If you have the skill that you use during your free time, why not consider making it your career? Whether it’s drawing, designing, writing a novel, or simply tutoring, you can earn extra. You can also monetize it and turn your talent into a money-making business journey. Immerse yourself into something you like and at the same time make a living!

The common hobbies that potentially turn into a negosyo can be baking, cooking, photography, web design—everything that gives values to others. This can be an ideal thing to start because you know already how to do it. But you should first need to know, the talent that you enjoy doing can change and lead to less fun activity when you use it for financial necessities. So, it’s important to assess yourself if you are willing to go to the possibility of losing the fun in your hobby as it starts to feel like work.

If you’re decided, here’s a list of how you can turn your hobby into a profitable business.

Know if there is a market for it

It’s vital to research your market. You need to discover if people are willing to pay for what you offer. Do not be easily persuaded if your family or friends like what you did. You must remember that people have their own taste, and probably, they are praising you to give you support in everything that you do. For instance, they loved and praised your baked cookies, but it turns out that others seem to conclude that it doesn’t meet the standard of a good cookie compared by the professional bakers. You may also like designing, and your friends told you that you can use your skills to create a new look for a product package. Some businesspeople may like what you designed for them, but there could be others who will prefer other designs. You should put in mind the things that the things you are doing are not hobbies anymore, but your work should have professional quality.

Make a plan

You need to create a business plan that outlines your business in the present. Consider the planning if this is for the short, medium, or long term. It is also important if you can provide a clear assessment and planning to know the goals you want to achieve.

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Test your business

This will help you evaluate the things you need, and if you can commit to working on the issues that may come in the way. You can work hard as a part-timer while doing your day job. Testing is part of establishing a business, so take time to absorb everything you need to know and fully understand how you can work it out to avoid spending much of your effort and money.

Look for resources (equipment and materials)

Some hobbies require extra materials and equipment to be able to function. And if you want to take your business to the next level, you need to look for supplies that can help you produce quality service or product. You may need extra camera lenses for photo and video production or more wood and paint for your carpentry business.  You may also need a commercial refrigerator if you’re into cooking or baking to keep your raw items fresh. For that, make time for research so you can have an idea about the best and quality refrigerator brand that will cover your needs in your food business.

Market your business

Marketing activities should be part of your operation. You can ask your family and friends to connect your business to others. Aside from building your network, developing a marketing plan can give you a clear idea of your target customers, where they can be found, and you can persuade them to buy or use your product or service. You may also use the power of social media by creating a page where you can post your products and services to reach a broader audience.

It can be fun turning your hobby into a business. It could be the easiest way where you can earn money while doing what you know and love. But you should not forget to treat it as a professional business. It will also help if you can attend seminars, events, even find a mentor to give you more knowledge about your craft and business making. It will come in handy especially if you want to sustain your business for so many years and decide to expand it in the future.