5 Tips to Get Your Passion Project off the Ground
If you’re reading this in early 2020 it’s been over four years since The Binding's been open for business and just under three years since I launched The Essentials Club. So to celebrate I've put together this post to help others realise their potential and turn those passion projects into something bigger.
From working on my own business and simultaneously being a part of other people's journeys - as I help them establish a brand - it's given me a sneak peak into the world of business #hustling. It can be harsh but incredibly rewarding, so to help you navigate through these initial stages I've put together a curated list of tips and tricks from our own experiences.
1. Build a network
Whether this is through industry meet-ups, Facebook groups, co-working spaces, mentors etc you should start building a network of like minded and motivating individuals who'll have your back. These are the people you can turn to for advice (and to share relevant memes with). Chances are they've been through it before and have the solution at the ready. And vice versa you can give back by helping out with your own experiences. Building these kinds of relationships from the get go not only benefits your own well being but are a major advantage when launching your business. These communities will help you grow and ultimately connect you with new opportunities.
2. Start creating hype
Put it out there within your community of friends, family and other networks. Start building up your social media prior to launching. It'll help build the hype and create a following before you've even started business, so once you're ready you've already got a tribe to help spread the word for you. Think that's a bit of pressure telling everyone your grand plan? Well yep it is, and that's exactly why you start telling people (even if it is just a small circle of close people to begin with) because it'll hold you accountable. The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
3. Find your purpose
What's it about this project/hobby that makes you come alive?
What made you start this in the beginning?
How do you want your business to be perceived by its target market?
Once you've answered these questions identify the common drive and that's your purpose. Now write it down. By funnelling everything back to your purpose this will help with direction and provide a clear vision whenever it comes to decision making. So whenever new opportunities or clients come up always ask yourself, "does it fit your brand?". Ultimately aligning yourself with opportunities that fit your purpose will create a strong brand message and help draw in similar styles of work.
4. Test your target market
So you think you've got the grandest idea since sliced bread? May seem so to you but have you researched what's similarly available already or even asked anyone else's opinion? And if so are these people actually who you'll be selling to (grandma has a tendency to say she loves everything you do). Don't be afraid to be criticised in the early stages. Better now than when you've launched and already built a reputation. Study your dream clients and align your brand and tone to them.
5. Keep evolving
Sure that product/business idea is great today, but to stay ahead of the game you need to be forever evolving and improving, even if this means tweaking your initial vision. Otherwise if you don't, someone else will and you'll be left behind. Do your competitor research to make sure you're different from others in the market. Find ways to automate or outsource mundane admin activities so you can focus on building the business, not excel sheets. And finally get experimental with the way you market yourself, explore new platforms and creative content strategies. Make yourself stand out from the rest.
So remember that business idea or passion project that you just can't seem to get enough of? Now's the time to put these tips to good use on that, because in a year's time you'll wish you had've started today.