Hobbies to money spinning venture: the 21st century business model

Recent trends revealed rise in number of individuals attaining prominence through hobby inspired entrepreneurship venture, thereby opening new phase of achievers contributing positively to the world economy.  Further analysis brings us to realization that most of these individuals achieved such enviable status, not by accident but, by looking inwards to identify opportunities when it confronts them.

In the world of sports, examples like these have been norm for decades; however, other accomplishments in life have produced success with the replication of same model. A holistic look at hobbies which brought about fame and fortune will do well to paint a clearer picture of this discussion.  Three aspects of human activity prominent in these context are Sports, Entertainment and Business.

Early realisation and dedication has led majority of individuals into developing particular skills to enviable heights. Anyone can do most of these simple tasks like running, photography, swimming, singing, cleaning, driving, speaking, decoration, cracking jokes and even writing, but the difference between achieving perfection and not achieving it, depends on mindset of the individual involved, dedication, focus and hard work. Professional wrestlers, footballers, prolific writers and other proficient personalities do not only enjoy title and fame that these practice offers, rather, they improve the economic value and status of their lives thereby bringing the person to position of relevance in society.

We can deduce good examples from Graziano Pelle, the famous footballer quoted by Forbes to be the
5^th highest paid player in the world in 2016 as his recent contract to a Chinese club would be fetching him a weekly pay of £260,000. The most paid according to records in 2016 being Cristiano Ronaldo who is estimated to worth a whopping $96m in combined earning. The two examples are but nothing compared to thousands of individuals who have turned their hobbies in sports to a live worthy of emulation.  

Aside the money earned from the skills the individual’s personality as time goes on, transforms to portray more than one positive attribute either as motivators for other aspiring in the field or become entirely a model for the growing youths. In other circumstances, skills can be used for pushing a message to the world or championing a curse. Of particular reference is the Late Mohammed Ali of blessed memory. He was a distinguished boxer labelled as the ‘Greatest’ who used his talent to preach more than one message. He stood for many things to many people

such as freedom fighter, black movement activist; he represented African Americans and many other struggles.  According to the Wikipedia online dictionary, “He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20^th century”.  He played a major role in the resistance for black domination with his actions, comments and activism. He had the title of sports personality of the century by the BBC among others.   

Other sectors in sports have gotten representation of personalities who have contributed immensely to the definition of living, entertainment and progress in the society through their distinguished efforts towards perfecting their skills. We have names like the William Sisters in Tennis, Tiger Woods in Golf, Magic Johnson in Basket Ball, and the list goes on.

 The same goes for the entertainment sector where people who achieved success through perfecting their hobbies rule. The movie industries like Hollywood and Bollywood have accomplished actors, screen writers and Directors who attained prominence through their works. They also, like their sports counterparts, not only achieve fame but monetary incentives as their chosen field expose them as models for advertisement of products and give them opportunity for investing in other forms of business.  A typical example is a particular couple Jay Z and Beyonce’ who according to Forbes

Jay Z and Beyonce’

Magazine are 2016 highest paid celebrity couple with estimated worth of $107.5 million.

The 21^st Century business world consists of individuals of different ideas, experiences and backgrounds who transited from enjoying their hobbies to opening solution driven investments, with passion and dedication piloting simple hobbies to multimillion businesses. Hundred years ago, who would have believed that creating a forum for discussing personal issues and simply “Being your brother’s keeper” could be a profitable venture? Oprah Winfrey who is currently North America’s first and only multi billionaire black person, started her carrier as a co-anchor in a local radio station at the age of 19 and from there, rose to become what she is when she took her passion to the next level. Many personalities evolved from helping neighbours cook at home to become Event Managers, from making class mates laugh to become renowned stand-up comedian, from sewing clothes at home to become fashion designer, from being a handyman to become a construction giant.   

Things to take home

• The lists of skills that lead to huge investments are inexhaustible and one needs to be very observant to know what skills can be relevant in ones immediate environment.
• Having the dream and focus is the only motivation to spur you while the intention is still in the planning stage; don’t let it die;
• There is need to look inwards and assess the aspect of our lives we can harness to become solution providers; you have plenty of it.
•  There is need to attain level of mastery in the chosen skill before providing services, in order not to encounter discouragement when faced with a difficult task; make effort to perfect in it.
• Since contributing your skills to the society is a lifetime business, rendering the service with little or no charges to initial customers should not hurt, take it as part of advertisement.

Now that you have read this, just practice the 4 last points.

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