This guest post is by Lori Meyer of listbuildingwithlori.com.
I wanted to chat with you about passion and how it can make or break your online business.
Most online entrepreneurs create squeeze pages and blogs that target desperate niches and people who are looking for answers to their problems. But how many of those entrepreneurs are truly passionate about what they’re doing?
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is it that keeps me going?
- What motivates me to do better?
- What comes naturally to me?
- What fulfills me?
I want you to be successful, and following your passion is one of the key steps to getting there.
The thing is, if you don’t believe in what you’re doing and you’re simply in this for the money, you’ll never build a solid, sustainable business, and you’ll never be fulfilled.
How can you make money doing something you don’t believe in?
For example, if you don’t like golfing and know nothing about it, you shouldn’t pursue any business that involves golfing because your website and content will lack passion and purpose, and your visitors will know it.
When you have a true passion for something, money doesn’t matter and time doesn’t matter.
Nothing will matter but indulging in your passion.
You’ve heard it said: “Do what you love.” If you truly love what you’re doing, you will work passionately, willingly and fearlessly.
It’s easy to tell when someone is truly passionate about their business because they’ve taken the time to provide valuable, in-depth content for their readers. Their passion shows in everything they do. They go out of their way to over-deliver with amazing information.
Here’s the key, your passion, what you’ve been wanting to do forever, will lead you to your ideal clients:
- to those who want what you’re offering
- those who will come back again and again because of what you’re offering
- those who will gladly pay for what you’re offering.
When you have found a business that makes you truly happy, that lights a fire under you and motivates you to want do better, you have found your passion.
- You can work your tail off.
- You can daydream.
- You can hope for the best.
- You can survive.
But, you won’t live until you follow your passion. And once you’ve found it, go after it with gusto!
Here are some exercises that will help you find out exactly what your passion is.
First and foremost, you must:
- remove any fear
- remove any unforgiveness
- remove any and all expectations
- remove all judgements.
Now, grab a pen and paper and answer these questions (and please be honest!):
- What do you daydream about?
- What would you be doing if you could be a kid again?
- What motivates you? Inspires you? Makes you giddy-happy?
- What are you passionate about?
You must use that passion to speak to your subscribers. To infuse your writings with words that will go beyond the surface.
You need to speak their language.
You need to understand what it is they want and need, then use that same passion to give it to them.
To do this, you’ll need to work on yourself. To be totally and brutally honest with what you’re doing and how you approach your business.
Your ideal client needs you to be passionate about what you do.
That beautiful glow you get when you do what you love will shine like a beacon in everything you do.
Fire is what people follow and passion is the one thing that will help you achieve the life, and business, of your dreams.
Lori Meyer is a full-time blogger with a passion for helping others succeed in their online business. Her blog, listbuildingwithlori.com, is dedicated to everyone wishing to move forward fearlessly with confidence and motivation.
Great advice Lori. I wrote an ebook a while back called finding your passion income. Here’s the link to it (shameless plug) my books will all be banned in five days (along with many other changes to my site) for national security reasons so if you want a copy, now’s the time to get it. Thanks for the great post.
http://www.vagobond.com/finding-your-passion-income-breaking-free/
~Vago
Just to point out too, it’s free. This isn’t an attempt to hustle…Thanks.
National security reasons??
I could tell you…but then…well, you know….
You’re welcome Vago, thanks and I’ll check out the link!
All the best to you!
Lori
i’m in the process of launching my first client blog and i’m super excited about it. I guess that means I’m in the right direction :) For me, it’s best to figure out my passions by process of elimination.. Seeing the things I DON’T like, then eliminating it, and getting a clearer focus for the things I love.
Great insight Janet, thanks for that! I agree, pursue what you love, the things that you go to bed and wake up thinking about, the things you day dream about. Following your passion is the driving force behind being successful and doing what something that brings you joy as opposed to “having” to do something that doesn’t resonate with you.
I’ve thought about starting blogs and sites just to make money…but I’ve heard way too many stories of people getting burnt out because they aren’t interested in the subject matter. When I started my blog, it was out of pure passion for the subject, and it has been doing well for that reason.
Great post Lori, bookmarked your blog. I find it interesting how you describe passion as one of the keys to success, I’ve always looked at passion and success as two different things with no connection (where I value passion more). I wouldn’t wanna have success in something I wasn’t passionate about, but I guess I couldn’t either, since I would be miserable all the time and wouldn’t wanna work hard enough. good points.
I wrote a blog post about passion, dreams and goals a couple of days ago, If anyone is interested
http://martinthemindreader.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/achieve-anything-part-1-dream/
Oh and asking yourself questions like that is also something I find extremely helpful. I always ask “what’s my direction?” “what’s my purpose?” “what’s the next step?”
Hi Martin. Ask an avid gardener if they love to pull weeds, then ask a fashion designer the same thing. That’s the difference between passion and work. You must be excited when you’re writing a blog post, to have that fire in your belly about all the things you want to say rather than sit there wishing you could be outside walking the dog instead.
Thanks for your great insight!
Lori
You are so right Lori. And if you can find keywords that match your passion with low competition, the passion site will grow even faster. Well done for being published on ProBlogger. Brilliant.
It seems, when you are writing content about your very own business, you can get lost in the “translation” and dedication to the process. The process is not where a person’s focus should be, it should be on the “adding value”. So often we forget this simple mindset. I love your questions, what do you “dream about”… LOL – I dream about discovering the “silver bullet” to content marketing. However, I think there are so many silver bullets – all work, but all have to be built…
I agree Connor. The process is about serving others, it’s not about us. Not at all. We’re in the business of unselfishly providing tremendous value to our visitors and readers. Success is a by-product of those efforts.
We’re in the “people” business and the quality of our success is a direct result of the quality of value and content we provide.
I wish you all the best!!!
So many people out there still wonder how to be successful and make money in the same time. You’ve managed to point out the exact methods of finding out your passion and also explaining how to turn it into money. Good job done! :)
Thanks Chen, I appreciate your kind words. It’s all about wanting to do something, rather than having to do something. As the saying goes “do what you love and the money will follow.”
Wishing you great success!
I’ve found that absolutely NOTHING can take the place of action. Regardless of where I am at, what I’m worried about, or what obstacles are in front of me, taking action completely changes my outlook.
It could be a planning sessions, brainstorming, writing, researching, etc. etc. but some kind of action lights me up.
True Graham, targeted action yields targeted results. Making a prioritized list of tasks is a great way to accomplish important daily goals. And boy, getting tasks done is a great motivator!!!!
p.s. Remember to reward yourself for a job well done, even with the small tasks. It’s confirmation that you’re moving forward toward success.
Really good article post.
Thanks for putting these tips together :)
Thanks Vladimir, I appreciate that. All the best to you!
excellent write up Lori. I truly believe in this old statement I got from a cookery show. If Yan Can Cook, So I can I.
So if others can make a business out of blogging, so I can I with the right tools and the effort.
Great outlook Eddie! With that attitude, you can’t lose!
I’m wishing you great success!!!!
Honestly, sometimes it’s really difficult to figure out what you are passionate about.. It’s easy to be passionate about helping people make money online (No offense meant. Everyone seems to be passionate about this. I included). But my point is what more could one be passionate about to really build a business online other than being passionate to help make money? Darren is passionate about photography, that sounds more like passion for something.
For the ordinary guy this whole thing about passion in blogging is mystery..
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ikenna, Yes, it does seem as though many people are passionate about making money online, and for good reason. Making a living from home gives you the freedom to pursue other things that you’re passionate about.
What is it that you love to do? What hobby or past time makes you happy? Content? Peaceful?
ou can build an online business around practically any niche in existence, but choosing one that you love will not only make your efforts that much more enjoyable, but your love for what you do will shine through in your work, and people will take notice, love you for it, and want more of it.
As an example, if you have a passion for golfing (and millions of people do), you could create a blog about it. Topics included could be
-Golf Equipment
-Perfecting Your Slice
-The Top 10 Golf Courses
-The Coolest Golf Carts
Check out http://www.thegolfblog.com. This is a guy who is truly passionate about golf and has built a successful business around it.
This blog, http://chickencoopblog.blogspot.com, was created by a guy who loves chickens and chicken coops!
You’re limited only by your imagination. Do what you love and don’t be afraid to put yourself, and your passion, out there for the world to see.
I wish you all the best in everything you do.
Lori
Few things are better than doing what you are passionate about and having that passion support your lifestyle.
It’s important you love what you are doing, espeically when you may be doing it for a long time.
Hi Patrick. I totally agree with you. Thanks so much for your insight!
All the best,
Lori
Thank you, and you as well my friend! Keep the passion up.
Thanks for the post Lori.
Being passionate about my blogs topic is the only reason I’m blogging in the first place. Without this, I know my blog would not last very long.
Hi Andrew:
I’m right there with you. Your readers know when you really care about your blogging. Your content will reflect where your heart truly is.
Wishing you great success!
Lori
Hi Lori,
Living with passion and loving what you do attracts like-minded people to you.
The flies to honey analogy applies perfectly here. Others respond to your energy on a subconscious level.
Before I had any clue as to what I was doing marketing-wise, I attracted team members. The first thing they mentioned? My passion. They said it was contagious, and felt the energy and exuberance I had for what I did. Get down your energy, and you’re golden.
You can make so many mistakes and do so many things the experts say you shouldn’t do, but if you have unlimited enthusiasm for your work, you can’t help but to become wildly successful. All the great leaders and motivator of the world have an unbridled passion for their work, so much so, it doesn’t even feel like work.
Thanks for sharing your insight Lori.
Ryan
Thanks Ryan. I agree, a business borne from something you’re passionate about lays a solid foundation for success. You naturally attract not only ideas and strategies that resonate with your passion, but also clients and colleagues that will ensure your success.
Thanks so much for your wonderful insight!
All the best to you,
Lori
My passion for business is the flexibility of your own hours and the ability to create momentum in income
Hey Sokun, I totally agree. As well as loving what you do to get there!
I totally agree with you, passion is the most important thing for any kind of blogging.
Hi Bogati. I agree, thanks so much for your insight.
The idea which you told is good and one must be completly dedicated for it in order to get the business
Thanks Siddhartha. Doing what you love comes naturally and basing an online business on that passion is a powerful recipe for success.
Good luck in everything you do.
Lori
All great stuff. Well done. Thank you for sharing
Thank YOU Mode. All the best to you!
You are so dog-gone right. Too many folks are doing what they really don’t want to do. They keep running around like a dog trying to bite its tail.
If they would only stop and think what their life long passion is…and pursue that passion they would find success must easier.
Thanks for this post.
Paul
Hi Paul. Thank you for your thoughts and I totally agree. So many pursue an online business for the sake of making money, regardless of whether or not they know anything about their niche or have any interest in it. That kind of business is based on income and not passion, and is not built on a solid foundation.
Doing what you love is a conduit to success and your content and work product will reflect your passion for your work.
Thank you Paul.
Lori
Lori that’s great lines you wrote. It feels so good to read an article that’s not blaring of how to promote your site or blog or anything else, but just simple ways that help to enhance working at the back end. Here’s your question which I like the most -What would you be doing if you could be a kid again? Well if I were a kid again I would run around parks like crazy hanging on all the trees and enjoy it all to the fullest. The liberty to live without any concern would be the most appalling moment enjoyable ever in life
Hi James: I still hang on trees!!!
Having a successful online business will definitely allow you to do the things you love without a 9-5 but don’t give up the fact that you can still enjoy your life through the eyes of a child.
Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we can’t climb trees, run through puddles and be fascinated at every turn. We just simply forget as we get older and must remind ourselves that life is not about work, it’s about enjoying everything we do and being grateful for the opportunity to do them.
I double-dog dare you to go climb a tree today!
All the best to you,
Lori
Thanks Lori. Your article has made up my mind. I got a stuck on how I will write on my blog. Previously, I do some plagiarism for my content, and I know that is bad!
Now I’m changing my perspective on blogging. to write what I love, and sharing what I know, that benefits for everyone, not just only pursue for money. Once again, thanks..
HI Aan: Thanks for your response. What a great new approach and I know you’ll realize success from your new efforts. Good luck to you!
Great advice Lori and congrats on being a guest blogger
Great tips!
Though, let’s face it, some will stick with running after “desperate niches” ’cause that’s where they’ll make more $$$s.
But, for many of us, out passion is more important and I’m definitely one of them. I’ve been writing on Public Speaking Skills and how to create a business with your speaking for years, as well as I really enjoy writing How-to type articles on how to promote one’s business online and offline…
I’m the author of two paperback books and speak full time – blogging, is only passion – very little source of revenue [did not take time to research HOW to monetize it]
Absolutely! This world-wide problem stems from the public school system teaching and training kids to get a job so they can be productive citizens in a Society run by the rich, greedy and powerful who are rich because they keep people broke and under control.
We have a world full of brilliantly talented people of all ages who have learned to think they’re not. They think they need a higher paying job than what they have talent for. How ironic.
The thinking should be if you’re gonna be broke, you might as well be broke doing what you love and then presto you’re not broke after all. But that’s not what they believe . . . listen, don’t think, no asking why and never question what you’re told starts from infancy!
Unless, of course, you’re on this Blog, they didn’t get you! Yippee Yay for you! Happy 4th of JULY!
Great insight Leah! I believe all of us have within us the ability to live the life we choose, rather than what society dictates we should do with it. Following your heart and your passion, pushing fear aside and taking action will get you there.
Thanks so much.
Lori
Hey Lori,
You hit the nail right on the head! And probably put the hammer through the wood. If you are not passionate about what you are doing then your blog may as well be one of those Auto Blogs!
You will sound like a machine. Your blog needs a bit of personality to stand out. How many blogs are there on the net. Some purely as a hobby and others as a business, you need to stand out from the crowd and just be that bit different.
So thanks for this great post. I am a lover of music and was scared to add more audio and visual to my blog in case it put some people off, but you have got me thinking for my next blog post.
Thanks for getting me thinking out of the box!
Craig
Hi Craig, you’re very welcome. I would definitely add anything to your blog that represents you and your own unique personality. People love visuals. Did you know that people will remember you 650% more when you use images on your blog, as opposed to just using text?
Audio and visuals are a wonderful way for your visitors to interact with your blog. They will draw them into “your” world and make them a part of it.
I wish you great success Craig!
Blessings,
Lori
Great post Lori,
The great thing about doing what you love is that you get ideas of stuff to do ALL THE TIME! – There are not enough hours in the day, and humans don’t live long enough for me to do everything I have planned! But I am loving every minute of it.
Best of luck!
Paula
HI Paula:
That is so true! When you do what you love to do, divine inspiration is there with you at every turn. It’s as though the stuff falls from the sky! Allow that wonderful passion to permeate everything you do online and your readers will love you for it.
All the best to you!
Lori
Hey Lori,
I was just recommended this post by Kim Roach and I’ve found this to be a GREAT reminder for me. I’m still in the learning curve and have faced so many hurdles and road blocks so far. One of my BIG problems is writing articles or blogging. Now I know that the subject matters/ niches may not be what I like or have some passion about. However, one question arises: what if my passion is not a profitable niche/subject matter worth going after?
All the best,
Lam
Hi Lam:
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope it helped you.
Writing is a very big problem for most because people tend to think too much when they write, rather than just allowing thoughts to flow. When you sit down to talk with a friend, do you hesitate and think about what you’re going to say? Of course not.
Well, look at your computer as your friend and start talking through the keys. Imagine you’re having a conversation about your topic of passion and you want to tell them all about it. Just start typing and allow your heart to open and the thoughts to flow. Take yourself out of the moment and allow your heart to express.
I personally believe that every niche can be a profitable one if it’s one you’re truly passionate about and want to share with others. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, there’s a guy who has a very successful blog about chicken coops!
If you have a topic that you love and are passionate about, there are certainly others who share in that.
Why not write an ebook or report to give away and start there to build your list. Do a Google search (your niche+blogs) to see what other websites and blogs there are in your niche. Study them. What are they doing to monetize their business? What are they talking about? Offering?
Study those who are already successful in your nice, they’re out there, believe me.
Follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, learn from them and you’ll find the inspiration to make your own path.
I wish you all the best Lam and I know you’ll follow your passion and be successful!
Blessings,
Lori
I absolutely agree with your advise but work hard, passion and pray still paramount to do everything. Without these three elements and then our mental will breakdown when our dreams don’t become true.
Thank you
Hi Pakde: I agree, hard work and doing what you love, and having faith will lead to success.
Wishing you the best,
Lori
Yes! It’s our Lori :))) Well Done – love this article. Elaine
Hi Elaine, thanks so much, I really appreciate that!!!!
Blessings,
Lori
Living with passion and loving what you do attracts like-minded people to you.
The flies to honey analogy applies perfectly here. Others respond to your energy on a subconscious level.
Before I had any clue as to what I was doing marketing-wise, I attracted team members. The first thing they mentioned? My passion. They said it was contagious, and felt the energy and exuberance I had for what I did. Get down your energy, and you’re golden.
Hi Mohsin, I totally agree with you on that. When you do what you love, it will show in your work and you will naturally attract like-minded people to you, those who are truly interested in what you have to offer. It’s a win-win situation
Thanks so much for sharing!
Lori
Yes, look at online auctions – people made a lot of money but then people moved on. The key to long term success is to quit chasing the money (which makes you look rather sad) and become a trusted marketer or writer or business owner instead. Work with goods and services you have passion for but essentially ensure you have a real hot passion for top customer service. Look after your customers and they will return again and again! That’s a solid business model.
Hi Success Mindset: I totally agree with you on that, write for readers, not for traffic and the traffic will take care of itself.
Thanks so much for your insight.
Lori
Internet Marketing is always be my first love :) Anyway, what do you think if my passionate niche is not easy to monetized? or, just have small market? Thanks anyway :)
Hi Ivana:
I believe there is a market in any niche and if you’re passionate about it, then you have that much more energy and knowledge to share with your audience. Do a search for other blogs and websites in your niche. What are they writing about? How are they monetizing their business?
Why not write them and ask them a few questions. Bloggers love to share their knowledge and you may get some helpful tips from them.
Study the work of others, do your research online for ideas and inspiration and move forward confidently. I know you’ll do very well for yourself. If it’s a small niche, this is your opportunity to expand on it and bring it to the world.
I wish you lots of luck and many blessings,
Lori
Hi…I do not mean that IM niche is a small niche. I mean, how about what we passion about is not grabbing a big market? let’s say if there’s scientist who wants to share his/her passion about gravity. Well,something like that :)
HI Ivana, please read my previous response, I hope it helps you.
Best of luck to you!
Lori
Great article, Lori! Love the topic.
I totally agree. Individuals starting a business should be passionate about the topic/problem(s) they are trying to solve. Personally, I don’t waste my time and energy on something unless I know I’m truly passionate about it. One way I can tell if I am passionate about something is by answering this question: Can I really spend my time doing ___x____ for free? If the answer is no, then it’s really not what I’m passionate about. Even when the path is really hard, most often your passion is the only thing that keeps you going. I have found, the more you expose yourself to new things, the more likely you are to find out what really makes you excited.
Great insight Kelsey! I agree, your passion for what you do is the driving force behind your time, your motivation and creativity. If you’re struggling with what you’re doing, your content will suffer for it.
Thanks so much for your great wisdom!
Lori
Wow! I love it. It`s so true. In everyday`s life many people goes to work they don`t like it. They go because of money. Sometimes there is no choice, at least yet, but food must be put on the table. I see people tired, without smile on their face and often they seem somewhere “in the clouds”. Yes, they probably dream as we all do. Those who do what they really LOVE to do are lucky ones. It is not always necessary to be own boss, but when one does what one loves it doesn`t matter. Work hard is good, but work smarter is better. Besides, we have to think positive too. Sometimes we have enough when something don`t work, but give up is easy, too easy. Thinking about competition makes us worry too, but there are competitors everywhere, even in offline business. This is how it works and all we can do is to do something different. I know I write this way, but do I make something different? Well… :-)
Hi Adam: Yes, I agree, many people go about their business with the bottom line as their driving force but when you pursue your passion for your niche, that makes the road ahead so much easier.
Thank you so much for your insight!
Lori
Great article Lori. Your website is full of good advice too! How long have you been doing this? Your header graphics look good too. Thanks, Kindly, Steve…. http://www.fb.com/stevemohrpage