Imagine yourself at age 70: What will you look back on with pride?

Will there be something that you wish you had accomplished?Will you be able to honestly say "I followed my dream"?Some articles we read say you can't mix passion and entrepreneurship but honestly I don't believe that's true.You must have a passion for what you do. That's part of what makes a business successful.Making a good living at something you have a passion for is a dream of many people. Every day there are people out there who successfully turned their passions into profitable startups. But just because you have the passion doesn't mean you will be able to make a good living at it.Here are some tips on what to look for when considering starting a business doing something you are passionate about.1. Find a void and fill it.A lot of times other businesses are so busy conducting business that they fail to see the void in the marketplace. Look at other businesses and determine what they are missing that your business could take advantage of. Ask yourself how can I do it better or how can I make it better?2. Get comfortable with stepping outside of your comfort zone.Doing something you've never done before can be very scary and uncomfortable. Sometimes fear of the unknown often becomes an excuse for not moving forward. Let your fear empower, not hinder you. If you want to start a business, joining your local Chamber of Commerce and attending networking mixers is an easy place to start. Better yet, volunteer on one of their committees. Getting involved is a great way to get your name out there.3. Be creative with money.First, you need to develop a strategic plan that details exactly how much you need and a business plan that spells out where you expect your business to be within the next three years. Startups today have more options for financing than just bank loans or venture capital. CCEDC offers low interest microloans for little money down as well as Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loans. These loans can be used for working capital, real estate, construction, or machinery and equipment.4. Start today, not tomorrow.As the adage says, life is a journey, not a destination. Realize that success will not come instantly. You must start focusing on your passion project now. It's up to you to turn your passion into a business model you can use to become successful.CCEDC is once again hosting The Guppy Tank. This is an event that is geared to help new entrepreneurs who need a hand up. Times and dates will be announced in the near future so keep your eyes open!With patience and ingenuity, you too can find your passion project and turn it into a profit.Kathy Henderson is director of economic development for the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development.