Whenever I meet someone who has a complete understanding of their calling in life I stand in great admiration, especially if they are high school or college students. Granted, they might change their minds a few times before they graduate, but at least they feel something pulling at them

Until recently I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I worked my job to earn a living not to build a career and I struggle with my “purpose.” I wasn’t even sure what I was good at, what my biggest talents or gifts were. When I did start my own business I was lucky enough to fall into something I realized I was in love with after the fact.  It has become my passion and I am blessed to do something I love.

So how do you find your passion and put it to work for you as a home business? First let’s be realistic, there are some passions that just won’t translate well into a money making venture. For example what happens if your passion is coaching a local Little League baseball team, and you find that you are good at it? We all know this is something you don’t get paid for and even if you did, it would be seasonal.

So how could you take that talent and turned it into a business? Maybe you have an idea about designing better safety or playing equipment, perhaps you can improve on an existing product. Even better, why don’t you organize baseball camps for the little players to improve their batting average, boost confidence and make their throwing arm stronger? Fall Ball leagues and private lesson through-out the winter would help you maintain a steady stream of income. You’ve taken a seasonal hobby\passion and turned it into a potentially profitable business.

Others may seem too big or too out of reach- this is easy to overcome. We will just break it down into small easy to chew steps. We all know that person who is a fantastic cook, every time she has a big gathering at his or her house people are so impressed with the food that they say “You should be a caterer,” or “You should open a restaurant.” People who are good cooks usually enjoy cooking, so therefore they’ve found a true great passion. However starting an entire catering business from scratch is a huge financial undertaking and a big drain on your time.

For someone in this situation I recommend that you start small. How about specializing in either cookies or finger food only? I love the idea of a hors d’oeveres   only cocktail party. You start small with specialty food that will be simple to prepare, without the large investment required for commercial kitchen and equipment. Also, you’ll start with a small manageable client base and build. The best advertising for a caterer if word of mouth, people will be so impressed with your food that they’ll have to tell others and they will remember you when it comes time for their party! Keep the big picture in mind as you build the business but focus on the small details in the beginning to keep things simple.

Whatever business you chose or whatever business chooses you, make sure you take steps to ensure your success:

Know your industry. Become an expert in your industry. Read 30 minutes a day about your industry whether it is magazines, books or newspaper articles or even sign up for a class at your local community college if it applies. Never let any new trends, laws or regulations catch you by surprise.

Know your competition. If possible be a patron of your competition, note what you like (great customer service?) and dislike (poor location?) and use that to implement positive decisions in your business
Know your suppliers. Building a good relationship with suppliers is as important as a good relationship with clients. The quality of your end product, whether it’s a silk floral arrangement, a plate of cookies or even organizational advice, depends on the tools and ingredients you use. Make sure your supplier understands your needs and gives you heads up on specials or limited items that can help you excel.

Know your audience. Understand who you are pitching your product to. A group of teenagers will respond differently than a group of 30-Something stays at home Moms. Demographics are so important. What you offer can probably be enjoyed by different groups of consumers, just make sure you adapt and tweak your offers or pitch to fit the right audience.

Find something you are passionate about- think about what takes up our time. Is it your children? Consider a daycare business. Do you love animals? Think about a dog walking business or a mobile Pet Grooming franchise. Feel strongly about the environment? Sell green products from your home or over the Internet. Are you a girly girl who loves to look her best? Find a good direct marketing company with great skin care and make-up and start selling.

Are you lucky enough to have a back ground in accounting, law, graphic arts or the financial world? How about starting a consulting company right from the comfort of your home computer?

Remember to start small and build up, you’ll be better able to handle the financial side and juggle your schedule. Remember if you have an entrepreneurial spirit you will have to make sacrifices, either financial or time on the front end to reap the benefits in the future.