Larry Soffer, the leading mentalist in Africa, believes that anyone can turn their hobbies, interests, and side hustles into successful careers, given the right mindset and approach.
Larry’s philosophy is simple: what you put out into the world, directly reflects what you get back. He strongly believes that if you do something that brings joy and happiness to others, it will eventually lead to triumphs and fulfilment in your own life.
Whether you enjoy baking cakes on the weekends, helping others with their writing editing, or sewing new clothes, this Cape Town based entertainer is keen to help others take their passions to the next level. Not only will these tips help you earn a decent income from a full-time, successful career, but it will help to positively touch the lives of others.
Here are Larry’s three tips to turn your hobbies and side hustles into a full-time successful career:
Firstly, don’t be afraid to take the plunge
Deciding to pack up your existing job and instead make your hobby into a full-time career is not easy, but don’t let fear stand in your way. The first step towards turning your passion into a successful, income generating career is to believe in yourself and your abilities.
I started performing magic tricks when I was 13 years old, first at children’s birthday parties and then at local restaurants. I always felt I could do much better and carried on perfecting my performances. Very soon my acts caught the attention of local newspapers and I began making a name for myself amongst the who’s who of Cape Town.
An entertainment agent then heard about me and hired me to perform at a party, which was attended by Jay-Z and Beyoncé. I was only in my twenties, but I haven’t looked back since, having gone on to perform around the world for other celebrities, presidents and even royalty. The only way I was able to transform my passion into a career was by believing in myself and taking the next step towards big and better things.
Find a deeper purpose
It is important to align your work with your purpose, as without it there is no drive to push through and achieve your goals. Purpose not only helps to drive you, but it also acknowledges the help you give to others, making what you do valuable.
My one and only passion of entertaining others and making them laugh was more than just a hobby from the very onset.
There was nothing else I would rather do and nothing else that interested me more. Even better though, was that while doing what I loved, I could spread joy and happiness to others.
Wanting to do things for short lived fame on social media for example, where the only purpose is status, fame or money never lasts long and has little gravity in changing the world for the better. The key to living a fulfilled and purposeful life and maintaining a successful career, is finding a deeper purpose that positively contributes to the lives of others.
I remember a guy once came up to me at an event to tell me he kept the spoon that I had twisted two years before. This spoon reminded him that there is more to life, and anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and this concept kept him rehabilitated from drugs. It is just mind-blowing to see the impact my work has on others.
Never strop promoting and networking
It is important to build your personal brand and to create a unique identity that sets you apart from others. Your brand should reflect your values, personality, and style as this will make you stand out and attract your ideal audience.
I always treated my career like a business, and never viewed myself as a struggling artist hoping for occasional gigs. Instead, I continue to actively work on developing my skills and knowledge, taking courses, and studying topics like sales, pitching, marketing, and branding.
By putting in the hard work, you grow and adapt as the times changed. Even when I was performing at local restaurants, I was dishing out my business cards to other diners in the hope someone will contact me later – and it worked.
Remaining committed and resolute is the biggest keys to success, so take time to learn about your chosen field and your competition, as well as the economy, and your customers. Attend industry events, reach out to others in your field, and build relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals.
Larry Soffer’s success as the leading Mentalist in Africa serves as an inspiration to many.
He is a true testament to the fact that with the right mindset and approach, combined with hard work and commitment, anyone can transform their side hustle and interests into a successful, long-term career.