Passionpreneurs are men and women of every age, ethnic group, educational background, profession and religion. They include housewives, inventors and artists. They are a diverse group of people from every corner of globe. However, Passionpreneurs do share one common trait: they’ve all found something they enjoy doing and have decided to keep doing it.

More significantly, not only do Passionpreneurs enjoy what they do, they get paid to do it! They’ve found hidden value in their talents, interests or pastimes, offer that value to world in form of unique products and services, and do so for profit. In other words, they’ve created businesses that allow them to make money doing what they love. As a result, many have walked away from frustrating jobs to live what I call a Passion -Centered lifestyle. They set their own schedules and control their time. They live according to their own personal value system rather than someone else’s. Furthermore, Passionpreneurs experience joy, empowerment and unique satisfaction of being compensated for being who they choose to be, honoring what they believe in, and doing something they feel divinely called to do. So why should you become a passionpreneur? I can think of no greater case one can make than simply happiness.

6. You're often asked to represent your team of coworkers in meetings. As much as we dread them, meetings are a vital part of daily corporate life. Meetings are where opinions are voiced, issues are hashed out, schedules are coordinated and progress is made in leaps and bounds. A great leader can speak on behalf of a group. A great leader can effectively communicate in all directions- from upper management to lower, from lower to upper, and also laterally. If people place their faith in your ability to get a message across, that means they're willing to let you represent them. There is no better indicator of management potential than being summoned as a spokesperson. Take it as a great compliment, and then take next step toward your success!

7. You feel personally responsible for welfare of your department. Do you find yourself thinking and speaking for group? Are your peers in your best interest? Often, you can sense when you're ready for a position of increased responsibility. The true commandier operates from point of view of 'we' instead of 'me.' Do you feel genuine pride when a member of your team goes above and beyond call of duty? Do you act as automatic diplomat and defender? When a coworker encounters a setback, are you truly moved to help them overcome their problem? Do you empathize with their disappointments? Rejoice in their victories? It's time to heed call!

8. Your peers look to you as an advisor and comrade. Corporate life is full of folks at cross-purposes. Clashing wills, clashing personalities, misunderstandings, injustices of all kinds. If you have a gift for navigating through rough waters, smoothing ruffled feathers and healing bruised egos, maybe it's time to seriously think about moving up. Trust is earned, not bought. If you have been offered gift of others' trust in a setting where people mow over each other to get ahead, that is truly a great thing. Use it for good of group!

9. You truly love your job. You know in your heart how you feel about your job. Do you dread getting up every morning? Or do you look forward to facing challenges of a new day... tackling that project... making your own small contribution to bigger picture? If your work is your passion and you truly love what you do, it will be very apparent to those around you. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you can light a fire under someone's behind, there is no one more suited for a position of authority. This is your time to shine... so be a star! Get recognition you've worked so hard to achieve, and step up toward making an even more powerful difference for future of your company.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.