For anyone in a job they do not enjoy, turning their hobby into their full-time profession is the absolute dream.
They say that if you enjoy your job then you will never work again, and that is exactly what happens when someone manages to turn the activity they use for fun, relaxation, or creativity in their spare time into their main source of income. In this step-by-step guide, you will be shown some of the key moves to make in order to turn this dream into a reality.
The steps do not alter too much whether you are a painter, a baker, a personal trainer, or a writer, but if your hobby is DIY or you simply fancy yourself as a bit of a crafter, this guide is perfect for you.
Amateur DIY
Of course, if you go back far enough, there once was a time when everybody made everything themselves. In the modern era, however, the phrase “do it yourself” became popular around the 1950s. Since then, there have been radio shows and television programmes dedicated to the act, as well as shops which specialise in the relevant tools and equipment.
To be able to use these resources, and be skilled at making or fixing objects, is a gift. If you have this gift, the first step to taking it professional is to try out as much amateur DIY as possible.
DIY sales have soared throughout 2020, so it is currently a very ‘on trend’ amateur activity to get involved in.
Hone Your Skills
If possible, find a crafter or trader who can train you in the specific skills that you think might be useful to becoming professional. For instance, if you enjoy working with wood more than other materials, then taking a carpentry course could be beneficial.
By honing your skills before you go into business, you are giving yourself a greater chance of success once you begin to commit real investment to the venture.
Choose Your Profession
Once you have a solid skill set, it is time to decide precisely which of those you plan to deploy into the world of work. Choosing your profession – or your niche – will depend on a number of variables.
Consider what there already is in your area – do you want to be competing with large, established crafters? Also, consider what areas of the industry you have contacts in or you know that there will be demand for amongst your friends. Your friends and family are likely to be your first ever customers while you’re selling from home, so use their interests to your advantage.
Start from Home
In terms of turning DIY into a profession, the main routes are likely to be crafting products to sell or providing a service such as restoration or renovation. It is likely that whatever professional product or service you intend to provide, you will initially be selling it from your home.
There are, naturally, advantages and disadvantages to this. To begin with, however, it is a necessary act to save on initial expenditure and get yourself started.
Market Your Business
From home, market your business. Start a blog, contact local traders, and utilise social media to start tapping into your surrounding market. If you are dreaming of making a success of this venture but have had to start home-based, marketing is essential to getting your name out there and getting sales rolling.
Find a Workplace
Once the money has started to trickle in and demand begins to rise, your home office probably just doesn’t cut it anymore.
As an example, a home business started in the southwest of England could then search out office space in Bristol that provides them with a workshop. The benefits of moving into a proper workspace are huge, and your neighbours will probably thank you for not hammering and sawing near them all day too.
Build Your Contacts
With a new workspace, marketing and business management will be much easier. With an office that customers can visit, you can begin to build your contacts and start benefitting from referrals and reviews.
Expand Your Business
Adding up all of the above, it’s clear to see you’ve come a long way. Self-employed and enjoying your own office space, if sales are good then it could be time to expand. Whether this takes the shape of a second office, overseas sales, or hiring an employee is up to you.
Remember to Take Time Off
Finally, don’t forget to have some downtime, take holidays and reflect on how much you have achieved.