Monday Inspiration: How to Turn a Skill into A Business

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It always amazes me at the talent and vision people possess. Women in particular, I tell ya we have an eye for things. We look at things differently. We see potential in what others don’t. We know how to take something we like and turn it into something we love. And if we are really savvy, we can capitalize on it. Have you ever had an idea and wished you could run with it? Make a living off of it even? Let me be the first to say now it is time to think small.

So many people tell me, that they just don’t have any talents. But the reality is, there is something you are good at that someone else is not. And what I have found is, people are willing to pay for that. Whether it be cleaning a house or baking a cake, people are willing to pay others to do the things they can’t or don’t want to do. I am amazed at the number of things people can’t or don’t want to do.

So what keeps people from turning their idea or skill into something more? Fear. Naturally the fear sets in next. We talk ourselves into thinking we are not good enough, or that we don’t have the start up funds, or that we will just table the idea for another time. Really, it is time to think small.

I once saw a story about a craft show vendor who started out making sugar scrubs in her own kitchen, and now does a dozen shows a year and has an online storefront. I heard another about a woman who began painting letters for children’s rooms just last fall, and just sold her 200th order on Etsy. There are many stories like these. Each one of these women is a mother, or a wife, has good days and bad days. They had naysayers. Lots of them. They all thought at one time what if but pushed through it. They dreamed big but kept it simple and small, starting off by participating in a show, that lead to more shows, that lead to a storefront, that lead to their own business. Don’t you lover that? Small steps and small ideas can equal big things.

 So what small idea do you have ready to bloom? Do you like to bake? Start off by advertising your services for children’s birthday parties. Offer to do a friend’s party for free to get your name out there. Like to make jewelry? Invest $40 booth rent in a local show to promote yourself. Take custom orders and get your name out. List a piece on Etsy.  Love to upcyle? I once heard of a gal who saves old chairs from the curb, adds a fresh coat of paint and uses vintage fabrics for a new cushion and viola! She has a piece of functional art. Instead of paying rent at a shop somewhere she takes a pic and slaps it on Craigslist for sale. People who have bought from her know to check often to see her latest pieces. All it took was selling one piece.

Are you thinking small yet? Go after it that little thought. Then watch your small idea bloom. And the rest…well the rest just seems to fall into place.

How are you going to think small today? Share your ideas with us on the Facebook page and Community Chat page!

Be inspired friends!