Kikabink News

There are two main schools of thought when it comes to whether or not you should build a business based on what you’re passionate about.

Some argue that if you pursue your passion the money will follow. Others say that you may not be able to build a sustainable or lucrative business based on your passion. You might be passionate about building things with toothpicks… but whether you can translate that into a business is another matter.

My view is this: just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t means you’ll be able to build a business around it.

HOWEVER you do need to be passionate about your business to be successful.

Depending on who you are, being passionate about the subject matter of your business may be optional. It’s not optional for me - I need to be passionate about what my business does in order to stay interested in it - but I’m well aware of successful business people who have nothing more than a passing interest in the products and services they sell.

What I don’t think is optional is a passion for your customers. Not if you’re going to start a business from scratch and build it into something GREAT. Equally, I don’t think being passionate about business itself is optional.

Unless you love the cut and thrust of building a business, it’s unlikely you’ll have the persistence, resilience or “opportunity radar” required to overcome the inevitable challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.

As you probably know, there’s a big difference between BEING online and SELLING online.

One of my web design clients runs a business that falls into the first category and is now considering moving into the second.

But she’s a little nervous - there happen to be numerous online competitors offering very similar products to her.

In fact, if I didn’t her better I’d say she sold a commodity - one that is subject to price wars and that’s difficult to make a lot of money from.

But I do know her better. And I know that she sells much more than her product. She sells:

1. Speedy delivery.
2. Unique training and ancillary products.
3. Excellent customer service - she really goes the extra mile for her customers.
4. Indepth knowledge of her product.
5. Personality and passion.

While some may be able to match my client’s speedy delivery… I really can’t see anyone else being able to compete with her in terms of 2,3,4 and 5. Certainly not all!

In fact, these “value adds” are what will allow my client to stand out, charge more and get more customers online.

So what’s the take-out for you? Well, take a look at what you’re selling on the Net. Are you value adding? Are you offering 1-5 in the list above on top of whatever product or service you sell? Or any other value-adds that I haven’t listed (there are probably many possibilities)?

If so, you’re well positioned to avoid commoditization and build and maintain a successful, profitable Internet based business.