Your hobby might involve a very specialised product, or may even be something that relates to a locality. If you are a collector and want to start up an agency that deals with your particular obsession, then best way to find other like minded souls, is by advertising your service or product in some of specialist magazines that are available on news-stands. These days, you can get magazines on almost any subject, from miniatures, through to family trees through to card making. They’re all there if you just go out and find them. Also it is worthwhile looking in trade magazines too, which refer to field you will be entering into. Many useful contacts and associations can be found in pages and you will need all information and help you can get at beginning.

The next stop is to find out if there are grants or bursaries available to small business person. However, usually you need to put up some of capitol yourself too to match these awards.

You will need to set up a business account, making sure bank in question does not charge and administration fees for at least a year. ALternatively you could opt for a completely free business account. These are usually postal or internet based though. Let's face it though, you don’t want any profits made in early days being frittered away on bank charges do you?

You also have to decide on your method of advertising. If your product or service will sell on a local level, why not try leafleting door to door in your area, posting small flyers promoting your services. Alternatively you could always use tried and tested method of post cards in shop windows. Not very glamourous admittedly, but an effective way of advertising very cheaply.

On other hand, if you are going to have to advertise nationally, then you will have to have at least some budget put aside for this purpose before you start. Advertising can be expensive - but doesn’t have to be. It depends on publication. Contact magazines relevant to your product with a press release telling your story or advertising what you have to offer. You might even get a feature about you. Your story has to be unusual or different however, if you are to hit gold straight away.

In summary, turning your hobby into a part-time business is ideal way to be your own boss, work at something you love doing and get paid for it, be in complete control of your working life and have opportunity to possibly work from home. You have to do your research before you start though. Never jump in before you are confident that there is a market for your product and that you have enough financial reserves to keep you going during early days of your business.

Be honest. If you're scared you will be paralyzed and a sense of need will drive away business.

7. Stay focused but not necessarily on a single goal. In early stages, you may want to explore two or three avenues simultaneously.

8. Don't give up your power. When you start to feel intimidated by advice, remind yourself that you are in charge of your life.

9. Break your goal into small steps. Make a short visit before you make final move. Find a client or two before you open doors to your business. Take courses before signing up for a degree.

If you have chosen an all-or-nothing goal, strengthen your safety net.

10. As you begin moving toward your goal, pay attention to what happens. Do things fall into place? Does a funding source appear out of nowhere? Does a friend-of-friend offer help?

An increase in your own energy can mean you're on right track -- or simply that you are enjoying a change from your recent experience. Interpret with care.