Want to turn your passion into your job? This online resource helps new businesses flourish

Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? What are you passionate about, and how long have you dreamt about doing what you love as a job?  

It can be daunting to start a new business. But City Business Library can offer remote support and guidance to any new businesses or social enterprises, whether you need help with learning and training, market research, or building Business to Business (B2B) contacts lists.

The online resource is helping people all across the country turn their passion into their job, offering support and encouragement every step of the way. And now could be the perfect time to take the plunge.

Graham Angus started his business, Barefitness Coaching, after years working in television. He always knew that he wanted a job where he could make a difference, and work with what he is passionate about: health and fitness. 

“I really evaluated what was important to me,” says Graham, who got a qualification and started personal training full time, even during the tough times.

“I know that I made the right decision because I get to do what I love every day, and I feel really grateful for that.”

Doing what you love isn’t impossible, but it’s also important to acknowledge that starting a business takes planning, direction and drive. Graham wonders if, in hindsight, he may have been trying to run before he could walk. And that’s where support and advice from the professionals can really help.

“I realised as my business kicked off that I needed to be clearer about the direction I wanted it to go,” he says.

“Looking back, I would have spent more time building a focussed business plan, particularly managing expenses, priorities and goals for what I would like to achieve as a personal trainer.” 

Graham now knows that it’s important to know what your goals are, but also that things can change very quickly. The better prepared you are, the better you can respond to changes rapidly.

Knowing that he wanted to start a business that was designed for people with busy lives to improve their health in a sustainable and achievable way, Graham got his certification in Personal Training and Nutrition – meaning that the Barefitness coaching can help build better habits around exercise and food. 

“Thousands of people worldwide are tired of fad diets, nonsense short term fixes and magic pills,” says Graham. 

“I want to coach people to realise that the life and body that they want is achievable, given the right amount of time and work. 

“I am very transparent with my clients. I want to be trustworthy, approachable and welcoming, which I feel is so important in the health and fitness industry where there are a lot of false promises and misleading marketing.”

The City Business Library became an important resource for Graham on his journey, having signed up for one-to-one business advice sessions with one of their qualified business advisers, Wendy. 

“I had been employed since leaving school, so some of these new skill sets were difficult to take on,” he says. 

“Things like business plans and sales forecasts were a mystery to me, but Wendy was able to break down these challenges into small manageable tasks. Wendy and the City Business Library were so supportive, and great value for money – and I use much of what I was taught by Wendy to this day.”

Slow and steady wins the race, says Graham, who is now preparing to launch the next phase of his business. 

He’s now working on his flagship coaching program, which will last six months. During this time, he will look to educate his clients on healthy habits and building strength each step of the way.

“I am building up my online coaching systems to support the changing market.” he says.

“This will include membership options catering to people who are looking for support, and recipes and exercises each month will help keep clients accountable and sticking to their goals.” 

It’s important to build your business one step at a time, Graham believes, and he advocates intelligent time management and acts of self-kindness. 

“In the beginning it is so easy to get excited about all the possible directions that your business can go. Taking on too much at once, however, is a sure-fire way to burn out too quickly.

“There will be a lot of pressure to make your business a success, but you need to look after yourself, too – if you run out of energy you cannot continue to build upon your passion. Take time out for yourself, get lots of sleep and you will notice a huge difference to your energy levels, meaning you can keep powering through.”

And finally, don’t forget to have fun, he says.  

“You are one of the few people who have the determination and drive to make your own business a reality – you are already winning!”

The City Business Library provides dedicated one-to-one services based on your requirements. They can guide you through market research, business planning, financial planning and more.

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