To get you ready for 2010, I thought I’d start a series on “how-to” articles. You still have time to get started on this amazing new year, even though it’s January. This “HOW TO” series will begin with me asking you to think about whether you really know if you’re in the right place and doing what you love. Are you certain that what you’re doing right now is the best for you?
If you’re in the contemplation phase of trying to find out what you love and how you can turn it into a business, this information is equally important. This can be done in many ways. Here are 7 steps that will help you determine if the things you do or are considering doing are right for you.
Step 1: WHAT DO YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE DOING? What are you passionate about?
What would you do if money wasn’t an issue? What are you passionate about doing in your spare time? What do you love to do on weekends? Do you enjoy painting? Do you love to sing opera in the shower Teach children to read. Do you want to help others? If yes, who and with what? Are you a racing car enthusiast? Do you love to mountain bike? Are you a lover of exotic wine? Do you love to dance? Spend some time now to let your thoughts flow. Make a list of all the things you enjoy doing and keep going until it’s all on paper.
Step 2: WHAT ARE YOUR REALLY GOOD AT?
What are your talents? What are you good at? Do you have a knack for writing? Teaching? Budgets Forecasting Training in fitness? Selling? Selling? Singing? Singing? Building businesses
Step 3 – COMPARE ALL YOUR LISTS
Look at the things you enjoy doing and what you excel at. Are there any commonalities? Use a marker or pen to highlight the most common items. You may love teaching children how to read, and be a great teacher. But you might also enjoy cooking and being able to create delicious healthy meals.
Step 4 – WHAT CAN I CREATE?
How can you combine the information that you have just collected to create a service? What is a product? What can you do to improve on what is already out there? You might be passionate about faux finishing and painting. What product or service could you create to support this passion? What if you could start your own faux finishing business? This guide will show you how to make faux finishing products. What unique twist can you add to this product or service? What can you do to make your product or service stand out?
Step 5 – GET IN YOUR SHOES AS THE CUSTOMER/CLIENT
Your product or service can be improved upon. Let’s delve deeper into improving it. Imagine yourself as your ideal customer or client. What would you want to see happen? What would you, the customer or client, like to see happen in your life? What would you do to make this product or service your favorite?
Step 6 – GET IN THE SHOES MANUFACTURER
Next, you will need to put on another hat. Pretend you are the manufacturer of your product or service, or someone who is about to invest a huge amount of money in what it is you do for others.What other improvements would you make on the design?Functionality? It’s easy to use. Practicality Uniqueness?
Step 7 – JOIN IT ALL
What is it that keeps you captivated? What are you drawn to? What lightens the fire in your heart? Where do your ideas flow to? What is easy and effortless for you? Is there anything that rings that bell? Tells you…THIS IS IT????????? Write down all the items you own and keep them there for a while. These ideas will resonate with you. Now, focus your thoughts on the one or a few ideas that appeal to you. Give them 72 hours to ‘try on’. This will help you get over the first hurdle and allow you to finally decide what is best for you.
