What’s your talent? I used to think you had to have a talent-show type of talent to be considered “talented”. You know, singing, dancing, baton-twirling and the like. Not true! Talent is a natural ability, aptitude or power. Meaning, it is something you naturally do better than most people. Many of us have talents we cannot necessarily put on stage, but they are talents just the same. And, those talents can help you pay the bills! Here’s how to use your talents to start a business.

Identify your talents and write them down. Most of the time, it is not your most obvious talent that you end up using in your business or your career. And, often, just because you are good at something does not mean you want to spend a great deal of time doing it.

So, start by making a list of your talents. Ask friends and loved ones for help, too. Many times, our talents are so “effortless” to us that we do not recognize them as talents! You might want to avoid the word talent in your survey. Just ask them: What do you think are my strengths? What do I do well? Or something like that.

Ask yourself, too! Keep a notebook with your for several days or weeks and often ask yourself the same questions. Notice when you are doing something that feels right or easy or that makes you proud of yourself and write those things down.

Then, when you have your list of your many talents, pick your favorites and look for ways to incorporate those talents into a business. For example, here are just a few talents and a list of brainstormed business ideas utilizing those talents:

Listening:

Life coach, therapist, bartender, hairdresser, psychiatrist, counselor, childcare provider, healthcare provider, oral historian, music critic, reporter

Talking:

Professional speaker, radio host, TV show host, teacher, trainer, waiter, sales associate, professor, actor, preacher

Comforting:

Massage therapist, daycare provider, funeral director, spa esthetician, minister, grief counselor, hospice worker

Cooking:

Chef, cookbook author, cooking teacher, food sales, kitchen equipment sales, cooking demonstrator, recipe tester, food stylist, caterer

Cleaning:

House cleaning, office cleaning, cleaning coach, professional organizer, garage or attic cleaning, new home cleaning

Shopping:

Personal shopper, stylist, bargain finder, shopping coach, wardrobe or image consultant, costume coordinator, flea market re-seller, antique store owner, boutique owner

Most of these talents are not things you normally put on a resume. But, if you truly identify what you are good at and marry that with what you are passionate about, you can start your own business and not really have to worry about resumes very much anymore!

For more information on possible jobs utilizing your talents, explore the Business Ideas section. There, you will find over 30 articles with information on almost 100 business ideas.

And, for more in-depth info on finding a business you will love, my ebook Finding the Perfect Small Business for You has more exercises to help you uncover your talents and your passions and find a business that fits you, perfectly.

Plus, if you need help in brainstorming ideas, visit the SOHO Forum and we’ll help you out!