businesspassion

Hello, my name is Kate Toon, a business mentor, digital marketing coach, and an okayish parent. 

As a fellow human trying to balance parenting and running a business, I know how hard it can be, and I wanted to share some tips I’ve picked up along the way. These are shorter, snappier episodes to give you quick wins in your day.

Today’s episode is all about why I hate passion.

People often say they want to start a business because they have an idea they’re truly passionate about. When I hear this line, my eyes roll so far back into my head, I can see the goblin who controls my brain.

Because I believe passion is the biggest business killer.

‘If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.’ Benjamin Franklin

If you’re thinking of starting a business because you’re passionate about a particular project or industry, stop for a minute and think about it:

• There’s no quicker way to fall out of love with something you adore doing than to try to make money from it.
• All relationships become boring after a while – and so do businesses.
• A boring business is often a successful business.
• Predictability, persistence, consistency and hard work aren’t sexy, but they’re often the key to long-lasting success.

But you need to ask yourself: ‘Can I love my idea for the long term?’ Is it a one-night-stand business idea, or can you grow old together (or at least into middle age)?

Listen to all tip episodes here

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Lindsay Droz and Kristi Lord went all in on their dreams. The longtime friends and business partners, saw a need and they filled it, making sustainable, organic and safe cleaning products that were also beautiful. With no entrepreneurial experience, but honed skills from Corporate America, they left their jobs to go all in on their company, L'Avant Collective. We learn in this inspiring interview why you should always believe in yourself.

Gabby Booth says the desert can make you extreme. It's likely that extremeness, that has made the Southwest native an unwavering advocate of the Phoenix art scene since she was a kid. Cutting her teeth in startups, and seeing a need all led this artist-owner to open up Luminis Creative Club, a full-service co-working space for artists and healers to safely express themselves and collaborate.

Tishni, better known as Tish of TheBookthief28 on TikTok, has a romance with reading. Mixing her love of literature, social purpose and the critical thinking skills obtained in law school, this recent graduate has made her book reviews some of the most viewed on BookTok. In this interview, we learn how she has built her platform, what makes booktokkers tik (see what we did there?), and what's next.

Lauren Sato, the CEO of Ada's Developers Academy, is changing the face of tech. A lifelong social justice advocate, Lauren's career has touched many different fields, but has always centered around one thing: progress for marginalized identities. In this interview, we learn what makes Lauren the leader she is today, how diversity in homogenous fields makes them better, and why social good is good business.

Gamers are becoming the new rockstars, just ask Chris Mann. From what we wear to what we eat, we are taking cues from e-sports like never before. In Part 2 of his interview, Chris tells us how e-sports is more than gaming; it's a lifestyle and everyone is getting in on the action.

Serial entrepreneur and e-athlete, Chris Mann, is helping redefine the role of "gamers" in our society. In part 1 of his interview, he describes the windy path to becoming COO of Subnation, a media start-up focused on esports and gaming, the stereotypes that once plagued the industry and how gaming has gone from geek to chic.

"Inclusive" is Susan Freeman's favorite word. At her company, Freeman Means Business, Susan teaches businesses how to communicate both effectively and more inclusively lending to the support of diversity in the work place. From her amazing mentors to her current clients, we go on the journey with this badass business owner.

Reese Tanimura cares about people. After being a music teacher in her native Hawaii, this serial volunteer moved to Seattle and participated in multiple non-profits before becoming the Managing Director of Folklife Festival. With a keen interest in inclusion and equity, she has worked to guide the mainstay organization to celebrating diverse culture and art as a means to connect us to a larger social consciousness.

In part two of Alissa Leinonen's interview, we learn just how COVID-19 has affected Gourmondo and the rest of the Seattle restaurant industry. Alissa, whose motto is "never, never, never give up", explains how the pandemic sparked her commitment to philanthropy, focused her work on supporting the community and reignited her optimism and determination in the face of crisis.

Fourth-generation Seattleite, Alissa Leinonen, isn't the typical food business owner. Having earned a Business degree at University of Washington and a self-proclaimed "not great" chef, she colored outside of the lines to find out how she could contribute to her passion - the culinary world. Founding Gourmondo, a local catering staple, was her ticket. In this first part, Alissa explains her journey from business student to business owner and why creating a family fosters talent.

Chances are that if you’re working a 9 - 5 job while building your side business you’re using skills that intersect in both businesses. As a certified project manager, I use my management skills in my side business often and it has served me well. 

Asya Watkins is the founder of Women of Project Management, the only community created to support and amplify the voices of women and women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. In today’s episode, we talked about using your project management expertise, or any professional expertise, beyond your 9 to 5 job. 

Points Worth Listening To: 

• How I got started in the project management industry (3:52)
• How I use my PMP in my side business (17:59)
• “You’ve got to get in there and start figuring it out.” (32:33) 
• “I just have to do it and learn to do it scared.” (45:10) 
• My top pitching tips (52:00)

Guest Info:

• Find out more about Asya Watkins and the Women of Project Management by visiting their website www.womenofpm.com 
• Follow Women of PM on Instagram @womenofpm 

Links mentioned in this episode:  

• Listen to my pitching tips from episode #30
• Book one on one coaching with MJ

Final Thoughts: Freebies, memberships, and podcast review links 

• Don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast. 
• Follow MJ on Instagram @lifebymj 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou