Wednesday, December 10, 2008

From Hobby to Home Business: Entrepreneurship in Montana

By Kristin Ross

Wouldn't it be nice if the hobby that you have spent months or years perfecting can also be a source of joy and pleasure for others? Hobbies such as needlecraft or would working are examples of crafts where you can actually do something you enjoy, and then connect with a local trade fair so you can actually earn a little money on the side.

But how then, do you turn a cherished hobby into a viable business? Trade fairs and local festivals are just the sort of thing for this. But can you just bring your wares to an event and be allowed to exhibit them there? Aren't there rules and procedures for that sort of thing? And when is the next festival going to happens somewhere close to me? These are the sort of questions one asks when one plans that jump into entrepreneurship. But where can you find the answers?

Looking for information would be a good first step. There are many trade fairs and festivals in Montana that will allow you to showcase your works to a broader audience. But looking for the right sort of information is an activity that may take a lot of your time and involve a lot of travelling and networking. Wouldn't it be nice if someone already did this work for you, allowing you to maintain your focus on your hobby?

A database of trade fairs and other events that are happening around the country then would be the sort of information you need. By finding out when the festivals near your area are, you would then be able to plan your creations as these events come, allowing you to present your best work at a large festival.

Your talent is important to you, and so is the desire to share this talent to a broader audience who can appreciate it. Participation in festivals and other, similar events could just be the thing that would place your talent in any particular hobby on the map. And who knows? Maybe you'll get better know in Montana while you're at it.

Join a service that will regularly inform you of the next festival or trade fair in your area. And get involved. Not only will you be making a name for yourself, and making a living doing what you love. You may just make yourself yet another reason why Montana is such a great state. - 15246

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