Do What You Love

Passion: An intense portion of enthusiasm, mixed with a delicate blend of affection and desire. Sure to be a favorite and “must have” for small business owners. 

When I decided to take a break from corporate America to start my own small business, one of the first questions that came to mind was, “What am I getting myself into?” 

Sure, I was excited about venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, but the idea of being my own boss was quite daunting.  

I suddenly found myself lost in a maze of uncertainty - and what started out as one simple question, quickly multiplied into a cyclone of unknowns… What should I do first?  How will I get financing? Do I need a business plan?

And, most importantly – what business will I start?

I knew I wanted to try something a little different, but trying to define what that certain “something” was, proved to more difficult than I thought.

So, I considered my possibilities…

What about a landscaping business to complement my green thumb?  I even looked into opening a coffee shop to sell chai teas, specialty coffees and gourmet sweets.

Even though a number of ideas came to mind of small businesses I could start; none of these “great” ventures truly excited me.  Firecrackers failed to ignite.  Stars didn’t twinkle in my eyes.  What was missing?

I realized that my startup ideas lacked one very special ingredient – passion.

Passion gives you the enthusiasm needed to stick with whatever venture you pursue.  It’s that excitement (along with a lot of hard work and determination) that makes entrepreneurs spark with zest.  After delving deep within myself, I found my true passion in business copywriting.

To find your passion:

1. Identify your talents - Are you creative and good with sculpting clay? Do you have a knack for public speaking? Perhaps you are a whiz with numbers.  Offer a pottery class to the elderly or sell clay pots at a local boutique.  Define your skills and uncover unlimited opportunities.

2. List what you enjoy doing - Do you have a hobby or is there something you would do all day, every day if you had the chance?  With careful planning, you can make a little extra cash doing what you love.

3. Brainstorm - If nothing comes to mind immediately, start with a clean slate and let your creative juices flow.  Write down whatever comes to you - be creative.  There are no bad ideas, only limited imaginations.

4. Find a mentor - Seek advice from people who are living their passion.  Use their personal experiences and guidance to help you uncover hidden possibilities.

5. Give it a try - Put your idea to the test first.  Before making a long-term commitment, work on it part-time or take it up as a hobby.  If your passion doesn’t fizzle away after a few months, you may have found your calling.

Discovering your passion takes patience and a lot of hard work…but the end result is a life that’s truly more satisfying.  Success is within reach – just grab it!  

- All the best

Let's Meet For Coffee

Welcome to Lattes and Laptops, a business and lifestyle blog dedicated to entrepreneur-minded women who balance family, life and career with style. 

Hi, my name is Zakiyyah.  I am a wife, mother, cook, chauffeur, homework checker, and a freelance copywriter.  I know many of you can relate with my first few roles, but in case you’re not familiar with the latter - let me explain. 

Through my company eWriting Café, I specialize in creating sales-driven content for small businesses to use in their marketing collateral.  For over seven years, I’ve helped satisfied clients promote their businesses with compelling copy that sells. 

In my repertoire, I write a variety of copy for both print and online media including newsletters, email blasts, feature articles, web content, brochures, ads, press releases, catalog copy, SEO content and other business blogs like this one.

Being a mompreneur means that I wear many hats.  And, occasionally I get sucked into a whirlwind of deadlines, playdates, appointments, laundry, and afterschool activities – whew.  Sounds familiar?

So, needless to say, I relish the time when I can relax and talk with friends about OUR pursuit of happiness - both personally AND professionally. 

As for me, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.  Long, hot baths infused with lavender sea salts.  A good book (soduko puzzles, included). Sunny, warm days accented with velvety clouds.  Pipin’ hot cups of sweet caramel macchiatos.  And, a fulfilling career doing what I love best – writing.

I started this blog with the hope that you, too, are inspired to transform what you thought was just a cute idea - into a viable (and, one day profitable) career.

Think of this blog as a digital café where practical advice, tips and information about business, marketing, and life as an entrepreneur are shared amongst friends like a crusty loaf of artisan bread.  You can even eavesdrop in on insightful conversations I have with dynamic female business owners who know what it takes to be THE BOSS.  

Remember President Obama’s winning campaign slogan, “Yes, We Can!”?

Well, take that affirmation to heart.  Yes, you CAN be both the CEO of your household and your own small business!  

Visit me again at Lattes and Laptops for a dose of inspiration and practical tips you need to get your weekend, part-time or full-time small business up and running.

You have the talent, so put it to use and stop thinking about it…“Just Do It”! (credit to Nike’s trademark, of course) BTW, also have your favorite drink at hand.

All the best,

Zakiyyah