Expert: - 9/10/2010

Question
I am in my last year as an education student in college and I hate it.  I love kids but don't want to teach them. I have always loved doing arts and crafts, I knit a little (I can make scarves and blankets), I paint, make candles, make chocolate, sew, I like working with clay, I make jewelry and a few other hobbies.  However, the problem is that I'm not very good with any of them and I cant choose one to pursue because i get bored easily then want to move to the next one.  I am trying to find something that i can do with my life that will bring my interests together and make me happy... do you have any ideas?

Answer
Hi Laura,

You sound very creative with many interests - and that is a good thing to have so many choices.

Becoming a creative entrepreneur requires focus to get started with a core product. Starting out with a point of view and a product line so people know what your company does is very important. If you offer scattered products your customers will not know what to expect from you.  However, once you become established and known you can offer other products.

I would suggest that you become the designer and have other people manufacture your products. That way you are the creative force and visionary in your company.

When you become an entrepreneur you will realize the "product" is not the only part of a company. There is so much more that goes along with a business: the marketing, sales, distribution (shipping), bookkeeping, accounting, manufacturing, sourcing and customer service.

Your education background can serve you very well in becoming an entrepreneur. I have had many clients who are former teachers who have gone on to have amazingly successful companies and put their teaching skills to work in a different environment working with people to get things done.

Look at the big picture and start with whatever it is you really love - make a decision and start moving forward. Nothing happens until you make a decision. And honestly in the end business is a series of decisions - but it starts with a product idea.

Best of luck to you,

Jane Button
The Creative Product Mentor
http://design2marketsuccess.com