Time To Act

I started this newsletter primarily as a platform to kickstart my own online publishing business, while hoping to inspire anyone else who may be seeking to take control of their own destiny doing what they are passionate about.

Over the last two months, come hell or high water, I managed to get the weekly bulletins out on time, irrespective of how I felt, what the circumstances were, and especially during the many occasions when inspiration was sorely lacking. Was it hard work? You bet! Has it been worth it? It’s been genuinely fulfilling. I’m getting to do what I’ve always wanted to. Write.

This week, I will share a few practical actions you can take to turn your passion into a small (or big!) gig, side income, or full time business. However way you want it. After all, it’s yours 😃 

Whoa!

Mark Danielewski’s radical assertion of “Passion” jolted me out my comfort zone like never before.

He says, “Passion is not about experiencing constant joy or exuberance, but rather about persisting through challenges and hardships. It suggests that true passion requires the ability to withstand difficulties and maintain dedication and commitment in pursuit of one's goals.”

But isn’t that the story of our lives? So, what gives?

Does any one of the following statements resonate with you ?

• Low pay or unequal pay

• Lack of job security

• Lack of opportunities for growth and advancement

• Poor work-life balance

• Unfair treatment or discrimination

• Unfulfilling work or lack of purpose

• Toxic work environment or difficult coworkers/bosses

• Burnout or overwork

These are some of the usual culprits that bring frustration, dissatisfaction, and disillusionment with one's job and compensation. But can you do something about it?

Leverage Your Passion

Susan, a corporate executive, discovered her passion for baking. She launched a home-based bakery, specializing in custom cakes and pastries.

She leveraged her own knowledge, expertise and her existing customer base. Because her existing customers already knew how passionate she was about her work, buying her bakery products were a foregone conclusion. They knew it would be good.

Was it all smooth sailing for Susan all the way? I don’t think so. Did she have doubts? No doubt! But she persisted, overcame the challenges and is now thriving. Like Susan, you too are built for better things.

But here’s the catch:

Note: Jim Kwik is a renowned brain coach and author who specializes in memory improvement, speed reading, and accelerated learning. His clients include Elon Musk, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey. So, there you go!

Harness Your Expertise

Many of us have accumulated valuable expertise over the years from the work we have all been doing.

What are your core skills and knowledge? How they can be transformed into income-generating opportunities? For example, if you have a strong background in graphic design - offer freelance design services or create and sell digital assets online. .

True-life story: Sarah, a skilled photographer, transformed her expertise into a thriving business. She began offering professional photography services for weddings and events, capturing precious moments for her clients and building a loyal customer base.

Today, it’s possible to start a freelance photography service with just your smartphone, maybe a PC, and an Internet connection. That’s it. Don’t overthink it!

Embrace the Sharing Economy

Platforms like Airbnb, allow you to rent out a spare room or property. Consider becoming a rideshare driver (Uber, Grab, and others). These options allow you to monetize your assets while providing a valuable service to others.

I know of a friend who lives in a suburban area but drives down to the city for work daily. As a Uber driver, he picks up passengers along the way. On the return journey, he delivers fresh vegetables to a grocery mart near his home. His gig work subsidizes his travelling expenses. Ka-Ching! Money in the bank.

Here’s another real-life example:

Mary, an empty-nester with a spare room, listed her space on Airbnb. She opened her home to travelers, earned extra income and got to meeting people from around the world, bringing new experiences into her life. Voila! Mary is enjoying a renaissance in her senior years. ❤️‍🔥 

E-commerce and Online Marketplaces

Sell products or crafts through online platforms.

The number of people buying through Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, Ebay, Taobao, Alibaba and other platforms is a staggering 2.64 billion in 2023. That’s 33% of the world’s population. The e-Commerce market is worth $6.3 trillion today. Imagine if you could take a slice of that pie!

Real-life example: David, a talented woodworker, started selling his handcrafted furniture and decor on Etsy. His creations gained popularity, attracting customers globally and transforming his hobby into a thriving business.

Final Thoughts: Remember,

Till next time,

Jude

p.s. if you would like to know more about what I do, shoot me an email!