From Hobby To Business, It’s Time For Change!
Sep

Changes Ahead
It’s been 11 months now that I’ve been writing at Ending The Grind and I can honestly say that it’s become an obsession. I’m obsessed with trying to find like minded people who are trapped in their jobs and desperately want to get out. I’m obsessed with building an online business which will allow me to quit my soul sucking job. And I’m obsessed with creating a unique and inspirational blog.
To be honest, if I didn’t want to quit my job, I would probably never try to monetize my blog. I really enjoy writing, connecting with cool people, and creating the friendships that come along with blogging.
However, I DO want to quit my job (the sooner the better), and therefore must start creating valuable products and services in order to turn this from a hobby into an actual business.
Creating Something Unique and Remarkable
Over the last few months, I’ve been brainstorming, collaborating, and researching, trying to figure out what I can offer that would be highly valuable to my readers. I’ve been working with an awesome woman who has opened my eyes up to all the possibilities and has given me some great ideas.
I was also very excited by the awesome feedback you all provided with the survey I ran in July. I’ve taken the information to heart and believe that the product I release will be extremely useful and inspirational for you.
What I am trying to avoid at all costs is creating something that falls into the “just another information product” category.
Personally, I don’t think the Internet needs another eBook. Don’t get me wrong, there are some incredibly useful ones out there, like The Zero Hour Workweek and A Brief Guide To World Domination,Β but my idea is to do something different. I want to create a product that is unique, useful, personal, and can make a difference in people’s lives.
So here’s my idea:
- A real and personal look into my life as a middle aged (40) year old man who is completely trapped in a miserable job and is as far away from living his dream as possible.
- A “reality” style blog that journals my daily progress towards replacing my day job income with that from my online businesses. It will journal my thoughts, plans, sacrifices, ideas, successes, and failures. This may be in audio, video, or text formats.
- A deep and honest look into how I plan to get out of debt, build up savings, plan my departure from the corporate world, build my online business, and recreate my life.
- A step by step guide of how and why I am doing all these things.
- My idea is to create a highly personal and interactive community and to teach people that it is possible to live the life you want.
- There are many ways I could package and sell something like this, but my initial thought was to create a membership site and charge a nominal fee, like $4.95/month or so.
Now, this is just in the “idea” phase and this is far from set in stone. The last thing I want to do is contribute to the noise on the Internet by adding another average product.
I really love the idea of building a close knit community that can share in my journey and learn from my triumphs and mistakes. I also think that this will be highly inspirational for people who are in similar situations and have resigned themselves to the idea that life is just going to suck.
It doesn’t have to!
This is why I really need your feedback. Before I spend a crazy amounts of time and energy on this, I need to know if you are actually interested. I need to know if you would be willing to become a member of such a community if I were to create it.
I also would love to hear what would make you say “I’ve got to be a part of this right now”!
So, please take a moment and answer these 3 short questions!
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Brock Blohm
Awesome! You are digging deeper in to the online arena. You wand to do something that you are truly passionate about! That’s great!
Pro: You will enjoy making content for this. You will enjoy keeping people updated with this. You will make extra money.
Con: It’s more difficult to sell someone on a monthly payment than a one-time payment. So I think it will be a bit more difficult when they know they will have an monthly invoice.
I think, though, it’s something that you have to weigh out. It depends on your audience. If you feel that your readers/followers would be ready to do this – then go for it! But I do feel that it will be a bit more difficult with the monthly invoices (even though they are small). How much MORE difficult? No clue. Lots of variables.
Regardless – you must do what makes you happy. And if you are incredibly passionate about giving people the info to end the grind – then by all means; do it! π
Best of luck!
Steve
Hey Brock,
Thanks for the feedback dude! I’ve been struggling with trying to find a unique way to start generating income from this blog and felt like this idea was pretty good. I’m not real interested in making money from affiliates, ads, or yet another eBook. That’s just so boring to me.
I think a membership site can work in many instances, but I am finding out (quickly) that my audience will not pay for mine. Time to reevaluate and start working on other ideas.
I guess it doesn’t really matter in the long run because at some point, I will find what works and start making money. It’s tough because I’ve been doing this for almost a year without any monetary gain and it’s getting more difficult to justify my massive time commitment to my wife.
I need to start producing tangible results soon but at the same time, the last thing I want to produce is another boring or average product.
Wilson Usman
I’m always excited to see what you do. Help a lot of people and they’ll help you get what you want.
Steve
Wilson,
That’s so true. Help people find success first and you’ll find it as well..
Thanks for the support!
Harleena Singh
This is a great post and something that most of us go through, especially when we are trying to settle down soon after quitting our day jobs!
I can well relate to the post, having undergone the pretty same scenario. Though I love to blog, my main aim has always been to provide information to help newbies, and share and learn along the way.
I had never given a thought about monetizing my blog, but I guess that again is something needed nowadays. However, a good combination of both works well, though the priority should remain to be true and honest with your readers, and help others by imparting useful information. Making money would follow soon thereafter I feel.
Thanks for sharing π
Steve
Hi Harleena,
I definitely understand your point of view. I have been writing with the thought of helping my readers and have made little effort to make money. If I wanted to stay in my day job, I would not be trying to monetize, but my job is a living hell and I need to make a change.
Getting another job isn’t the answer. This is the answer! Unfortunately, building a blog into a business/platform is a lengthy process and I often wonder how I will ever be able to make enough money to support my family from it.
Christopher Knopick
Hi, I think it’s great that you want to create a membership site for that ongoing income, but I think that a site like this might need a lot of relevant content, (success by you since you’re taking about your journey), before you can get enough signups to make it worth the time. A lot of others that do this have that established track record of previous online success. I’ll be interested to see how you address this and keep an eye out.
Good Luck.
Steve
Christopher,
My initial thought was to share all the specifics of what I learn and how I implement it and then how I create income. But you’re right, it seems like people want to see results first (with good reason) before plunking down their hard earned money.
I’ve heard quite a few people mention Pat Flynn’s approach, but my idea was to take it to a more personal/emotional level. Maybe I didn’t do a good job articulating how I wanted this to look, but I’ve gotten plenty of feedback regardless.
Thanks for your comment π
Adrienne
Congratulations Steve for moving forward with this. I have no doubt that you can achieve anything you put your mind too. Look how far you’ve come. Look at what an awesome community you have!
I can’t wait to hear the results from your survey to see which direction you are going to go. You have a lot of support behind you, that I know for sure.
Good luck Steve and if you heed any help, you know who to call.
Adrienne
Steve
As always, I appreciate your support Adrienne. And I may just take you up on your offer π
Anthony
Kudos mate! I hate to be a fence sitter, but I can only concur Brock’s comments on the Pro’s and Cons, because I agreed so much.
I’m sure you’re on the right track with these thoughts manifesting and snowballing into other possiblities. Good luck, dude!
Steve
Hey Anthony,
I certainly hope I’m on the right track. It’s hard to tell sometimes because just when I think that I’m getting closer to my goal, things don’t seem to work out. Building an online business is so much harder that I had originally thought…
Hector Avellaneda
Definitely a step in the right direction, Steve.
I also agree with Brock’s sentiments. I think getting people to subscribe on a monthly basis will be somewhat more challenging. In particular because there are so many other people out there already sharing their ideas, thoughts, journey’s, etc on their path to success.
If you could somehow show your readership that joining your mastermind would be extremely valuable to them, it would definitely be a lot easier for them to make a decision.
I definitely love your message here but personally, I believe that your blog should not be your business.
I would encourage you to look into business opportunities or start a business that will allow you to generate a result.
One thing, I’ve noticed is that those in the blogosphere who have the largest followings of people who are willing to pull out a credit card and buy their products are the one’s who have generated some kind of result (in this case monetary) and can show other how to do it and replicate it via some kind of product.
You know Pat Flynn, he’s a great example. But there are also others out there like Ray Higdon from RayHigdon.com, the Cliff Ravenscraft from PodCastAnswerMan.com, Yaro Satark from entrepreneurs-journey.com, Mike Dillard from MagneticSponsoring.com, etc. I can go on for ever.
The underlying theme with all of these awesome people is that they have all produced a result and since everyone who follows them want to achieve the same level of results in their life, they are willing buyers.
Of course, I am not, in anyway discouraging you not to act, but if you can show that you’ve produced a result that will change help you end the grind and others who want to end theirs, you’d definitely have more people who want what you have.
I hope this makes sense.
Steve
Hector,
I figured that a low monthly fee would allow almost anyone to afford it, but it all comes down to perceived value. I’m hearing that most people aren’t interested in paying for a membership fee for 2 reasons: 1) There isn’t enough value here and 2) They don’t want yet another bill.
I realize that I need to start making money to earn credibility, but that hasn’t been my goal so far. The value is in the experience and the inspiration, but it seems like that’s not what people are willing to pay for.
I keep hearing the name Pat Flynn, but he was already making a killing with his Green Exam Academy eBook. I am starting from zero and trying to replace my day job income through this blog.
At this point in my life, with all the commitments I have, I can’t afford to have another hobby. When you say that you don’t think my blog should be my business, what are you suggesting? Are you thinking of offline business? Are you thinking of a different site?
I have a successful personal training business and I think that given my experience, I could make money online with that. The problem is that I don’t have time for that. I barely have enough time to work on this blog and if I try to branch out and work on multiple projects, I will end up neglecting this site.
Not really sure which way to go to be honest..
Judy Helfand
Steve,
Haven’t been here for a while…lots of projects, but I did try to catch up a bit today. Before I forget: on Wednesday September 21, 2011, tune into #BWEchat at 9:00PM EDT @jasonfalls and @thesaleslion will be discussing whether or not swearing is appropriate for blogs. (Now you know I read your post about interviewing Marcus).
Ok, about this new idea…like some of your other readers I want you to be successful, but I don’t know what you are offering. Keep in mind, I am over 60 – so will I want to become part of this virtual community. Maybe, but I can’t tell that from what I am reading.
Have you ever thought – I know I suggested this once a long time ago – to get paid to write for other’s blogs? Darren Rowse has a page http://jobs.problogger.net/ where you can find all kinds of writing jobs…this could lead to something else.
Years ago, when I was 40, I owned and operated a country inn in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We used to say if we could just put a camera in the kitchen and have a live feed to a television station we would have a successful sit-com!
Two more things…I wish your blog had an archive feature or a search feature. It would help people find previous posts that are interesting, helpful, etc.
Okay, I have probably said enough. Today I am going to harvest some prickly pear cactus fruit and try to make some jelly! I will let you know how that turns out.
Judy
Steve
Hello there Judy π
I appreciate your suggestions as always. I have looked into freelance writing a bit, but for me, it will have to be either a full-time deal or nothing. I simply have no time to work on other stuff right now.
I know you have been pushing for a Search Bar for a while and I did have one up for months. It didn’t actually work properly (coding?) so I canned it. I did add an Archives though!
Thanks
Judy Helfand
Hi Steve,
I want to thank you for the archive. I saw it, wonderful. So helpful. I hope you can join in #BWEchat tomorrow evening, 9:00PM EDT. It is a great group, and I know you know a lot of them.
Wishing you well.
Judy
Steve
Thanks for the invite Judy but I have an interview scheduled. Maybe next time π
Christopher Knopick
Steve,
I used Google Search to build a box on mine. I figure they’re searching your site anyway so they should have a pretty good index. If you go in through google.com/adsense you can create one and even add a few ads on the top and side if you like.
Steve
Thanks for the tip, Chris. I may try to add one back on soon.
Charleen Larson
Most people who try IM fail.
You know what Yoda said: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
Which motivates you more, your hatred of your job or your love of blogging?
Jens P. Berget
Hey Steve,
I am absolutely certain that you are going to be successful. You have the passion, and you have the skills, and you’re going to hustle. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re going to be very successful and leave your job soon.
I haven’t written about “how I hate my job” or anything on my blog, mostly because I know that people I work with are reading itβ¦ how’s your take on this? I know that you are writing that you want to quit your job, but do you care if your boss is reading it? π
Steve
Absolutely certain, huh Jens? Can you call my wife please? π
I definitely do not recommend talking shit about your job/boss if you know coworkers are reading it. I wouldn’t actually recommend it at all!
The reasons I do it are because:
1. I’m incredibly fed up with my job and the whole concept of the rat race
2. I always think in the back of my head that if he did find out and I got fired, it would probably be the best thing for me long-term. Short-term it would suck badly..
3. My boss is a complete idiot when it comes to technology. He has a hard enough time finding Google, never mind my little blog.
Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
Danielle Lynn
Steve, I think it’s fantastic that you’re taking steps to improve your life.
Although I understand some of the other comments on here – I believe even if you offer guidance and insight, you’ll find people willing to pay for it.
As some people pointed out though, the content and insight would have to be very spectacular. And it helps if you have a money track record of some sort.
In any case, this is definitely a step in the right direction – I know you’ll do well. π
Danielle
Steve
Danielle,
Thanks for your support, it means a lot π
I think it all boils down to exactly what I want to offer and then finding out if people want it. I’m still in the trial and error stage and have not yet decided on the direction of this blog’s monetization.
Will be posting about it soon…
Kevin Wells
I found some very revealing points in your response to the comment by Hector Avellandeda.
Steve said:
“I have a successful personal training business and I think that given my experience, I could make money online with that. The problem is that I donβt have time for that. I barely have enough time to work on this blog and if I try to branch out and work on multiple projects, I will end up neglecting this site.”
I can’t believe I am reading this!
Steve, you are saying you want to create a business – and yet you already have a business. A successful one at that!
Then you say:
“I think that given my experience, I could make money online with that”.
Yes I think you almost certainly could. So why not start doing so if you want to make a living online?
And then you say:
“The problem is that I donβt have time for that. I barely have enough time…”
Aha! I dont believe Im reading this either. If you don’t have time to work on developing a successful business further….. then you better just stay put in your job. Is your job then more important than developing your business?
“I barely have enough time to work on this blog and if I try to branch out and work on multiple projects, I will end up neglecting this site.”
So what is it really about then??
Is it about blogging on this site? – or is it about expanding a successful business that you already have and bringing it online? You did say you wanted to create an online business..??
And you can do both. There’s no need to neglect this site. Don’t try to duck the issue in that way!
Incidentally I think it is ridiculous to spend 25 hours a week on this blog as I think you said you do. Why not invest that time on bringing your already successful coaching business online instead?
I get the impression from the above and the other things Ive read here that you really just want to stay in your job that you hate and then spend time on this blog blogging about how you hate it.
It seems to me that you have issues about taking risks to create something better. I dont think its really about not being sure what you want to do.
I think the underlying issue is that you are trapping yourself with your own thinking. This blog is also a symptom of that.
I noticed that in the Penelope Trunk podcast. She asked what you you wanted to do and you replied: “but I’m trapped in this job”.
Penelope took you up on that and rightly so.
No, you are not trapped, you only trap yourself if you want to!
So there you are Steve. The ball’s in your court.