Where passion comes into building a successful company and career

Where passion comes into building a successful company and careerWhere passion comes into building a successful company and careerI used to think about passion a lot when I was starting my first business. It was a cause of doubt and frustration for me because what I was working toward didnt really involve any of my interests. I entered marketing because I was young, relieved to find out Iwas good at sohonigweinhing I could be interested in, and convinced that it was a just a temporary stop on the way to my ultimate passion.Thats the advice friends and society always gave You cant really be happy until your work matches your passion. Even as an entrepreneur who abandoned the traditional workforce, I think thats horrible advice.Now, that doesnt mean I dont believe in being passionate about what you do. As a matter of fact, Ive been spending the last year exploring how I can put what I know and what Ive built toward the work that really thrills me. Ive learned that you cant trust that y oull get to do what youre passionate about, but you can build your business so that youll always be ready when the chance to do what you really want comes along.Use up your mistakesA lot of people wait too long to start their first business - or never try at all - because they feel almost paralyzed by the idea that they shouldnt go for an opportunity unless its in a field theyre truly passionate about. Yet when that opportunity does come along, they dont have the necessary experience.I started out making next to nothingbut got to understand a little about the deep, ugly depths of the internet marketing world. I made mistakes that forced me to completely change everything I was doing several times. I dropped things I had been practicing for years to jump on opportunities, only because I choose to pursue what was in front of me instead of what I was passionate about.Even as I was floundering around, I was opening up to the world of digital commerce, and websites like oDesk (now Upwo rk), Fiverr and web marketing forums. It got me thinking about economies of scale and arbitrage. I didnt even know that arbitrage was before then, even though every business Ive built since then depends on it.Make connections in the spaces where you want to beNot being involved in the field youre passionate about doesnt mean you cant still participate in the conversation. Take advantage of the universal nature of social media to learn about the vendors and influencers who are in the space where you want to be.Before I warmed up to Twitter and other social platforms back in 2009/2010, I met people and started conversations in forums. Finding your footing with other people is the greatest way to find some common ground we bonded over the things we didnt understand and the problems we solved, and some of the first people I met are still the people I look to now. Even if what youre doing isnt what you want to do, make sure you never pass up the opportunity to make those connections.Buil d infrastructure youll need within your current businessDevelop a businessor a department within your business that can help you reach your dreams. For example, Ive put myself in a position where I promote things. And while I use my work to promote other people now, someday I can use it to promote something of my own. You dont have to choose promotion like I did you could build a foundation for your passion by having or building a reliable manufacturer or developer team.Theres more than one way to think ahead, too. I know that there will be a time when I will want to sell my business, and so I work hard to package it up in a way that will make it desirable for that future buyer. After all, another business I will want to build is right around the corner.Dont let doubt get in the waySeizing the best opportunities dont make you a sellout. Get out there, and when the chance to do what youre really passionate about comes along, youll be better able to handle it than anyone who waited.I havent had the chance to do what Im passionate about yet, but that temporary stop grew into something that supports many families, and that responsibility has profoundly changed my perspective. Ive also felt humbled in terms of what I thought my talents were, and where I truly fit best. Ive been able to build something only because I chose to seize the opportunities that came along, instead of waiting for a perfect one.Adam Steele is the owner of link-building agencyLoganix. Check out his YouTube channel TheSteele Entrepreneur Show.This column first appeared at Business Collective.