How to Get Paid Well To Do What You Love

Cory Miller

Yada yadaFounded iThemes in 2008

Now have over 25 employees, thousands of customers

Named 7th Fastest Growing Co. in OKC

Began it all as a freelance web designer

Regularly blogging about biz at StartupSofa.com

Passion is entrepreneurship

Keys to getting paid to do what you love

1. Start with Passion.

Is it really 2 a.m. in the morning?!

When was the last time I ate?

To find your passion:Try lots of different things

See what sticks and resonates

Ask for direction

Watch for the tractor beam

Be patient

Side Note of Career Advice:

We look for and hire PASSION.

2. Sharpen your Sword.

You need skills around that passion.

Skills pay the bills.

Honing your skills:Build upon previous skills

Always be adding more

Always be learning and growing

Always be searching

More skills = more money

A piece of paper isn’t a stop sign of learning.

Master the TOOLS. . . aka Software

Learn from the Masters of the Craft

Just NEVER ever stop learning.

3. Seek Guidance.

Learn from the pain & mistakes of others.

Finding mentorsWatch and observe

Make sure they want your ultimate best

Beware of the ego

Find the teachers who are learners

Respect and value their time

One day ... BE a mentor.

4. Get Experience by Having Experiences.

Look for ‘Live Fire’ Experiences.

Get Experiences byDoing free work at first

Being an intern

Taking out the trash

Doing the grimy sucky work of the craft

Trying a variety of situations and work opportunities

I’ve had over 13 jobs since I was 16.

I know what I like & what I despise.

Learn how MONEY really works.

Experiences are case studies for the future.

Passion + Skills + Experiences

+ Guidance = OPPORTUNITY

Now ... Be Ever READY.

Surfers watch & wait for the big wave.

The World Needs YOU.

What’s the NEXT step you are going to take TODAY?

Homework:

This is me ...cory@ithemes.com

@corymiller303