Learn how to start a lifestyle business so you can get more of the “life” part back into your world.

Ah, the sweet siren song of the 9-5 grind. The clickity-clack of keyboards, the hum of fluorescent lights, the invigorating scent of lukewarm coffee in the break room – it’s the kind of stuff that mediocre dreams are made of, isn’t it?

Well, my friends, what if I told you there was another way, one where your daily commute involves a stroll from your bed to your desk, pajama-clad, coffee in hand, and the boss is… well, you.

You see, there’s a term for this seemingly utopian world. It’s called a lifestyle business, and it’s been doing the rounds like hot gossip in a suburban neighborhood. Suddenly “how to start a lifestyle business” is the new “how to lose belly fat in 30 days.”

And, let me tell you, as someone who’s navigated the treacherous waters of setting up a lifestyle business, the former is much less painful.

So, why this surge in lifestyle business ideas, you ask?

Well, perhaps people are finally realizing that they can mold their careers around their lives, not the other way around. Imagine having the freedom to pursue your passion, set your own schedule, and yes, even become a self-styled tycoon in your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers.

Join me on this entertaining, potentially life-altering journey as I pull back the curtain on how to start a lifestyle business.

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How to Start a Lifestyle Business

What on Earth is a Lifestyle Business Anyway?

You’ve heard the term tossed around at cocktail parties, seen it popping up in your social media feeds, and maybe even caught your Uncle Bob, the self-proclaimed ‘serial entrepreneur’, using it in his Thanksgiving toast. But let’s get down to brass tacks: what on earth is a lifestyle business anyway?

Imagine being Tom Hanks in “Cast Away,” but instead of being stranded on a deserted island with a volleyball for company, you’re cozy in your home, with a thriving online business and a steaming mug of hot cocoa. That, my friends, is a lifestyle business – the perfect blend of work and play, income and independence, business and leisure.

A lifestyle business is a bit like a startup’s chill cousin who meditates and goes to yoga classes – ambitious, sure, but not at the cost of peace of mind. While traditional businesses and startups often pursue growth, scaling, and shareholder value (sounds stressful, doesn’t it?), lifestyle businesses are all about sustainability and personal satisfaction.

In essence, it’s about creating a business that fits your ideal lifestyle, rather than contorting your life to fit a business model.

And why are lifestyle businesses turning heads faster than a puppy on a skateboard? One word: freedom.

Freedom to work on your own terms, follow your passions, and finally ditch those stiff office pants for pajama bottoms (or hey, no pants at all, I’m not here to judge). In a world that’s increasingly valuing work-life balance, starting a lifestyle business is like hitting the sweet spot between career success and personal happiness.

No More Daydreaming – Here’s How to Start a Lifestyle Business

So, you’re ready to trade in your stiff office chair for a comfy couch and start a lifestyle business? Fantastic! Grab your notebook and pen (or iPad and stylus if you’re one of those tech-savvy types), because class is in session.

1. Soul Searching and Google Diving

First things first, what lights your fire? Are you passionate about hand-knitted cat sweaters? Do you live and breathe vintage comic books? Can you make a mean sourdough loaf that would put any hipster bakery to shame?

The best lifestyle business ideas stem from your interests and passions. So, take a deep dive into the labyrinth of your soul (and Google) to discover what you love, what you’re good at, and most importantly, what other people would pay for. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, or in this case, one person’s weird obsession is another person’s dream purchase.

2. Don’t Worry, It’s Only a Business Plan

Yes, I said the dreaded words – ‘business plan.’ But, don’t let that scare you off! Your business plan is just your roadmap to success. It’s not written in stone, and it certainly shouldn’t be a source of cold sweats and nightmares. So, jot down your goals, strategies, and potential challenges on a piece of paper, napkin, or even the back of your utility bill. Just remember where you put it!

3. Becoming a Digital Wizard

Setting up an online platform is like building your digital castle. It’s your realm, and you’re the ruler. Whether it’s a simple Etsy store or a sophisticated eCommerce website, take the plunge into the online world. A little HTML here, some SEO there, sprinkle some user-friendly design, and voila, you’re on the internet! Just remember, like any good wizard, you don’t need to know all the tricks; there are plenty of tech-whizzes-for-hire who can help you create the perfect digital abode.

I use and always recommend Bluehost for a website domain name and hosting services. Their customer service is excellent, and they are cheap – which is what you need when you are just starting out.

If you don’t want to deal with any of it, find someone on Fiverr to do it for you inexpensively.

4. Social Media – More Than Cat Videos and Food Pics

Contrary to popular belief, social media isn’t just for stalking your high school sweetheart or watching cat videos (though, those are important activities, no doubt). It’s a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and building a strong online presence. So, get tweeting, posting, and sharing about your business. Before you know it, you’ll be influencing like a Kardashian.

I use Tailwind to manage all of my social media. Super useful to schedule things out so you are not glued to your computer at all times.

5. Show Me the Money!

Monetization – it’s the moment when your lifestyle business goes from an expensive hobby to a revenue-generating machine. There are countless ways to turn your passion into profit. Sell products or services, offer online courses, charge for premium content, use affiliate marketing – the sky’s the limit. Remember, the aim is to earn while you sleep. Or while you’re watching reruns of ‘Friends’. Or while you’re sipping a margarita by the pool. You get the picture.

Check out my posts: Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing, How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” and Couch Cash: How to Sell Printables Online Without Leaving Your Netflix Zone for more info.

Steal These Ideas – A Peek into Successful Lifestyle Business Ideas

Need some inspiration for your journey into the land of lifestyle businesses? Let’s take a trip down success lane and peek at the fascinating worlds of some hypothetical thriving lifestyle entrepreneurs.

1. The Niche Travel Guru

Meet John, the once corporate drone, who ditched his cubicle to become a niche travel expert. He turned his passion for bird-watching into an international birding tour business. Now he travels the globe spotting rare species, all while guiding a flock (pun intended) of avian enthusiasts.

2. The Vintage Clothing Maven

Jessica was always a fashionista at heart, with a soft spot for vintage. She turned her love for all things retro into a successful online store, selling handpicked vintage clothing. Now, her weekends are filled with scouring flea markets for hidden gems, and her Instagram feed is a haven for retro-style lovers.

3. The DIY Craft King

Picture this: Tom, a burly, bearded bloke who could give any lumberjack a run for his money, but with a surprising talent for…wait for it…knitting! Tom capitalized on his unlikely hobby and built an empire selling his unique knitted creations online. His bestseller? ‘The Bearded Beanie’, a beanie with a knitted beard. Move over, hipsters!

For more info, check out my post 20 Hobbies That Make Money Online: Free Time Means Free Money.

4. The Home Fitness Guru

Sarah, a single mom with a passion for fitness, started her home workout channel on YouTube. Now she’s a household name, helping thousands get into shape right from their living room. Her secret sauce? Incorporating household chores into her workouts. Squats while loading the dishwasher, anyone?

These thriving lifestyle business ideas might seem varied, but they all have something in common – passion, dedication, and the courage to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Dodging Metaphorical Bullets – The Challenges of Lifestyle Businesses

As much as I’d love to tell you that starting a lifestyle business is all unicorns and rainbows, it’s not. Sometimes, it’s more like dragons and thunderstorms. But remember, every hero faces trials and tribulations on their journey, and you’re no different. Here are some potential metaphorical bullets you may need to dodge:

1. A Lonely Planet

Running a lifestyle business can get a tad lonely, especially when your colleagues are a demanding cat and a temperamental houseplant. Remember those watercooler chats and team lunches? Yeah, those don’t exist here. But fret not! Networking events, online communities, and coworking spaces can provide much-needed human interaction. Or, you could always talk to your houseplant…

2. The Discipline Dance

Sure, working in your PJs sounds fun, but when your bed is just a stone’s throw away, it takes monumental self-control not to succumb to a midday nap. Establishing a routine and dedicated workspace (that’s not your bed) can do wonders for productivity.

3. The Cash Flow Conundrum

Ah, the notorious ebb and flow of money in a lifestyle business. One month, you’re Scrooge McDuck swimming in a vault of gold coins, the next, you’re pinching pennies for a cup of coffee. It’s essential to plan for the lean times and not get carried away during the feast times. Repeat after me, “A fancy espresso machine is NOT a business necessity.”

4. The Customer Conquest

Winning over customers can be as challenging as trying to get a cat into a bathtub. But with a solid marketing strategy and excellent customer service, you’ll have clients flocking to you faster than you can say, “Open for business!”

Keeping the Dream Alive – Sustaining and Growing Your Lifestyle Business

Congrats, intrepid entrepreneur! You’ve sailed the startup storm, navigated through the choppy waters of challenges, and now you’re the proud captain of a smooth-sailing lifestyle business. But how do you keep the dream alive, you ask? Let’s get into it:

1. Stick to Your True North

Running your own lifestyle business can be a lot like being in a one-person band; you’re the drummer, the guitarist, the singer, and the gal who sells the tickets. In the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started this journey. Remember your passion, your goals, your “why.” Write it down, stick it on your fridge, tattoo it on your arm (okay, maybe not that last one). Let it guide you through tough decisions and keep you grounded.

2. Embrace Your Inner Chameleon

Being adaptable is key to the survival and growth of your lifestyle business. Keep an eye on trends, be open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working. Remember, a Kodak moment is great, but you don’t want to be Kodak!

3. Master the Art of Delegation

As your business grows, so will your to-do list. But here’s a secret: you don’t have to do it all! Outsourcing tasks can free up your time to focus on what you do best. Besides, who really wants to spend their Friday night reconciling balance sheets? (If you answered “me,” we need to have a chat about your idea of fun.)

Remember Tim Ferriss’ the 4-Hour Work Week? Great book that champions the idea of outsourcing everything you can. It is definitely worth a read to see how far you can take this.

4. Don’t Forget the ‘Lifestyle’ in ‘Lifestyle Business’

Remember, the goal isn’t just to build a successful business, but to build a business that suits your lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum and find yourself working 80-hour weeks. Before you know it, you’ve created another 9-5 (or rather, 9-9) for yourself! Always keep your lifestyle goals in sight. If your business starts growing faster than your comfort zone, it might be time to hit the brakes or change lanes, or outsource as noted above.

Your Secret Arsenal – Lifestyle Business Resources

Learning how to start a lifestyle business without the right tools would be like trying to cut a steak with a spoon: frustrating, messy, and likely to end with a room full of unimpressed dinner guests. Here are some resources to help you slice and dice your way to success (with minimal food metaphors, I promise).

1. Google Trends

What’s hot, what’s not, and what’s about to go supernova? Google Trends is your go-to for staying in the know. But remember, chasing trends should never compromise your passion or values. No one wants to be the guy selling fidget spinners in 2023.

2. Bluehost

If you want to start a lifestyle business, you’re going to need to be online, usually with a website of your own. I have seen some people just have social media presences, but I recommend having an actual site of your own. For this, I recommend Bluehost. You can get a domain name and hosting here and they are incredible when you need help – oh, and cheap too.

For more info, check out my post Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money.

3. Fiverr

Need an extra pair of hands but can’t afford a full-time hire? A site like Fiverr is full of talented freelancers ready to jump in and help. From web design to content creation, these platforms have got you covered.

4. ConvertKit

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. ConvertKit is an easy-to-use tool that manages your email lists, automates campaigns, and even crafts newsletters. I use ConvertKit and find it very easy to navigate and their lead magnet and email sequencing are great.

5. Shopify

If you want to start an online e-commerce store, there is none better than Shopify. It is literally drag and drop and you can have an online store up and running in a day. They are the OG of online stores, so there is a lot of users to back up their claim to fame.

Also check out my post Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more info.

6. Tailwind

If you have a lifestyle business, you’re going to have to bit the bullet and get on social media. Social media posting can get overwhelming and you can’t sit by your computer during every optimal time to post. That’s where Tailwind comes in. You can schedule social media posts to go out according to the times when your audience is on the platforms of your choice. Very neat. I use Tailwind and really like the ease of use and convenience it offers.

7. Teachable

If you have any thought of running an online course, Teachable is the platform of choice for online entrepreneurs. These are not live classes, so you can do the work ahead of time and then you’ve created a passive income stream for yourself. Teachable make it easily possible.

Read my post How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” for more information.

Kiss the Cubicle Goodbye – Welcome to Your New Life!

Well, folks, we’ve laughed, we’ve learned, and we’ve probably overused the ship-sailing metaphor, but hey, who’s counting? We’ve explored the who, what, and how of starting a lifestyle business, dived into some juicy ideas, dodged metaphorical bullets, and discovered how to keep the dream alive.

The benefits of learning how to start a lifestyle business? Freedom, passion, the bliss of working in pajamas, and the sweet, sweet taste of being your own boss. The pitfalls? A few lonely days, discipline dance-offs, cash flow rollercoasters, and customer conquests.

But let’s be honest, would you trade all of this for the monotony of a 9-5, stuck in a cubicle, with only the hum of the photocopier for company? I thought not.

So, what’s stopping you from embarking on your own lifestyle business adventure? Fear of failure? Been there, dodged that bullet. Lack of ideas? Pssst, refer to the sections above. Can’t resist the siren call of your comfy bed during work hours? Invest in a less comfy bed (or perhaps just a solid work routine).

In the wise words of a famous shoe brand: Just Do It! Take the plunge, face the fears, and embrace the thrill of a lifestyle business. Because there’s no better time than now to kiss the cubicle goodbye and say hello to your new life.