed as merely an opinion. After all, any comments on your products or services may be felt or held by a wider audience. This feedback allows you to refine, improve, and adapt what you have to offer the wider public. 

Turning your hobby into a business could be an interesting profession for you. While it may become a money-spinner, you will have to be accepting of some significant changes to your approach. It may even see you enjoying your craft a little less in the short-term. So long as the rewards are worth it, both emotional and financial, it could be a wise investment for you.