Do What You Love or What Sells?
Doing what I love rather than what sells, definitely inspired me to head east, leaving behind the state where I was born. Back in 1988 I escaped from the clutches of Hollyweird and relocated across the country to the Big Apple. And I have not looked back since. From the very beginning I felt empowered by New York City, which I found to be a place that you could tangibly “do something.” It is a city of less talk and more action. The message and vibe I got from “The City” was “NYC Create,” meaning that NYC truly wants you to create, as well as to help friends create too.
Surround Yourself with Your Fave Crowd
If you are like me, you are constantly updating your knowledge about evolving subject matters that you are interested in. I make a point to always be learning. That’s why I got my B.A. at a SUNY and my M.A. at a CUNY while in my 50s. As of writing this I am still in my 50s and still holding education up high. And it is my commitment to gaining and sharing knowledge that lead to NYC Workshops.
Keep in Touch with Your Niche
One topic that I am always exploring further is “niches.” Niches are very specific groups that you can promote to. Some say go for an existing hungry market, while others recommend that you pursue your passion. Of course the obvious solution is to pursue your passion as well as know how to reach others who share your same interest.
Get to Know Others Who Share Your Interest
Why? Because you will be able to interact with like minded individuals, while simultaneously will have a niche that matches the kind of products or services you have to offer. The key is not to “sell” (because who likes to be aggressively sold to?) but instead, especially if you are an expert in your passion, you will gradually be revealing who you are and what you know, such that those interested will contact you.
Update for Those of You Who Know about My Friend Who Lost a New Business Just One Month in.
The good news is that my friend has decided to do the “Creative but Broke” 9 step strategy. I even told him about its name being “Creative but Broke” and he thought that was funny (thank goodness). But I do not have any real updates to give to you regarding what industry he is intending to use it with, or what his specific goal is. If he tells me more details and gives the thumbs up, I will let you know more later.
I Hope the Strategy Proves to be Useful to Him
The strategy I developed (and that is still a work-in-progress), has to do with finding, or rather creating, a state of being and circumstance that makes it easy to use your creativity to make money. I know, it sounds like one of those “get rich quick” things that do not have much in the way of substance. That said, I truly believe that with the right focus you can realize your dreams.
What do You Need Most to Make it? is it “Creativity or Hustle?”
What is most important to have going for you to succeed? Which would you choose? Creativity or hustle? Do you want to be successful, in a kind of money and fame way? Or are you searching for others who are at the opposite end of the spectrum? We are talking about groups of people who have very little in terms of material possessions, yet are some of the happiest humans on Planet Earth. Creativity or hustle? Let’s end with a look at lyrics from the song “U Don’t Know.”
I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in Hell,
Jay-Z
I am a hustler, baby, I’ll sell water to a well.
P.S.
To all you emerging entrepreneurs out there, don’t forget about doing what you love but making sure that you have access to that niche.
