Do you feel like a serf working for someone else?
Do you picture starting your own business and having more independence?
Are you at a loss trying to find your life’s purpose?
How to Find Your Calling
In this article, I take you through a process to find an idea that you can turn into a business.
A lot of advice has been written about how to generate the right idea for you.
Here, I take an in-depth look at many of those methods.
Most discussions, including my own e-course, 7 Steps to Creating an Independent Income, start with knowing yourself.
While, some people say, look to your passion because you’ll never be successful unless you love what you do.
Others, suggest you design your business around what you know—your skills and talents.
Then, there are those who believe your idea should look to satisfy a need in the world.
Look to the Intersection of All Three
But, I think, the best advice is to find your idea at the intersection of all three.
Michael Hyatt’s podcast, How to Discern Your Calling says that a calling has to have passion, proficiency and profitability.
Passion, of course is something you love to do. But how about if there’s nothing you’re passionate about?
In Roger Dooley’s interview with Mark Schaefer,, they distinguish between a passion and a sustainable interest.
A sustainable interest is simply finding something you like enough to get more deeply involved with, to learn more about, and gain an increasing level of interest in the topic.
Proficiency is having enough knowledge and skill that you can start working without putting a lot of time into learning something new.
The third element is profitability. Without an ability to turn a profit, all the passion and knowledge won’t make for a successful business.
So as you’re looking for a business to start, look for all three components to be present-passion, proficiency and profitability.
Brainstorm and Evaluate
So now you need to look into yourself and come up with ideas based on your interests.
Start a list of what you like to do and what skills, talents and knowledge you have.
Ask yourself the following questions to help get ideas flowing:
- What are you the happiest doing that you don’t notice the time passing?
- What do you do in your spare time?
- What industry are you knowledgeable about?
- What do other people come to you for help?
- What special skill do you have?
- What education do you have?
- What are your desires and goals?
After you make the list, rank them from the most exciting to the least.
Do any look appealing enough that it can become a business?
Pick one or two and evaluate the idea further with these three questions:
- Who is your customer and what problem are you solving?
- Is there a potential market?
- Why do you think it will be successful?
Don’t be concerned if you don’t have to have a perfect idea from the start.
Often, the most brilliant ideas may start as something else and evolve.
What Style Business Do You Want?
There are three business types.
A side-business that will give you additional income.
A life-style business which generates enough money to live the life you desire.
Or a true start-up. A business designed to grow rapidly, but will require a lot of time and is higher risk.
Here’s an example of each:
In a side-business, you may design logos for on-line businesses, providing you additional income.
In a life-style business, you can become a consultant and grow your business as large or keep it as small as fit your life.
A start-up may design a new, innovative app. In time, it can grow into a large and complex business.
Your passions, combined with the type of business you want to develop will help shape your business.
To get further clarity, think about the following:
- How many hours am I willing to work?
- How much money do I want to make?
- How long am I willing to work on this business?
- How big do I want this business to be?
Once you know these goals, you’ll know the level of commitment you are willing to make.
And defining your interests, skills and passions will put you on the path to a business idea that works for you.
In the next article, we’ll explore how to validate and test your idea and what are your next steps.
Want Personal Help?
In the meantime, if you would like help defining what business you want to start, my one-to-one Freedom Coaching
>may be what will help you progress.
Not ready for private coaching, sign-up for my Free e-course, 7 Steps to Creating an Independent Income.
I’d love to hear your feedback.
What are your business ideas?
What additional help do you need to help you get started?
Leave your ideas in the comments section.
Question or comments? Feel free to contact me.
Please share this article on:
Interested