Turning Passion into Business: A Potential Reality for You

The line between work and hobby is becoming increasingly blurred with each passing day. More and more people are finding ways to turn their passions into profitable ventures.

But how exactly can one achieve this? Could you run a business with passion?

Recently on a episode of Gary Vaynerchuk’s podcast, we got some inspiring insights from entrepreneur Scott the CEO of Brand Vending Products, and Sqwishland, also known as Mr. Squishy.

Let’s explore their conversation and learn how you can leverage your interests to create successful side hustles or even full-fledged businesses.

The Power of Passion

One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the importance of identifying and pursuing your passions. As Scott puts it:

“Passion – you look at it directly at passion. What do you do on your off time? What do you do that you love?”

This simple yet powerful question is the first step in turning your interests into a potential business with passion opportunity.
Whether it’s sneakers, building things, helping people, or playing with toys, your passion can be the foundation of your entrepreneurial journey.

Scott’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Scott’s story is a perfect example of how following your interests can lead to unexpected opportunities:

1. High School Hustle: Started by writing a book about auctions and reselling items.
   
2. College Investment: Invested in a virtual reality company during his freshman year.
   
3. Tech Innovation: Worked on aroma technology used in Disney rides.
   
4. Simulator Creation: Built NASCAR simulators for General Motors.
   
5. Lego Animation: Pioneered the animation of Lego products.
   

Throughout his journey, Scott maintained a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm, which he credits as a crucial factor in his success.

The Importance of Youthful Enthusiasm

Gary Vaynerchuk emphasizes the value of maintaining a childlike enthusiasm in both business and life:

“I wonder and I think a lot about why am I happier than most people… I think my ability to hold on to my youth, me being childish as a good thing, my never fully converting to full pledge adulthood… has a huge impact on my joy and my peace of mind and honestly my professional success.”

This perspective challenges the conventional notion that success requires a serious, adult-like approach.

Instead, it suggests that maintaining a sense of wonder and playfulness can actually contribute to both personal happiness and professional achievement.

Identifying Opportunities in Your Passions

Many people struggle to see how their interests could translate into profitable ventures. Gary points out:

“I don’t think people think you can make money in the thing you like.”

He uses the example of thrifting to illustrate this point:

• Someone who enjoys thrifting on weekends could potentially turn it into a full-time business.
  
• By expanding their focus from personal finds to reselling a wider range of items, they could potentially earn a substantial income.
  

The Ripple Effect of Passion Projects

One fascinating aspect of pursuing your passions is the unexpected opportunities that can arise. Scott shares an anecdote about his work with Lego:

“The kids would actually come out and visit me with their Lego creations and that was so heartwarming to me… I wanted that customer to feel like they were listened to.”

This experience not only brought joy to Scott but also helped him understand the importance of customer connection – a valuable lesson for any business.

Overcoming Obstacles

It’s important to note that turning your passion into a successful business isn’t always easy.
You may face challenges such as:

• Skepticism from others
• Financial constraints
• Time management issues
• Market saturation

However, maintaining your enthusiasm and being willing to adapt can help you overcome these obstacles.
As Scott’s story shows, sometimes the unconventional path (like dropping out of college to pursue a business opportunity) can lead to remarkable success.

The Broader Impact

Beyond personal success, pursuing your passions can have a wider positive impact. Gary notes:

“I have spent the last 15 years enabling people to find angles in business and marketing mentally.”

By sharing your journey and insights, you can inspire and help others to find their own path to turning passions into profitable ventures.

The Key Steps to Create a Business With Passion

Using insights from the podcast, here are some steps you can take to explore entrepreneurial opportunities based on your interests:

1. Identify Your Passions: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
   
2. Explore Monetization Options: Research ways to turn your passion into a product or service.
   
3. Start Small: Begin with a side hustle to test the waters.
   
4. Maintain Enthusiasm: Keep the sense of fun and play in your work.
   
5. Be Open to Opportunities: Like Scott, be ready to pivot and explore new avenues as they arise.
   
6. Leverage Technology: Use social media and online platforms to reach a wider audience.
   
7. Network: Connect with others who share your interests or work in related fields.
   

Final Thoughts

The conversation between Gary Vaynerchuk and Scott offers valuable insights into the power of passion in entrepreneurship.

By maintaining a sense of play, enthusiasm, and openness to opportunities, you can potentially transform your interests into successful business with passion venture.

Remember, the key is to start with what you love. As Scott advises:

“Whatever your passion is, whatever you spend your off time, the time that is most valuable… where do you spend it?”

So, take a moment to reflect on your passions. Could they be the foundation of your next big venture? Will you create your business with passion?
The opportunity might be closer than you think.

(Source: The GaryVee Audio Experience Podcast With Scott ‘Mr. Sqwishy’ Jochim)