You most likely have at least one or two activities you enjoy in your free time, but have you ever thought that these hobbies can become a basis for your emotional and financial support at your retirement? Definitely, it might be difficult to impossible to convert your hobby into a side business at first, and into a main business after you retire. Use the following guidelines to get the ball rolling:
1. Start early. Even before you get to the point when you need to get busy at retirement, review your interests and hobbies portfolio, and think, what activities you like to do, and what kind of your skills can bring a joy and some income at the same time. Take some time to think about what you’d enjoy doing, not what you think would make the most money. This is important with a side business because if you have a full-time job, you might be spending nights and weekends on your hobby, and you want it to feel more like fun than work. Otherwise, you’re bound to burn out.
3. Transform volunteer work into retirement job. Seniors who have been volunteering with a local non-profit can find ways to turn their passions into a business. For example, youth mentoring skills may lead to a summer leadership program for teenagers.
5. Be creative. If you think your hobby could never generate side income, it’s time to get a little more creative. Write down a list of skills and activities you enjoy. Here are some examples of how a hobby or skill can turn into a side business:
- Love to play the guitar? Perform at weddings or offer music lessons.
- If scrapbooking is your thing, offer to create scrapbooks for busy moms or family reunions.
- Got a green thumb? Help homeowners landscape or set up kitchen gardens.
- Jewelry makers can have a shop up and running in no time thanks to sites like Etsy.
- A seamstress can make one-of-a-kind baby clothes for high-end, local baby boutiques.
- Computer-savvy people can help others set up their machines and run routine maintenance.
- Internet addicts can make some extra cash with internet marketing and affiliate programs.
- Fluent in a second (or third) language? Translate for a high-traffic blog or give English lessons to native speakers of one of the languages you speak.
8. Research the viability of the business idea. Before jumping into retirement careers, investigate the competition, the costs involved in starting the business and any legal requirements for operating the business. Create a business plan, clarifying the expenses associated with starting and running the business and keeping you focused on the steps necessary to make the business work.
9. Market yourself. People shy away from selling themselves. It can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be that way. Make sure friends, family members, and acquaintances know what you do. Often an outgoing friend will sell you for you by talking you up to everyone he or she knows. People like to connect people with problems to people with solutions. Also, when you strike up conversations with potential customers, try not to think of it as selling something. Look at it as solving a problem. If you’re a seamstress and you’re talking to someone who is complaining that they've lost weight and their clothes no longer fit, offer to help with alterations. Remember, you are filling a need.
11. Hone your skill. If you want to have a successful side business, you have to continually improve your skills. This shouldn't be too painful, since you've picked a hobby you love! Read books, take a class, go to trade shows, and talk with other people who share your hobby. Keep adding to your knowledge base.
Sources and Additional Information:
