Blogging Hobby Transformed Into Local Online Business

Ever since blogging became more than a hobby, I’ve become my own online business without realizing.  Earlier this year I did something surprising- I resigned from my teaching job with my school system to start my own business as a consultant.

I abandoned a job that I loved and worked so hard to achieve to take a leap of faith that I could earn some money while working flexible hours as a professional blogger, freelance writer, and social media consultant. In an uncertain economy, it seemed like a stupid thing to do especially since I love the idea of financial security and I’ve never thought of myself as an entrepreneur.

Over the past 3 ½ years I’ve taken on regular writing assignments…

I’ve done regular consulting work…

I’ve developed social media strategies for companies…

  

I’ve spoken at conferences to share my knowledge and expertise…

 

And I’ve collaborated to create national social media campaigns as a member of Splash Creative Media.

Earlier this year I made my business official by forming an LLC because I am my own local online business. Even though my office is in our home, my hours are those that my kids are in school or sleeping, and any water cooler chit chat is done over Skype,  I’m a professional.

I may not be raking in the dough or talking upper class tax bracket but it’s nice to see some income from my work coming in on a regular basis. There’s also a certain sense of satisfaction from owning my own business, the excitement of new challenges and joy of small successes as I choose new clients and projects.

Are you a social media entrepreneur?  Do you have a local online business that you love? 


Nominate yourself, or another local online business, for Intuit’s Love A Local Business competitionwhere Intuit is helping small businesses achieve their dreams by awarding $25,000 each month to a local business! Have fun being the voice of online entrepreneurs!

Note – votes are like raffle tickets – the more votes a business has the more chances they have to win!


It’s been very exciting starting my own business, so I’m curious to know: What dream business would you love to start? By replying you will be entered to win an iPad 2!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Business competition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs July 6 to August 9, 2011. A random winner will be announced by August 11, 2011. Official Contest Rules
.