Don't Chase the Money, Follow Your Passion

55 replies
I wonder how many posts and threads there are here on WF alone that have the theme: "Do this thing & make a ton of money?"

I'm all for money, don't get me wrong. But just as the biggest joy on Christmas day is seeing the faces of people you love light up when they open the gifts you give, so is marketing a pleasure when you give something of value.

I learned internet marketing because I wanted to reach people with my success coaching programs.

Today I have clients from all over the world. It took a long, long time to figure out how it was done, but now I'm doing what I love by helping people do what they've been dreaming of too.

I'm very grateful to WF - I've met some wonderful people here and had some fabulous advice.

And if I may be so bold as to give some out it would simply be: whatever you do, however desperate you are, don't chase the money. Follow your passion.
#chase #follow #money #passion
  • Profile picture of the author damiensuccess
    Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

    don't chase the money. Follow your passion.
    Follow your passion, and the money will chase you!
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  • Profile picture of the author C G
    You're right. Do something that you like and the money will come.

    Cheers,

    C.G.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edie47
    Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

    And if I may be so bold as to give some out it would simply be: whatever you do, however desperate you are, don't chase the money. Follow your passion.
    I agree fully with your comment. Why? Because I was guilty of chasing the money instead of going with what I really wanted to do. Once I made that change, life started getting better for me both financially and personally.
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    • Profile picture of the author Taraka
      Originally Posted by Edie47 View Post

      I agree fully with your comment. Why? Because I was guilty of chasing the money instead of going with what I really wanted to do. Once I made that change, life started getting better for me both financially and personally.
      Happy about you, but somehow doesn't work for me -- I've used to give up money-making and concentrated on my passion and found myself in debts . So I didn't see any choice except of going-back to money-making world.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by Edie47 View Post

      I agree fully with your comment. Why? Because I was guilty of chasing the money instead of going with what I really wanted to do. Once I made that change, life started getting better for me both financially and personally.
      Woohoo! Good on you, Edie!
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  • Profile picture of the author neckrub
    Not to be a wet blanket--okay, to be somewhat of a wet blanket--my experience is a bit different from some of yours.
    I was passionate about photography and became a professional photographer.
    None of the work that I was paid to do spoke to the reasons I got involved with photography in the first place. Originally for me it was a way to engage with the world, express myself, and create images that could touch people.
    Instead of doing work like that, perhaps because of my lack of business (negotiating) skills, I found my love for doing photography replaced by a dread of having to take pictures for money.
    I get the point you are making about not making money your primary motivator. But I would caution that passion itself is not enough. As in all relationships, it seems to me that passion in one's work can wax and wane.
    And that's my 2 cents.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitali
      It could not have been said better that the way it is right now in the title. I am a firm believer in doing things you love and then making sure you find a way out to get paid for doing what you love. That to me is the true entrepreneurial spirit.

      Thanks for starting this thread

      Best
      Mitali
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by neckrub View Post

      Not to be a wet blanket--okay, to be somewhat of a wet blanket--my experience is a bit different from some of yours.
      I was passionate about photography and became a professional photographer.
      None of the work that I was paid to do spoke to the reasons I got involved with photography in the first place. Originally for me it was a way to engage with the world, express myself, and create images that could touch people.
      Instead of doing work like that, perhaps because of my lack of business (negotiating) skills, I found my love for doing photography replaced by a dread of having to take pictures for money.
      I get the point you are making about not making money your primary motivator. But I would caution that passion itself is not enough. As in all relationships, it seems to me that passion in one's work can wax and wane.
      And that's my 2 cents.
      Passion itself isn't enough.

      It takes vision, know-how, guts, courage, the ability to adjust... and the ability to block people's naysaying BS to realize your passion into a profitable business venture.

      Anyone who says, "Following your passion isn't smart business" doesn't believe in themselves.

      Passion sells.

      I've personally proven it.

      Mark

      P.S. You're in Southern Oregon, huh? I'm in Ashland.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mr Bill
        Originally Posted by Mark Pescetti View Post


        Anyone who says, "Following your passion isn't smart business" doesn't believe in themselves.
        Rubbish. Sorry Mark but you're dead wrong with this statement. I believe in myself and I think following your passion is one of the dumbest things you can do in business. What a ludicrous thing to say. I'm surprised that you would type such a general sweeping and obviously incorrect assumption.

        Originally Posted by tvon View Post

        What if money is your passion?
        That (in my opinion) would be a bad thing and would signify a confused mind with an unhealthy attachment to money which is really an inert object. If that person "meant" freedom is their passion I'd understand but to worship and be passionate about money itself would be lead to never ending frustration for that poor person.

        Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

        I shivver when I see threads like this.

        Following your passion blindly will probably lead to bankruptcy. Seriously.
        I 100% agree.

        Originally Posted by neckrub View Post

        Not to be a wet blanket--okay, to be somewhat of a wet blanket--my experience is a bit different from some of yours.

        I was passionate about photography and became a professional photographer.

        None of the work that I was paid to do spoke to the reasons I got involved with photography in the first place. Originally for me it was a way to engage with the world, express myself, and create images that could touch people.

        Instead of doing work like that, perhaps because of my lack of business (negotiating) skills, I found my love for doing photography replaced by a dread of having to take pictures for money.
        I get the point you are making about not making money your primary motivator. But I would caution that passion itself is not enough. As in all relationships, it seems to me that passion in one's work can wax and wane.

        And that's my 2 cents.
        THIS is exactly why trying to force your passion to deliver you money to pay rent is dangerous and will often destroy your passion leaving you with nothing but contempt.

        Leave your passions alone! Let them be free from financial corruption or you may grow to hate that which you were passionate about. I've seen it happen many times.
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        • Profile picture of the author Trey Morgan
          Originally Posted by Mr Bill View Post

          That (in my opinion) would be a bad thing and would signify a confused mind with an unhealthy attachment to money which is really an inert object. If that person "meant" freedom is their passion I'd understand but to worship and be passionate about money itself would be lead to never ending frustration for that poor person.
          Look at some of the celebrities, rappers, professional athletes.... Some of them are actually passionate about money. They might be good at what they do but, the money is what motivates them to do it. I don't see a problem with that as long as you're getting the money by ethical means.

          Most people choose a career based on the salary. I attend college right now and usually when I ask someone why they're studying in a particular field, the typical response is, "because it pays well", or something along those lines.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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          • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
            Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

            OK. If I may be so bold, let's improve the title of this thread:

            "Don't chase the money, do something you're passionate about."
            Passion isn't something you do, it's something you ARE, surely?
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            • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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              Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

              Passion isn't something you do, it's something you ARE, surely?
              I think it can be both.

              I'm not an overly passionate person, however, I am passionate about liberating people from fear, suffering, and anxiety. : )

              Although, you could say that because I'm passionate about those things, I'm “passionate” when I'm communicating.

              Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

              Therefore your business is more likely to succeed and endure if you base it on something you're passionate about.
              OK. I'm a bit confused here. Isn't that the same terminology I was using?
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              • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
                Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                OK. I'm a bit confused here. Isn't that the same terminology I was using?
                I'm confused too. It probably is the same terminology. Did I say somewhere that it wasn't? :confused:
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
          Originally Posted by Mr Bill View Post

          Rubbish. Sorry Mark but you're dead wrong with this statement. I believe in myself and I think following your passion is one of the dumbest things you can do in business. What a ludicrous thing to say. I'm surprised that you would type such a general sweeping and obviously incorrect assumption.
          Firstly, I'd love to play poker with you. I already know your tells.

          Secondly...

          I've done it. (Profited from my passion. Many times.)

          Don't be naive - just because you've let the world sink its teeth into you.

          Mark

          P.S. Oops, did I just make an assumption too? So sorry. ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Dain Supero
    Great point.

    Over and over we have read that belief is the starting point of all wealth accumulation. And belief comes a lot easier when you're passionate about something to begin with. In fact, being passionate about something is about the only way belief and hence true wealth follow.
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  • Profile picture of the author OmarNegron
    Hey Wizard...

    Couldn't agree more. I've been marketing online for a long time and then I just hit a point where I noticed I was doing A LOT of things for the affiliate commissions, sales etc. But what I didn't like was that I wasn't passionate about what it was that I was offering per say.

    I am sure there are people making a TON of money pursuing things they may not really have passion for, but I dont know, something inside me told me to pull away from the things I really didn't like and instead focus on what I did like doing and talking about (personal development, motivation). It may not be as lucrative at all, but hey...it makes me feel good and to me, that's what counts the most.

    Thanks again

    -Omar
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  • Passion projects can't turn people into millionaires I agree. But you can't really buy the satisfaction of doing something you love. And with some business acumen, passion projects can help you earn just enough cash validate that passion, maybe even earn you enough money to have a comfortable life.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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    Amazing advice. Thanks Wizardofwisdom. : )

    I would go a step further and say not only follow your passion, but figure out what your “life purpose” is and do that. (Providing it's compatible with being an Entrepreneur.)

    You will be filled with so much gratitude and enthusiasm that “success” (financially) is pretty much guaranteed.
    And, you will be adding tremendous value to other peoples’ lives while you enjoy working on your “purpose.”

    1. http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/200...ut-20-minutes/
    2. Search Amazon for “The Purpose Driven Life.”

    : )
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  • Profile picture of the author Glenn7Harris
    When i first started online with my first website I signed up for a training course that says it will give me a clear understanding how to make $30,000 in 7 days. I was intrigued, so for $5 i signed up.
    Several hours of listening to pure rubbish later, and at the end of the course, the presenter told people he puts together courses like this, charges a few dollars and signs up thousands of people, so he makes $30000 a week and suggested others go out and do the same thing.

    Firstly i find this worrying that con artists are getting people to sign up to this then telling them to do the same thing.
    It is disappointing.
    Now i am not blowing my own horn here, but this really ticked me off, so my website is devoted to helping others create websites and make them better. I make nothing out of it, but it is a passion of mine to do this.
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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron0669
      Hi Glenn,

      Well, I am sure that you can learn something new even though the course is rubbish. At least , now you know there are many rubbish course out there. For a $5, I would not expect much. But if it is a $47 course, then my expectation is different.
      I applaud your passion to help others. Persevere. I am sure you will succeed.

      Cheers, Boon
      Originally Posted by Glenn7Harris View Post

      When i first started online with my first website I signed up for a training course that says it will give me a clear understanding how to make $30,000 in 7 days. I was intrigued, so for $5 i signed up.
      Several hours of listening to pure rubbish later, and at the end of the course, the presenter told people he puts together courses like this, charges a few dollars and signs up thousands of people, so he makes $30000 a week and suggested others go out and do the same thing.

      Firstly i find this worrying that con artists are getting people to sign up to this then telling them to do the same thing.
      It is disappointing.
      Now i am not blowing my own horn here, but this really ticked me off, so my website is devoted to helping others create websites and make them better. I make nothing out of it, but it is a passion of mine to do this.
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  • Profile picture of the author terex
    That is correct if you have inexhaustible supply of finances. The brilliant philosopher Confusius said: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

    In this line of thought, you can follow your passion and at the same time earn from your passion with Digicamcash.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by terex View Post

      That is correct if you have inexhaustible supply of finances. The brilliant philosopher Confusius said: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

      In this line of thought, you can follow your passion and at the same time earn from your passion with [AFFILIATE LINK REMOVED].
      Hmmm. I don't think affiliate links are permitted in WF. Not much passion in that comment, was there? Just an attempt at chasing money.

      You've rather missed the point, I feel.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marco Moeschter
    Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post


    And if I may be so bold as to give some out it would simply be: whatever you do, however desperate you are, don't chase the money. Follow your passion.

    Can't be more true than that!
    People don't realize what it really means to be a Internet Marketer. The tying to make money as hard as they can without listening to their customers or giving value but that's what really counts.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by Marco Moeschter View Post

      Can't be more true than that!
      People don't realize what it really means to be a Internet Marketer. The tying to make money as hard as they can without listening to their customers or giving value but that's what really counts.
      YES! Being an internet marketer is no different from being a marketer anywhere, or at any time in history. You hit the nail on the head, Marco.
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  • Profile picture of the author january14n
    Amen to that Wizardofwisdom. That is one of the principles I am trying to practice myself. Just like how this famous saying goes "The more you give, the more you receive" Hope you got my point.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by january14n View Post

      Amen to that Wizardofwisdom. That is one of the principles I am trying to practice myself. Just like how this famous saying goes "The more you give, the more you receive" Hope you got my point.
      I love it, January14n. Just remember the wisdom of Yoda: "There is no try. Only do or don't do." (I think that's close enough!)
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr Bill
    Thanks for the post Wizard. I've actually spent a lot of time discussing this very method and have come to the decision that trying to make money from your passion is very dangerous...for your passion.

    The problem is that money corrupts and there's a danger that if the business fails or becomes a chore you'll lose interest and start to grow contempt for your passion. As an example, imagine a younk kid who loves cars and decideds to become a mechanic - he soons learns to hate cars and his passion for cars was destroyed by having to work on hundreds of toyotas instead of working on hot rods.

    I can think of many other examples but you get the point I'm sure. Just think about that before deciding to torture your poor old passion and burden it with having to sustain you. I've seen it happen so just a word of caution - it can easily backfire. My advice to people I speak to who are considering this move is to keep the passions separate from money making. If you enjoy what you do to make money - that's fine but to drag your passion into commerce is not always the wise move.
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  • Profile picture of the author ariver
    I so agree. Though I just started wading in the waters of internet marketing my businesses are primarily in the hotel, restaurant and fitness industry. It came about because of my life in the service industry being a steward for the airlines for 12 years. When I finally had the chance to set up my own business, the thought on my mind was never " What can I do to make money?" It was "What do I enjoy doing?" I enjoy seeing people satisfied with good service, good food, great place to dine, sleep, awesome place to workout, so these are what i got into. It was never for the money but the money did follow.
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  • Profile picture of the author tiyashakhan
    I think also that do whatever you like to do.Don't go for money.
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  • Profile picture of the author damiensuccess
    People have to realize that the money is already there!
    No need to look!

    Do what you love, desire, and can prosper with.
    As I say over and over and over -
    Money is Not Success itself.
    When you find success within yourself, and money becomes part of that success,, only then will money become success.


    People overlook personal success and just look for the pool of money. There is no pool of money waiting for successful people.. That would be called LOTTO 69 or LOTTO MAX, or MILLIONAIRE FOR LIFE Winners.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trey Morgan
    What if money is your passion?

    I know people that chase the money and have been successful doing that.

    If money is your passion then you're probably passionate about having freedom. Money allows you to buy whatever you want and live financially free and if that is what you want then go and get it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    I shivver when I see threads like this.

    Following your passion blindly will probably lead to bankruptcy. Seriously.

    I have taken 5 minutes to make one of those fabulous Venn diagrams to show you how to really make money with your passion.

    There was a young guy I heard of who had a passion for writing poetry in Old (heck, maybe it was Middle) English. He was the son of someone my dad worked with before retirement, and as far as I heard, all he did was stay in his room writing this poetry.

    Was it a passion? You bet! Do you think he made money with that? Not bloody likely. He wasn't solving a problem for anyone. Oh, I suppose if he had great marketing he might be able to find the one person in a million who had a burning penchant for modern Old English poetry...but let's be realistic. This kid wasn't going to make a single buck from his passion.

    See the missing link, and the overlap where the magic happens, below:


    See...you have to be solving problems that people want solved. That's how you get paid. Tie that into your passion, and great: now you have something you can talk about all day that you get paid for.

    Don't forget, though, that you're still going to have to spend most of your time marketing. Especially in the early years. People believe they're going to get to do whatever it is they want to do, all day long, when they start a business. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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  • Profile picture of the author JagSEO
    I think you have to be authentic to yourself and put value to the world. I'm not in a position to say things because I don't make enough money right now.

    I've done some stupid mistakes online just to make a few dollars but every time I do things for the sake of money I failed over and over again because my values and actions are not congruent.

    I think if you help a lot of people doing things that you love then that would be a passion.
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  • Profile picture of the author hafsahanifa
    Well said everyone.thanks to all for giving this opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author cjsewell
    Just make sure the passion you chase will provide you with a pot of money later. Otherwise, chase another passion.

    I know it sounds glorified to talk about passion. Let's be honest with ourselves, if you're not making enough money to live on, your passion is just a hobby. Nothing wrong with hobbies.

    But, we need to make sure the passions we chase will also bring cash. Without money you can't eat, sleep, take care of family, etc.

    Of course, you don't want to only chase money without loving (or at least liking) what you're doing.

    You need to have both: passion and money together.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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      I think it's important to define “passion.”

      For me that doesn't mean your hobbies or things that you do in your spare time. Rather, it's something that you're passionate about as it relates to Internet Marketing.

      For instance, a person may be passionate about how they cured their adult acne and that (as I mentioned earlier) is compatible with being an Entrepreneur.

      Also, I think it's perfectly fine to be passionate about making money.

      At the end of the day, we are all in this to make money, so let's make a whole bunch of it while doing something we love and adding tremendous value to other peoples' lives. : )
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post


        For instance, a person may be passionate about how they cured their adult acne and that (as I mentioned earlier) is compatible with being an Entrepreneur.
        I'm working with someone on a herpes product.

        He's very passionate about helping people, because he knows the horror of how the STD completely alters people's lives.

        He cured himself, naturally.

        He's extremely passionate about getting the product into people's hands - so they can realize the same results.

        It's not just passion.

        It's the raw desire to want to help that makes passion profitable.

        Don't chase money. Just help people. The money comes. It really does.

        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        Also, I think it's perfectly fine to be passionate about making money.

        At the end of the day, we are all in this to make money, so let's make a whole bunch of it while doing something we love and adding tremendous value to other peoples' lives. : )
        Being rich is spiritual.

        End of story.

        Abundance is our natural state.

        Make lots of money... then help people on an even bigger level.

        Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    I think that I might follow my passions too much. Lolololol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
    Wow! Some strong opinions here.

    The bottom line, IMHO, is this:

    If you're passionate about something, you feel excited when you're engaged in activities related to that thing. (Activity may included selling a product or related service.)

    The good feelings you feel are infectious, and people want to feel good, period. If you can make other people feel good, they will pay you over and over again for that. (Think of comedians, actors, sports personalities, rock stars ... tickets for rock concerts cost more than a month's groceries in some cases, but they still sell out.)

    If you feel good, others feel good being around you.

    People pay for a positive change in the way they feel.

    Therefore your business is more likely to succeed and endure if you base it on something you're passionate about.

    Q.E.D.

    Any thoughts?
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron0669
    Hi,

    I have often heard about this. But the truth is most of us started out wanting to make money online. It is usually only after one becomes successful, then we discover that we have this knowledge that may be useful to other people and can help people and that's when we are able to turn our skills into a passion.


    Cheers.
    Boon
    Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

    I wonder how many posts and threads there are here on WF alone that have the theme: "Do this thing & make a ton of money?"

    I'm all for money, don't get me wrong. But just as the biggest joy on Christmas day is seeing the faces of people you love light up when they open the gifts you give, so is marketing a pleasure when you give something of value.

    I learned internet marketing because I wanted to reach people with my success coaching programs.

    Today I have clients from all over the world. It took a long, long time to figure out how it was done, but now I'm doing what I love by helping people do what they've been dreaming of too.

    I'm very grateful to WF - I've met some wonderful people here and had some fabulous advice.

    And if I may be so bold as to give some out it would simply be: whatever you do, however desperate you are, don't chase the money. Follow your passion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Ray
    This is a great subject, good thread.

    When I don't have the answers, I usually look at nature. I find that nature has the perfect answer for everything.

    "Passion" and "Money" are words with different meaning for different people. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the meaning of words.

    So here is what I learn from nature regarding this topic:

    This is from an interview with Daniel Suelo who is living without money for 12 years now. He apparently gave up money completely.

    "Nature’s economy is a pay-it-forward economy. This means one sows, another reaps, ad infitum. For example, a bear takes a raspberry, and the raspberry bush demands nothing in return. The Bear takes with zero sense of obligation, zero guilt. The bear then poops somewhere else, not only providing food for soil organisms, but also propagating raspberry seeds. You never see 2 wild creatures consciously bartering. There are no accountants worrying what the bush will get in return. This is exactly why it works, because nobody knows how it works! There is no consciousness of credit and debt in nature. Consciousness of credit and debt is knowledge of good and evil, valuing one thing and devaluing another. Consciousness of credit and debt is our fall from Grace. Grace means gratis, free gift."
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by Joe Ray View Post

      This is a great subject, good thread.

      When I don't have the answers, I usually look at nature. I find that nature has the perfect answer for everything.

      "Passion" and "Money" are words with different meaning for different people. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the meaning of words.

      So here is what I learn from nature regarding this topic:

      This is from an interview with Daniel Suelo who is living without money for 12 years now. He apparently gave up money completely.

      "Nature's economy is a pay-it-forward economy. This means one sows, another reaps, ad infitum. For example, a bear takes a raspberry, and the raspberry bush demands nothing in return. The Bear takes with zero sense of obligation, zero guilt. The bear then poops somewhere else, not only providing food for soil organisms, but also propagating raspberry seeds. You never see 2 wild creatures consciously bartering. There are no accountants worrying what the bush will get in return. This is exactly why it works, because nobody knows how it works! There is no consciousness of credit and debt in nature. Consciousness of credit and debt is knowledge of good and evil, valuing one thing and devaluing another. Consciousness of credit and debt is our fall from Grace. Grace means gratis, free gift."
      Wow! That's extreme - but it's also right. Before there was money there was barter. You got something of value in return for something of value. Give nothing, get nothing back. The attachment to money that has developed over time is a product of ego - which is responsible for the sense of "never enough."

      We could go very deep here, but my personal experience has been that as I've practiced meditation and self acceptance over the years, the less I fret or worry about money and the more easily it shows up when I am simply following my heart.

      Gratitude is another key to this too. Noticing what you have right now and feeling grateful for it, (another day of being alive is quite a gift in itself!), lifts the spirit and as soon as that happens you have more to give - which maybe a word of praise, a smile or perhaps a hug. As soon as you have something to give that makes somebody feel better than they did even a moment before, that's when things start coming back to you.

      Sometimes it comes as thanks, love or praise. And sometimes it comes as payment in cash. They are all worthwhile.

      The important point is, you can't do this process in reverse. You have to have something to give first.

      The more you follow your passion the better you feel and then the more you have to give.

      Simple!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
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    "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
    ~ Zig Ziglar
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  • Profile picture of the author mikesalaru
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeff Schuman
      What if your passion is making money such as Mr. Wonderful on The Shark Tank? He always says he doesn't care what the product is he just cares about whether he can make money with it. Even Mark Cuban agrees that he does not have to be fully vested in a product to want to make money selling it.

      I happen to agree with you to a certain extent. Hopefully most of us here at least have a passion for Internet marketing in one form or another. Then we can find a business model and products to tie in with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mssmb
    Following your passion is great. If your objective is to make money then, it won't do you much good if you can't find a way to monetize your passion. Mr. Jason Kanigan is on point. People are better served in finding a passion that converges with a way to make money and help others at the same time.
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  • Profile picture of the author ceeczar
    Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

    I wonder how many posts and threads there are here on WF alone that have the theme: "Do this thing & make a ton of money?"

    I'm all for money, don't get me wrong. But just as the biggest joy on Christmas day is seeing the faces of people you love light up when they open the gifts you give, so is marketing a pleasure when you give something of value.

    I learned internet marketing because I wanted to reach people with my success coaching programs.

    Today I have clients from all over the world. It took a long, long time to figure out how it was done, but now I'm doing what I love by helping people do what they've been dreaming of too.

    I'm very grateful to WF - I've met some wonderful people here and had some fabulous advice.

    And if I may be so bold as to give some out it would simply be: whatever you do, however desperate you are, don't chase the money. Follow your passion.
    I like how this sounds, but let's look a bit
    deeper.

    Yes, I agree with you that we shouldn't chase
    money.

    But what if no one cares about your passion?

    It's not just about your passion. We should look
    for ways to help people. The Internet has made it
    a bit easier to find people who need help.

    Now this is NOT easy, as you have to stop
    thinking of yourself all the time and start
    thinking of what other people want and how you
    can help. But I've found that I can only grow
    when I help others grow.

    Cheers!
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by ceeczar View Post

      I like how this sounds, but let's look a bit
      deeper.

      Yes, I agree with you that we shouldn't chase
      money.

      But what if no one cares about your passion?
      That won't happen. It's passion for anything that people care about first and foremost.

      I don't care if it's carp fishing or how to prepare your breakfast, done with passion someone will always fall in love with it.
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      • Profile picture of the author ceeczar
        Originally Posted by Wizardofwisdom View Post

        That won't happen. It's passion for anything that people care about first and foremost.

        I don't care if it's carp fishing or how to prepare your breakfast, done with passion someone will always fall in love with it.
        Let's say you live, breathe, and sleep carp.

        I could have fun watching you do all that fishing
        but unless I really need you to help me catch
        fish, that's where it ends.

        The "passion" only has value if it helps someone.

        I think if people just focus on what they can do
        without thinking of how it can help anyone, they
        miss the point.
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        • Profile picture of the author wgrodgers
          Originally Posted by ceeczar View Post

          The "passion" only has value if it helps someone.
          I think if people just focus on what they can do
          without thinking of how it can help anyone, they
          miss the point.
          I totally agree. Passion makes life fun and enjoyable but it doesn't pay the bills. Now if your passion can help others... well then you've got something there. To paraphrase Zig "If you help enough people get what they want... you'll get more of what you want."

          Words to live by.

          Thanks for the inspirational post. All the best to everyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kenster
    I created this post the other day (http://www.warriorforum.com/mind-war...hes-gurus.html)

    Doing what you love is terrible advice.

    And I do agree that you shouldn't just chase the money either.

    With that said, I think following your passion will almost always lead to the same fate as following what you love, failure...sounds like butterflies and rainbows but business isn't butterflied and rainbows and in reality that type of advice generally leads people in the wrong direction. Money is derived from having a business and the purpose of a business is to serve a need...so you need to start with the need and build a business to serve it...and yes, it will absolutely be helpful if you are passionate about solving that need. And yes you can be passionate about solving it. And no, starting with a need doesn't mean you are chasing money, it means you are being wise in starting your business.

    Most successful people I know are passionate about what they do, but they DID NOT start doing what they do because they were passionate about it, they started because they found a need in the market and happen to be passionate about solving that need or most often, BECAME passionate about solving that need after they started their business.

    I will say that of the 10 most successful people I know (both successful in life and wealth wise), not a single one imagined they would have gotten into the business they ultimately got into.

    I deeply believe starting with yourself and your passions and your motivations and finding a way to monetize them is bad advice...in fact most small mom and pop businesses in the offline world fail for that reason.

    "I am passionate about cupcakes, I will start a cupcake shop" Well guess what, your business isn't meant to serve you and your passion, it's meant to serve customers. Do customers want cupcakes in your market. If not, you will fail. The chances that people happen to need cupcakes in your area...pretty slim. And that's why most small mom and pops shut their door within 2 years.

    if your market happens to like cupcakes, have at it, you will likely be successful. But again, it all starts with the consumers.

    Take the 1000 people who love carp fishing in the world and want to be entrepreneurs and have them start a business related to "carp fishing". I'm willing to bet 998 of them fail...they love carp but again, building a business about what you love and not about what customers need will lead to failure most of the time.

    Sure those 2 out of 1000 people may start successful carp fishing businesses and those are the two who will make headlines and be interviewed and looked up to. If 998 out of 1000 people will fail in a specific business, even though you are passionate about that niche, would you enter it?...I think you know my answer.

    My 2 cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author lincolndesigns
    I truly believe that chasing money is the wrong way to get money. Finding a way to make money through a passion is the way to go because your energy and focus intensifies when you're working on something that you enjoy, therefore the results in gaining money increase.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
      Originally Posted by lincolndesigns View Post

      I truly believe that chasing money is the wrong way to get money. Finding a way to make money through a passion is the way to go because your energy and focus intensifies when you're working on something that you enjoy, therefore the results in gaining money increase.
      Indeed ... plus your passion is infectious and thus you become an inspiration. And you begin building your legacy ...
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  • Profile picture of the author vLeopard
    I agree money is important but the things we are passionate about are even more so.Speaking from experience I have ruined things I was passionate about by trying to turn them into businesses. It started out great but after a while the headaches that come with running any business began to change my feelings towards my passion. Don't get me wrong my current business in based on my passion for computer intelligence and has been going for over 6 years now and I love every minute of it. It's just something that everyone should consider before diving in.
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  • Profile picture of the author jw22777
    A lot of golden nuggets dropped here!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joyce Birmingham
    I think that can be true but not necessarily in all cases. Sometimes the money has to come from other sources which can then be used on the passion eventually. Thank you.
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