3051
7 min 4 sec

Q&A: “How do I balance what I love with what the market wants?”

Is it better to focus on what sells or what you love making? In this episode, we explore how to balance passion and profit in a product-based business.

Subscribe Now For A Free Five Step Tutorial

What It's About

A classic creator's dilemma.

Notes from Chris

Episode 3051
Building a business often means juggling what you love to create with what the market demands—and that balance can feel tricky, even frustrating. Today’s question comes from Martin in Chicago, who designs custom wooden desk organizers. While his intricate, passion-driven pieces light him up, his customers gravitate toward simpler designs that are easier to produce. Let’s talk about how to find that sweet spot between staying true to your creative passion and growing a profitable business.

"Hey Chris, Martin here from Chicago. I’m completely obsessed with crafting one-of-a-kind wooden desk organizers—designing each piece is what lights me up. The problem? They take forever to produce, and customers usually gravitate toward my simpler, easier-to-make versions. Part of me feels like I should focus on what sells well, but that means churning out items I don’t find as inspiring. On the other hand, if I stick to my passion pieces, I’m worried I won’t make enough money to grow. How can I strike the right balance between doing what I love and offering what the market clearly wants?"

Listen to today's episode to learn more...

 
  SEE ALSO:

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

cg-sig-newsletter

Resources

GET $625 IN FREE TRAVEL

Earn 50,000 travel rewards points (enough for 2 round-trip plane tickets or $625 in travel credit). You'll also earn 2x points on all travel and dining spend, with zero foreign transaction fees.

I use this card every day all over the world! ✈️


Learn More

CREATE YOUR ONLINE STORE

Create your online store with Shopify using an exclusive discount for Side Hustle School listeners. For a limited time, get a free 21-day trial and a 10% discount for a whole year.

Many Side Hustle School listeners are building sites using Shopify's easy-to-learn platform. Try it free today!

Learn More

Sponsors & Gratitude

Learn More With Skillshare!

Supporting the sponsors keeps the show free. Today’s episode of Side Hustle School is brought to you by Skillshare. 📷

Skillshare is giving Side Hustle School listeners 2 months of unlimited access—for $0.99! Join the 2 million students learning everything from street photography to SEO on Skillshare today!


Get Started Here!

Like the Show? Leave a Rating!

Side Hustle School is for you! If you’re enjoying it, please take a quick moment to leave a rating or write a quick review. It's really easy and it makes a difference! ✅

It also makes a huge difference when you tell your friends about the show. Remember, it's 100% free and listener-supported.




Here's How

Keep in Touch

There’s a new story every single day on Side Hustle School. Episodes are produced to be short and to the point—I know you’re busy. Be sure you subscribe to get instant notification of the day’s broadcast!





To infinity and beyond,

Chris Guillebeau
auduio