Are You Running a Business or a Hobby?

woman typing on computer // business vs hobby
This week I’m going to open a conversation that is often avoided… it’s one that most people don’t want to have… and honestly – it’s one that makes MANY people get defensive…


Did you start your business to make money? I’m sure your answer is yes!
But are you really willing to do what it takes?
To build a business that is sustainable, that you can live off of financially, and that brings JOY into your world, requires a level of commitment and endurance (and at times sacrifice) that MOST people will never be willing to commit for the long haul.


If you’re trying to build a business, but you’re treating it like a hobby… You’re in for a ROCKY road, my friend.


But in a minute, I’m going to shine a light on the questions you need to be asking yourself – and how YOU can shift from being a “hobbyist” to a self-employed business owner!


Sadly, those who treat their business like a “hobby” will NEVER reach the success they “say they want”.

Why? Because there is a VERY DIFFERENT approach and thought process to decision making and planning that goes into creating a successful business.


And in all honesty, most people just don’t have it
?

I know – I’m probably triggering the shit out of some people right now…


But stick with me!


Business or Hobby  (Which are you?)

 

In today’s world of “we can all be whatever we want to be” and “I can start a business with no money down and a google search bar”, we have created a world of “want to be” business owners who are just NOT COMMITTED to the journey…


Most business owners – local based or online can easily “open their doors for business” without a solid plan in place…

 

Some may test the waters to see if they attract any clients…

 

Some start out doing this work as a side gig while working their full-time job…

 

But they start without a solid long-term plan in place – or without the understanding of what it actually takes to ATTRACT and GET clients.


Then 6 months down the line they say things like


“It’s the economy”
“Nobody will pay me for my services”
“I can’t find anyone who will hire me”
“I tried networking – I went all the time – it didn’t work”
“I can’t afford to pay for that”
“I don’t have time to do that”

 

Business or Hobby  (Which are you building?)

 

A hobby traditionally is an activity that brings you pleasure that you do in your spare time.


You’ll say “yes” when you “feel like it”
You’ll approach your days without a schedule.
You won’t invest in shortcuts.
You’ll take all the time in the world to “figure you out”.
You don’t commit day in and day out despite the results.
You procrastinate all day.
You waste hours of your day on the “Facebook”.
You don’t have a marketing plan in place – instead you just sort of “wing it”


A business, on the other hand, provides a service or products to clients, has regular business hours, and strives to make a profit.

 

Successful business owners:


  • Have set scheduled “work hours and workdays” even in the beginning when you’re ramping up and may not have any clients. You STILL need to have established work hours. Even if you’re building a business around your kids! When I started my business, I had 3 under 9. But I STILL maintained regular “business hours”.
 
  • Make decisions from a place in the future. Most times we tend to make decisions for “where we are” not “where we want to be”. One of the greatest gifts you can yourself and your business is to learn to make decisions from your “future self” ?
 
  • Commit to the LONG game. When you commit to the long game – you KEEP taking action, you keep showing up and keep taking action EVEN when things don’t “look like their working”. You instead believe in the compound effect of your efforts.


So why then do so many “businesses” fail?


I truly believe it’s because they approach the day to day operations and marketing of their business as a HOBBY and NOT as a business.
It’s the difference between making $10K a year vs making $100K a year…


When asked –


MOST people will say – YES!! I want to make $100K a year – but in reality, they really don’t.


They want the RESULTS ( the $100K) but without all the effort, sacrifice, trial and error that is required to EVER get even close to making $100K.

 

 

Most people put in $10K effort and expect a $100K return.

 


Running a business is not something you can have a casual or lax attitude about. It’s not something you work on in your spare time when inspiration hits. You need to be completely committed to your business and focused on driving its success.
Here’s YOUR opportunity to assess how you’ve been approaching your business…


Have you been approaching it as a TRUE biz or a HOBBY?


If you want BETTER results in your business or your life…


All things require going WITHIN first – and from THERE – you can shift XO


Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you are working a business or a hobby:

 

  • Do you have firm business hours or are you working sporadic hours as your family or full-time job allows?
 
  • Do you make the most of your business hours or work time, working as efficiently as possible, or do you get distracted with social media or other behind-the-scenes tasks?
 
  • Do you have a marketing plan, even for one year, which includes expected profits?
 
  • Do you make opportunities happen or do you wait for them to come to you?
 
  • Do you withdraw every penny from your account after clients pay or do you give yourself a pay structure and reinvest some of your profits into software, training, or other business expenses?
 

 

In today’s world – you do NOT need a business or a marketing degree to start a business.


But what many people don’t realize is how hiring the right business coach or mentor can help you see the gaps in your business, the leaks, and the necessary actions to set up your company to grow and generate profits.
Most people think they “know it all” – I KNOW I sure did ?


But what I learned – is that I didn’t know what I didn’t know … and the “RIGHT coach” was able to quickly help me avoid the gaps and the mistakes  while focusing on what worked to quickly increase my sales and profits…


Instead of closing your eyes and hoping for the best, a business coach will guide you through the next steps of your plan with tried and true business advice and strategies.

A good business coach also serves as your accountability partner, someone who wants to hear from you about your progress and who will call you out when you don’t do as you promised.

Committing, focusing, doing the hard things…


It’s the difference between a business and a hobby…


It’s the difference between $10K and $100K …


Here’s to YOUR $100K!

 

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Welcome readers! If this is your first time reading my blog, thank you for stopping by! As a concierge who has built a successful business, I have decided to help other budding entrepreneurs do the same! As the Founder of The Concierge Academy I write about specific topics and marketing strategies that Work for our industry!

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It’s not always easy to build a service-based business. Many see it as an intangible, but you can build a profitable and flourishing concierge business!

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