OK friends, here's the deal…
I have been compiling ideas that I'll be sharing the next few days. I have been collecting, researching and racking my brain, trying to come up with all kinds of ways someone might be able to use the internet to work from home and create some income legitimately. We've talked about making money blogging, but I've got more ideas for bloggers and non-bloggers alike so stay with me.
Here's how it's gonna work & what I need from you!
I want to know what you're passionate about. It may or may not be related to your blog (if you have one). It could be anything either online or offline. Maybe you love crafting with your kids, going hiking with friends, tweaking things on your blog or finding new, off-the-beaten path restaurants. Maybe you love antique cars or are passionate about rescuing animals. I want to hear that thing you are consistently drawn to and love.
Dream! Resist the temptation to say, "Ah, that'll never work." Here are some questions to help get you thinking:
- What do you do during which you lose time? That is, what is the activity that is so engrossing and so fun that you often wonder, "Wow! Where did the time go?"
- If you were guaranteed a handsome salary no matter what, what would be your ultimate dream job?
- What do you do consistently in your free time simply because you enjoy it?
I would LOVE it if you left your passion in the comments below. If you aren't comfortable leaving your name, no worries, just leave "Anonymous" or something similar. But please, keep things family-friendly and genuine, otherwise I'll delete.
Over the next few days I'm going to start rolling out my list of ways to use the internet to generate income. I want to choose some of your passions and weave them into my list.
I hope this will be a fun exercise from which we can all benefit. So, what are YOU passionate about? GO!
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
These are very good questions. If there were no limitations:
1. I'd write a book with a collection of inspiring quotes and how they helped me get through my life.
2. I really enjoy thinking of new web designs but don't know enough to bring my ideas to life.
3. Okay, this one may seem silly, I really like coupon clipping and saving my family money. Along with that pleasure comes creative ways to keep it all organized.
4. Another thing I like to do is create new planners for myself. The planners in stores are never right for me so I've spent many fun hours of my life making my own.
These are just a few things I'm passionate about. I'm so grateful for your post today. Maybe I'll have the courage to do something bigger with my passions.
I just had to mention that I created my own planner as well! You can see it at http://www.wellkeptlife.com. Right now we're selling the 2011 edition – it's been hard work but fun!
Have you checked out http://www.ratracerebellion.com They have quite the list of legitimate ways to earn money online and at home.
My passion is my art. I would love to be able to grow my blog more and be able to sell more art from my blog. HOwever, I do believe in giving back. As part of my blog, I will be sharing many of the tips I have learned over the last 16 years of being a decorative artist/faux finisher. I am not a huge fan of … that online site to buy handmade stuff although I have a shop there. I feel of a one on one connection selling through my site.
I have considered teaching, online tutorials, etc. as part of the ultimate job as well.
Thanks for asking!
Happy painting!
Karen
I have many (and varied!) passions:
1. Helping others see that following Jesus is better than anything else. (nonbelievers and believers)
2. Blogging – this is a new passion! Goes with number 1.
3. Math (and teaching)
4. Acting
5. Reading
6. Being outside in any capacity
7. Eating. I love to cook because I like good food and think processed food is the pits. =D
8. Playing with my son
These have changed over time, and I'm sure they'll change again. If money wasn't an issue, I would do numbers 1 and 2 part time while being a SAHM.
Disney!
This is sort of a new passion for me- finding and making healthy whole food and other home products for my family and me- at a budget-friendly price. How to not get overwhelmed with all the "green" and "organic" stuff out there now- where to begin? etc.
thanks!
Great question! And thanks for your blog, BTW.
I'd have to say couponing/money-saving/frugal living. At least for this stage of life!
I have many passions — reading, writing, doing crafty things, entertaining. I love fine arts, but don't get a chance to paint much now that I have little kids. I occasionally update our family blog, but a few years ago I considered these questions and though about how to combine my interests.
I started a blog about frugal party planning. Basically, I just collected party ideas that I liked from around the internet and added a few ideas of my own. I wish I had more time for that, because I really enjoyed it and others seemed to respond to it. I still keep some links on file. Recently, I saw an article in a local parenting mag about cheap party options for kids and thought "I could have written that!" so iI have begun thinking about restarting my blog. I have seen some new, more design-conscious party-planning blogs out there, but I feel like I can't compete. I don't have design capabilities and can't afford to pay anyone to make it look like I'd want it to in my head, so I don't do it. Maybe I will, though, now that I've found this site!
I'm enjoy your blog and look forward to learning more from you!
My passions?
1. Reading and learning new things through books.
2. Gardening
3. Cooking, especially using produce from my garden and bread baking
4. Sharing the joys of God's world with my children
I have to jump in here just to see what business ideas may come of it…
My passions:
*. Reading and research about whatever current subject has caught my attention
* Improving things- did you ever see the show Peter Perfect? I think I could totally do that. I always want to improve poorly merchandises/marketed retail spaces. Or anything that's ugly or poorly organized.
* Organizing- love it!
* Marriage Encounter, helping people learning communication and stay happily married
* Collect and sketch ideas of designs that I might do someday (anything from home decorating, jewelry design, paintings, whatever)
* Create forms, spreadsheets, lists, simple brochures
* I have tried blogging, and might enjoy it more if I felt I fit in somewhere however I can't do niche blogging because if I would feel trapped if I were to ever pick a market.
I have way more ideas that I would ever be able to implement even if I had time/money/training. If I were to pick just one idea/interest I might choose web design… I know that my scattered interests need to morph into some sort of project based work so that I don't get bored.
What good questions, Amy! I'd have to say that my passions include reading (lots and lots of books) as well as writing. I also enjoy creating and decorating my home when I find the time outside of my school day as a teacher. I am passionate about teaching as well as living frugally as good stewards of God's gifts. I'll be eager to read your next post…as I always am! Thanks for all you do and share.
I love to read and lose time when I'm caught in a good book. I also like to play games – board games, card games, paper/pencil games like crosswords – and do puzzles. And this will sound very nerdy of me, but I always loved going to school – homework, tests, I was good at it. It's been 7 years since I've been in any kind of school but I would do it again if I had a good reason.
I am OBSESSED with homemaking. I used to sit in my corporate cube way back when I was a wee unmarried lass, dreaming of what my life would be like when I could be a SAHM and cook and bake to my heart's content. I would envision fluffing pillows and folding towels and experimenting with different scented detergents. It really was my obsession. It's probably why I love my blog so much. I want to be THE go-to gal on homemaking for dummies. Thanks for all your awesome advice and content, Amy. I surpassed my goal of 10K hits a few days ago at only 3 weeks old and am well on my way to 15K hits my first month out. I am very very very pleased with my progress, thanks to you! Now to monetize!
The people above have so many great passions!
I get the largest thrill out of anything book/author/writing related.
My other passion is one that I don't usually share often, so keep this on the down low. (LOL) I enjoy counseling people on relationships, depression issues and addiction. My degree is in Psychology, but all of the red tape problems of insurance have never appealed to me. Therefore, I have never hung up a shingle. I used to write a weekly column on an online site that focused on dating, but when the economy took a downturn, they didn't want to pay me anymore. I loved doing it, but it took too much time to do for nothing.
Oh, boy! This is what I have the HARDEST time with. I've spent many hours online researching, how to find my passion. I love to do SOOO many things that I can't decide on just one or two or even 3. I start something and after a bit, I get bored and want to move onto something else. It's Very frustrating for me! Can you say ADD!
1. I lose the most time on the computer. Whether I'm designing blogs, admiring blogs, playing with Ai & Ps,dreaming of being a professional photographer, product ideas to sew and sell, painting watercolors, etc. I have a short attention span or something.
2. My ultimate job…..even though I have a FEAR of speaking in front of people, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, to be a motivational speaker for women.
3. Free time, I'd be on the computer researching something. I guess.
I would LOVE to have 'a' NICHE! in one thing.
Great post!!
I would like to see photographic ideas, other than the typical portrait, pet and wedding photography.
Thanks Amy. You do a good job here and I follow you regularly.
My passion is helping others grow their blog and helping companies expand their social media networks!
I love to make things with my hands, which includes baking.
I'm forever losing myself in the craft room (or as hubby calls it "the black hole"). Specifically love to make tote bags, purses, pouches… accessories… and all things CHRISTMAS! I love repurposing things and love domesticity! I would someday like to actually make money with the things I make but so far have just been giving as gifts! LOL
Like many other folks I love homemaking, cooking, and of course . . . couponing! But if I had more hours in my day, I would love to more effectively encourage people to give bargain deals to local non-profit groups (i.e. food pantries, churches & schools.) I started my blog with that as my main focus, but the need is so big and my voice is still pretty small! Last week I had so many sweet readers share how much they donated over the week (over 900 items!), but when I stopped by our church food pantry the shelves were still pretty empty and I felt discouraged when I realized the magnitude of the need.
I would love to remind people of the huge need out there, so that those food pantry shelves would be overflowing just like many of our own pantry shelves are stuffed with abundance. (And helping people learn how to coupon for themselves and others . . . now I could do that all day long!)
I have so many passions.
1. Photography. Especially little kids, but lately also musicians, bands. I have made some money doing this, but I'm not very good at marketing myself.
2. Shopping. I definitely lose time when I'm shopping for clothes or shoes for myself.
3. Singing. Worship especially, but really anything. I could sing for hours on end. I would so love to be able to write good songs as well. So far that's a no go.
4. Blogging. Sharing my faith and my passion for orphans, the poor, the slaves, and those without clean water.
That's a easy one for me it's food, I love creating new dishes, eating and day dreaming about food!!! I do also love blogging about food.
I wish I could get paid to sleep!
But seriously, I lose track of time volunteering at my children's school and organizing events for them. I lose track of time tweaking my blog. I love to scrapbook and make cakepops. And I love photographing my children.
You are awesome! Thanks for all your wonderful tips and guidance.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE scrapbooking and making cards. All of the stress and worries melt away when I start playing with paper. I own a small scrapbooking store, and on days when I get to do "the fun stuff" (as opposed to paperwork, etc.), the end of the day comes too quickly!
i have LOTS of interests but when I break it down to passions and think about very hard, this is what I come up with.
1. Mentoring women in applying their faith to real life. Women seem to feel very comfortable around me and confide easily in me about their personal lives.
2. I love crafts, especially quilting.
3. I am a nurse. I'm not sure that nursing is my passion, but it definitely affects how I relate to people. I'm very bent toward pt. education so when I hear medically ignorant comments in a group, I'm not likely to be silent. I will try my best to be tactful, but with the internet there is a lot of incorrect info out there! (however, I am very aware that the medical establishment is far from perfect. personal experience has shown that to me.)
4. I believe that my blog will become a blend of my desire to mentor and some specific areas of emphasis that we don't usually see covered such as preparing for old age (when you are young). (i have a perspective on that that i didn't have when i was young and i would like to pass along a few warnings!) Also, I think it will cover some specific areas of my passion that include spouse relationships and family relationships as well as plain old relationships. They are such a big part of life!
5. i didn't mention that blogging has become a new passion! I have read a lot on blogging and had a steep learning curve in the past 6 months. i'm looking forward to relevant when i can learn some more of the technology and monetizing info. your blog has been very helpful in some areas where i was very STUCK!
ugh! i'm sure i've used up too much space. that's it for now.
Oooh, so many things come to mind. What am I most passionate about..LOVE to do? Here's my list:
#1!!! Decorating Cakes; Baking
2. Taking Pictures (although I'm not great at it)
3. Being online – networking, blogging, finding deals, couponing
4. Math – I genuinely enjoy it (I have a degree to prove it)! I love getting creative with our budget, stretching our money, teaching my son Algebra, etc.
5. Reading – I don't often have time, but when I get into a good book, I never want to put it down!
I'm passionate about social justice, Africa, HIV/AIDS, getting people access to clean drinking water, orphans, simple living, caring for the earth, adoption, microfinance loans, fair-trade. Cooking from scratch. Figuring out how to eat organic, healthy foods on a budget.
My dream job: Blogging to support us living in South Africa
I love to bake, sew, be creative, dabble in blog design.
I LOVE what you are passionate about. I don't know if you've heard of it but I think it's http://www.kiva.org. It's a great place to help famalies support/start their own business. You donate money..they pay you back then you can donate to another family if you'd like. Kudos to what you do
My friend told me about Kiva.org a couple years ago. I love the concept of micro-finance! I can't wait to teach my kids about these opportunities when they get a little older.
We starting a change jar to save money to provide filters to clean water in Rwanda. I love watching my 4 year old's face as we watch the video about the water. He gets it. He wants to help!
http://20liters.org/
Tell me how you got started? What got you into doing this? I think it's amazing? I have a 4 year old also, it amazes me to learn what he grasps & understands at his young age.
I'm passionate about my family and my home. I also enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee and dreaming about remodeling (not much of a chance to get to it yet!).
Hey Amy, thanks for your blog! My passions:
1. baking/cooking
2. photography (amateur, I am in no way very good)
3. creative writing (here I think that I am pretty good, both with my own writing and teaching/tutoring others)
4. marketing/publicizing – I used to do this at my 9-5 which I quit two months ago, but I really enjoy using my skills to benefit friend's events and projects (my friend just came out with a book, I'm helping her get reviews and publicity) as well as synagogue events and other local causes.
Here are my passions:
*My family. enough said. I just love them to pieces!
*Scrapbooking. I love to do it & think I am pretty creative, but have a hard time finding the time with all the other stuff I have going on in my life.
*Picking. I love to shop & have a "passion" for thrift stores & yardsales. I turned it into a side business and now make most of my income from being a PowerSeller on eBay!
*Organizing. Something about having everything in its place makes me feel at ease & relaxed.
*Traveling. Our annual Disney Vacations are my absolute joy, but I really dream of traveling to Europe one day and learning to speak Italian!
I have a blog and I love to write about products I've tired. I wrote about a few things I bought from etsy. I figure it's like free advertising for whoever I buy from PLUS it's reviews-because who doesn't like a good review right? I haven't done it in a while because I don't have a lot of money to go buying cool prdoucts to try. I also have a passion for my website I started. The problem is the advertising. PPC and google ads are sooo exspensive but without those how do you drive traffic to either place? I have my blog and website linked to encourage traffic to both. If I could have a dream job I think it would seriously be making my website a success! I love blogging, I love my webiste and I enjoy reading other peoples blogs. I'd LOVE to visit CoCos Keeling Islands. I love looking up the photos of that place..small islands..living simple..without all the hustle and bustle of technology-a real peaceful vacation!
My passions include cooking, especially healthy meals and wine related things. I also love the beach (since I live in Southern California) and all things beach related. I enjoy outside physical activities like walking and biking. I love also traveling. Thanks for all you and your blog do, it truly is one of my favorites!
I absolutely love to crochet! I enjoy making baby afghans, all sizes of hats, scarves, shawls, etc. I'm getting into making amigurumi.
My absolute dream job would be to stay at home with my kids and make at least a part-time salary selling my crochet creations. If I knew it would work, I would get into making new and different designs.
In my free time, I love to crochet, spend time with my family, and search the web for new designs or sites to sell my creations.
1.. I lose time when spending much time with family and keeping a 2 yo busy..
2 I would love to do freelancing or even testing products for companies(would love to be sahm) but the economy hasn't allowed that yet.
3 spend most night on my computer looking up info reading blogs and even paying a game or 2
Your blog is giving me some insight so hopefully I can find a way to make some extra money and get out of debt
Creative parties, family fun, and helping people laugh!
Writing about my own life in a way that seems to connect with other people. By "writing" I also mean thinking, sometimes researching, and corresponding with readers. Considering that this is the thing that pleases me most, it's odd how little time I spend actually *doing* it. I often feel like doing laundry or washing dishes is more important. It is more urgent, perhaps, but not more important.
I would love to have a blog -and I esp would love a blog that makes money
That would be my dream job
1. I would just love to read DIY blogs and make money
2. Hook all kinds of people up with stuff on Craig's List _my husband said it is already done -people hook themselves up with what they want -but I love looking at stuff available and stuff people want
3 I would love to have a blog where I read medical journals or write simple stuff for lay people about health .
I have worked in the funeral industry and it pains me to see how many people won't take the time to let their loved ones know about very important issues. For example, do you have a living will? Who will make medical and financial decisions for you if you are unable to do it? If something untimely were to happen tomorrow, would anybody know your wishes on your funeral (or no services)? I know, how depressing! But, for something that could take a few hours at your leisure and cost virtually nothing, why wouldn't you do it? This the fundamental idea of a blog that I hope to work on someday. As death is part of life, we should enjoy every moment possible and not leave the burden to our family.
Honestly? It's not very inspiring or original, but I really tend to lose myself in reading. Or baking. I could waste countless hours doing either one. However, one makes you super UNproductive and the other one just makes you fat!
)
I'm loving this series and your blog and I'm anxious to see what else you have in store! You rock!
1. I've worked with young children for over 30 years and I love creating different kinds of activities for them. I always dreamed about creating some sort of resource in that area.
2. I am very interested in emergency preparedness. I started doing the food pantry thing, etc. about 5 years ago. It has helped us tremendously in the past year and a half because my dh has been out of work for a year and a half.
3. I also love gathering information. I know that sounds a little wierd but, someone can start talking about a subject and I find myself researching whatever it is they're talking aboout…for fun.
4. I love to garden. And I'm fairly good at getting a lot in a small suburban yard.
I love to encourage moms to record their youth for their children. It connects mothers in a new way to their children and shows them the history and heart of who their mothers are and why they parent and live the way they do.
Sharing their stories is healing and allows them to see God's hand throughout their lives. Mothers also say they feel they will be a better mother after recalling significant memories of their youth.
My hope is to write an ebook on the topic.
I think there is no more important thing in the world than helping today's youth. If money was not a factor, I would help kids. I would talk to kids, help them with there homework, just let them know that they are someone and let them know they should never be afraid to try anything. I just got my Bachelors in Education and have been subsitute teaching Elementary students for three years. I absolutaly love it but, just can't make enough money to pay the bills by subsituting. Also it is hard to get a full time teaching job right now because of the state of Education.
I would love to start a motivaional blog, a place where anyone especially kids could go to that is safe, and fun. Parents could go and find out ways to have fun with there kids, have patience with there kids, make time for there kids. Kids could go there and look at safe fun things, i.e. games that teach them about how to act in society, how to help out each other, how to not judge each other by the way everyone looks or acts. Also kids could go there for homework help, advice on the many questions that our kids have but are afraid to ask. I just really want to help kids, in any way possible. I would love to learn how to start this kind of website. I am sure I could contribute some of my personal knowledge but, I just need to learn a lot of things I don't know also. Thank you for taking the time to even take a consideration in other peoples lives, this is where straightning out our world begins by people like you, keep it up.
Scott French
My passion is genealogy. I love researching and finding the mysteries of our ancestors. I decided after a lot of encouragement from my family/friends to start a blog to help others in their search. There is a lot of information out there but people really don't know how to use it. I do and I want to help. I'm really excited about the possibilities.
Awesome!
Amy -
I'm passionate about living a creative, adventurous life! I am thinking about using my blog by giving tips for living a more creative life, and how to love life more. Do you think this would be a good idea? I really enjoy living life to the fullest, taking risks, banishing fear in my life, etc. I think a blog geared towards people that want to live inspiring lives would be good, but is it too broad?
thanks!
I love working on genealogy, couponing,taking pictures of my family
My passions are my family (including pets) hehe, anything crafty and reading. I wish I would have found your site back when I started my blog back in Oct 2010. Oh the opportunities I probably have missed.
Ah, no worries. Opportunities pass me by all the time. Just gotta play your own game and keep movin' forward.
My passions are blogging to inspire others with my life lessons learned, relating and helping today's youth (especially those without parental role models) on their path to self-sufficiency and loving themselves, yoga, photography, recipes, and entertaining. I recently found that I was missing the "passion" in my work life, and have been taking steps to find a new way to make a living. And to love what I do. Thanks for your blog. You inspire me, and that is sometimes hard to do!
Oh I know this is an old subject but I just have to comment:) I could pick lots of things but what I really know about more than anything is Addiction. I grew up in an alcoholic/drug home. I became an addict/alcoholic, married an addict alcoholic, and have now been sober for 27 years by the Grace of God. I really feel called to help others and I hope to work this into my blog. Even for the everyday average Mom who might have a few too many sips of wine during her long day at home with a houseful of kids:( and feels shamed at her curcumstance.
Blessings Amy you know I love your blog!!
Shari
Wow, I'm sure you would be such an encouragement to so many!
My passions are writing and design, they pretty much always have been too. I have yet to make money off either, since I just recently started blogging for the long haul. I had a site in the previous years but it didn't do much for me money wise.