How to turn your hobby into a business the world wants

Have you ever thought of turning your daydreams into a business? The economic climate may be stormy, but now might be the perfect time to do it − depending on where your interests lie. Justin Jones-Fosu, leadership trainer and host of WEAA’s “Listen Up!” explains.

His first piece of advice: see if your interests line up with what the world currently wants. If they fall into one of the following areas, you may be in luck.

1. Social media networking (for all you Twitter addicts)
2. Local products (for the neighborhood-centric)
3. Green business (for earth mothers and fathers)
4. Technology (hello, tech nerds!)

According to a wide range of sources (including a recent Cone Business in Social Media study and Steve Strauss, author of “The Small Business Bible”) those four areas of interest are most likely to succeed right now as small businesses.

Other advice: have a business plan, look into which businesses might be eligible for government funding, and surround yourself with people who know what they’re doing.

Small business owner Lee Zukor did all of the above when he started his blog, simplegoodandtasty.com, less than a year ago (inspired by his love of local food and social networking). The site − which connects foodies, restaurants, and local food growers − has been so successful that he’s been able to turn it into his full-time job.

Lee’s advice: do what you love. If you manage to succeed, you’ll be doing it for a long time. And never underestimate the importance of a solid plan.