How do you turn your hobby into a side business?

SGT William B. — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:56:07 -0400

I want to turn my love of concert photography into a small side business when I return the States and go back to school. However, I'm not exactly sure where to turn for questions on how to "become legitimate." There's so much involved in photography (contracts, pricing for market, management of expectations, creating a new website, getting a tax identification number, invoices, etc) and I'm finding that I'm absolutely *clueless* on how to run a business.

In your experience, what would be the best resources available for recently separated veterans to learn how to run a business, grants, etc.?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 2:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 14:59:25 -0400

SGT Bradley,

Here's a few links to check out for starting a business.

http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business

http://money.msn.com/small-business-smarts/startup-costs-calculator

http://money.msn.com/small-business-smarts/7-fast-growing-franchises

http://money.ca.msn.com/small-business/

Here's a couple links for information on getting some capital to help with starting your business.

http://www.va.gov/osdbu/pressreleases/news20131203.asp

http://www.sba.gov/content/veterans

I hope these helped. If you're interested in contacting some photographers in southern Arizona, let me know and I'll give you some FB pages you can reach them through. They're mostly in Phoenix and Tucson, but Sierra Vista isn't that far.

V/r

SGT Mullet

Response by MSgt Tim Manson made Mar 24 at 2014 2:41 PM

MSgt Tim Manson — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:41:09 -0400

Here in Jacksonville N.C. the Onslow chamber of commerce and Coastal Carolina Community College put together many free small business classes that cover exactly what you are looking for. Check with the chamber and business centers of local colleges where you will be returning to.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Mar 24 at 2014 3:32 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:32:39 -0400

I would strongly consider finding some classes on finance and business. Photography, especially wedding photography tends to be a highly litigious industry. You need to adequately protect yourself and your business. The last thing you want is to expose personal liability and jeopardize your future financial security.

Response by PO1 Danilo Banta made Aug 1 at 2014 3:49 PM

PO1 Danilo Banta — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:49:50 -0400

That's great! As they say..If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life! You have to realize that the industry you're going to has a lot of competition, so it would be good to find a specific niche in your field. In today's global marketplace, it's hard to generalize your business and finding a good niche is what will help you break out from the others. For example, if you love cars, you can do photography for cars, more specifically classic cars, and even more specific classic cars restored to factory condition(instead of high performance). This is just an example, but you get the picture. :). You'll be surprised at how many people have the same interest in that specific niche and you can build a close knit community around it if you work really hard at it. Then you can become an authority in that niche which will eventually convert into prospects for your business.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 14 at 2014 9:56 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 09:56:59 -0400

My take is probably quite a bit different than most. I feel hobbies are an important outlet for most of us, and as such, should remain as hobbies. The beautiful thing about having a hobby is that when those times come where you become frustrated by a certain aspect (and most will) you have the option of putting it down, walking away for a while, and coming back to it later. Not at all true once your avocation becomes your vocation.
I agree that there is a LOT to be said about doing what you love to do (and making money from in to boot!), but I have seen many take this route and end up hating what they once loved because they now have their livelihood tied to it and the enjoyment fades.
Not saying this would happen to you; but something to give some thought to before proceeding.