How to identify your passion

Copyright Roger Pierce. Used with permission.

Your mother was right when she told you to "do what you love and the money will follow."

Small business owners have the luxury of deciding what kind of business is best for them. While motivations for becoming an entrepreneur will vary, the majority of us live for the sheer self-satisfaction derived from doing what we love to do.

If you're unsure about your true calling, begin a journey of self-discovery by examining:

• Your skills. Take stock of your work history, education and volunteerism. Look deep into those experiences and try to identify traits. Maybe you're really good at public speaking, organizing people or working with computers.


• Your interests & hobbies. Your true passion may lie hidden in things you don't do for money. Can't wait to start gardening in the spring? Love to make wine? An extracurricular activity may become your best business bet.


• Your aptitudes. Acknowledge your preferences. Great with numbers, bad with words? Prefer to work alone? Through self-understanding, you'll find that perfect small business fit.


• Your values. Pay attention to your values and ethics. You'll be miserable in any business that creates an internal conflict. For example, by remaining true to your love of the environment you won't be tempted to buy a gas station - no matter how much money it could make.