From What You Love to What You Do in Business
August 8th, 2008We talked recently about making a list of what you love to do in order to decide what you really want to do in business. Today, we will talk about what to do with that list.
Your list includes the things that thrill you, fill you with joy, and you would do for no money at all. I will use a piece of my list as an example to build from.
On my list, I put down that I love to use my voice – talking, singing, writing, expressing my point of view, etc. Okay, so now that I have that idea, where do we go next?
Creatively brainstorm actions or job that use that action. Write it all down as you fully discover and explore as many ways as possible to put that desire into action. So, I might list the following things that use my voice:
- Speaking
- Singing
- Writing
Within each of those categories, I could break it down further. Speaking could include
1. Interviewing: Being interviewed, interviewing others, interviewing on the radio, TV, or podcasts for the internet.
2. Public speaking: Giving presentation, teaching a class, or sitting on a forum
3. Creating audio products to sell.
4. Voice overs: Creating commercials, movie trailers, TV and radio ads, etc.
You see it can get pretty interesting. What’s important is that you key off of what you really love to start with and then brainstorm ideas that dovetail into that. You’ll be tempted to edit your ideas for practicality, but it’s not time to do that yet. Put down everything you can imagine that fits your category. The beauty of brainstorming is it often takes us somewhere new and unexpected. Let it flow!
Now, it’s your turn. Take out the list you’ve made and go for it. Remember (yes, I think it’s worth repeating): It’s not the time yet to edit yourself too much. You’re not deciding the final actions, but coming up with options that thrill you, satisfy your passion, and are ways you can get paid. Don’t toss out the “crazy” ones. We will talk next about how you can take the crazy ones and adapt them to real life. Feel free to post your list here to share. Fun, right? 
Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman
