From Passion to Profit: The Story of a Successful Entrepreneurial Couple
Turning a Hobby into a Business
Meet Joe and Margo, the dynamic duo behind The Craft Of Coloring, a thriving small business that has taken the world of adult coloring books by storm. In just a few short months, they’ve released six coloring books and are planning to release one to two more per month. But how did they turn their passion into a profitable business?
The Genesis of an Idea
It all started when Joe, a business-savvy individual, and Margo, a talented graphic designer, discovered the popularity of adult coloring books and decided to self-publish their own books using Amazon’s self-publishing platform. With minimal upfront costs, they launched their first book in September and were thrilled with the response.
The Business of Self-Publishing
So, what does it take to self-publish a book? According to Joe, the process is relatively straightforward. “We concept ideas for the next book based on research into key search words and themes, and then Margo executes the design and layout.” Once the files are ready, Joe handles the publishing aspect. With Amazon’s print-on-demand service, they don’t have to worry about inventory or overhead costs, leaving them more time and resources to focus on marketing and growth.
The Challenges of Scaling
As their business grows, Joe and Margo face new challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is deciding how big to scale their growth. They’re still figuring out ways to implement inexpensive advertising methods and strategies to expand beyond Amazon. But they’re not letting that hold them back. They’re proactive in keeping their brand fresh and evolving, incorporating the work of other designers and artists to add unique styles to their book collection.
Balancing Work and Life
As entrepreneurs, Joe and Margo have to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. They’ve developed a strict system to ensure that each person’s strengths are utilized effectively. Joe handles the business side, while Margo focuses on design and execution. They’ve learned to pause, regroup, and remember each other’s strengths when faced with uncertainty.
Time Management and Outsourcing
Joe emphasizes the importance of time management and outsourcing in entrepreneurship. “Figure out which activities grow your business most significantly, and focus on them,” he advises. He’s learned to automate as much of his business as possible, freeing up time for high-level tasks that drive growth. Joe also recommends outsourcing tasks to experts, using online platforms like Upwork.com or Fiverr.
Long-Term Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, Joe and Margo plan to release two coloring books per month and hope to have over 20 books by next December. They’re tracking data carefully to stay ahead of the game. Their ultimate goal is to create a lifestyle-oriented business that provides personal freedom and flexibility.
Marketing Strategies and Feedback
To market their books, Joe and Margo use a combination of pricing strategies, reviews, and social media promotion. They’ve been fortunate to have several YouTubers feature their books, which has strengthened their overall strategy. They’re committed to continually improving their marketing game and finding new ways to get their product noticed.
The Best Part of Entrepreneurship
For Joe, the best part of starting his own business is the personal freedom and satisfaction of making things work for himself. He cherishes the ability to sleep in a bit and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. But it’s not just about him – he’s proud to hear that their coloring books have made a positive impact on their customers’ lives.
A Final Word of Advice
If you’re interested in starting your own business, Joe’s advice is to figure out what you’re truly passionate about and focus on that. Don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes and outsource tasks that aren’t your strength. And most importantly, remember that personal freedom is worth fighting for.
Leave a Reply