Meaningful Business

5 Essential Steps to Turn Your Gifts into a Business

With Lydia Lee

Ever found yourself pondering, “What am I truly good at?” Maybe you’ve even thought, “Could I use my skills to start a business?”

If these questions have crossed your mind, I’ve got some good news!

You’re not alone in this journey. In fact, I’ve been exactly where you are right now. A little while back, I was also wondering how to leverage my own skills into a sustainable business.

I know it can feel daunting, and maybe even a bit confusing, right?

But guess what? That unique blend of talents you’ve been cultivating? It’s a goldmine!

Your skills are more than just abilities; they’re the seedlings of your future business.

And the best part? You already possess everything you need to get started.

In my journey, I’ve discovered a simple, yet powerful truth: We’re often blind to our own brilliance.

We tend to downplay our strengths simply because they come so naturally to us.

We brush them off thinking, “Oh, that’s no big deal” or “Anyone can do that.”

But it’s time to recognize your skills and think about how they can spark unique business ideas.

Here are the essential steps to transform your gifts into a business!

Step 1: Figure Out How Your Skills Can Offer a Unique Value

The first step towards creating a business that truly aligns with your skills is to discover your “sweet spot”—the intersection of your skills, deep interests, and the impact you wish to make.

We often downplay our talents because they come naturally to us, but recognizing this unique combination is a game-changer. It’s not just about what you’re genuinely good at, but also about which skills you can merge to create your unique value proposition.

Understanding and appreciating your unique strengths and interests is crucial for success. This is how you carve out a niche for yourself, ensuring you stand out in the market and can deliver value that truly resonates with your ideal clients. It’s about knowing what you offer, why you offer it, and who you’re offering it to, which forms the foundations of your purpose-driven business.

Step 2: Identify Your “Soulmate Client” and Align Their Needs with Your Skills

Once you’ve discovered your sweet spot and unique skills, the next step is to identify your “soulmate” client. This is the person or group you’re best suited to serve, and it’s about more than just market demand. Just as we don’t date everyone on the planet, you’re not meant to work with just anyone. You need to find those who resonate with your unique value proposition and need the exact services or solutions you can provide.

To do this, you must understand their pains, struggles, desires, and dreams, so you can create solutions they’re actively seeking. This understanding will help ensure that your business idea is not just a passion project but a viable business that meets real, existing needs.

By aligning your skills with your soulmate clients’ needs, you’ll be creating meaningful work that both excites you and brings substantial value to your clients. This alignment is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment in your business.

Step 3: Focus on Your “Right for Right Now” Idea

After identifying your skills and understanding the market, it’s time to get practical. What’s the most purposeful and profitable work you can do with the skills you have today?

There’s no need to wait for the perfect idea to magically land in your lap (this is actually the mental stuck point that prevents people from starting a business and it doesn’t have to be this way!).

Instead, identify an idea that fits your current strengths and aligns with market needs. Remember, your idea doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be right for you right now! This approach not only allows you to take action faster but also brings you closer to your dream business.

Step 4: Gain Real-Life Experience and Test Your Idea

Before fully committing to a business idea, it’s crucial to test it in real-life scenarios. Instead of simply guessing if your offer is valuable, engage with real humans who represent your ideal clients. This involves conducting market research, getting feedback from potential customers, and launching a mini version of your offer to

However, it goes beyond that. You need an “internship” style experience where you can work with potential clients, fine-tune your service or product before it launches, and most importantly, find out for yourself whether you enjoy this kind of work. It’s about building confidence and ironing out the kinks in what you’re going to sell.

By doing this, you’re not only validating your business idea but also adjusting it based on real-life feedback. This is a proactive way to improve your offerings, ensuring they are perfectly suited to your client’s needs. This crucial step absolutely increases the chance of success when you do launch your business.

Step 5: Plan Your Business Blueprint and Visibility Strategy

After you’ve validated your idea and gained real-world experience, the next critical step is to formulate a strategic plan to bring your business idea to life. This includes defining your business model, setting actionable goals, and planning the necessary steps to achieve those goals.

However, a pivotal part of this plan is knowing how to effectively promote your business. It’s not just about letting people know you exist; it’s about communicating your unique value proposition clearly and compellingly. This is where you need to highlight why your business stands out from the crowd and how it’s uniquely positioned to solve the specific problems your ‘soulmate’ clients are facing.

As a new business owner, it’s vital to have a clear visibility plan. This involves actively engaging with your target audience, consistently sharing relevant content, and leveraging various channels to build awareness and trust. Remember, people can’t engage with you if they don’t know you exist.


By mastering these steps…

…you’re not only setting yourself up for success but also embarking on a journey that’s aligned with your skills, interests, and the impact you want to make. It’s a journey where you can create meaningful work, provide value, and build a fulfilling and sustainable business.

If you’re nodding your head and thinking, “Yes, but I need guidance,” I have good news for you!

My 90 Day Launchframework is designed specifically for people like you.

It’s a roadmap that helps you uncover what you really want, identify your unique strengths and talents, and guide you to create work that aligns with your “Sweet Spot.”

We will not just brainstorm and plan, we will execute…together! You’ll start taking real action through mini-projects and weekly challenges, backed up by all the accountability you need to step consistently toward your dream.

The best part? You can do this anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.

You’ll have lifetime access to the entire program and community – we are here as long as you need us. Say goodbye to self-doubt and hello to big progress toward your dream work-life!

Here are 2 ways to get my help:

1️⃣ Join the group mentorship program and work with me & an intimate group every single month to launch your business in a community. Apply for the program here.

2️⃣ Work with me 1:1 and I’ll be your “Launch Partner” working with you side-by-side to bring your business to life. Book a 30-min discovery session to learn more about working with me privately.

Get my newsletter!

Every month, I share real advice on career transitions, creating meaningful work, and designing a lifestyle business you love.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

4 Keys to Launch a Business You Love

Watch my Free Workshop to learn how to build a business with your existing skills, knowledge, and experience.

Binge watch me on YouTube!

Watch weekly video episodes at #ScrewTheCubicleTV, where I start real and raw conversations around creating meaningful work with your business.

Watch now