Page 108 - Mousumi: Unbelievable Transformation

Though one can start collecting these items as a passionate hobby, these
collected items, especially the currencies, stamps, memorabilia or antique pieces,
have immense value. These items are on sale across the world. These items are
marketed through postal or private networks, through newspapers or specialized
magazines, shops or through websites. The collectors can take their hobby of
collecting to a serious professional level so that they can start a new online
business of such collectable items. What better could it be if such an online
business related to somebody’s childhood passion be an alternative career option
for him or her?
Young collectors may keep studying for their primary career and at the
same time build up further on their hobby to start a business platform as soon as
they become adult and confident enough to build a career out of their passion.
Somebody’s childhood obsession or pastime could thus be a great supportive or
alternate career choice. Being an entrepreneur in such a unique field is a matter
of great pride.
It needs a detailed plan and hard work. Collectors have to collect
unique, rare and antique items because primarily these are the items have a
tremendous demand from all corners of the world. One needs to do research
and survey to understand the market demand of the items. It is believed that
historical, cultural, geographical and aesthetic attributes of these collectables
determine the market value. Besides collecting such items, it is also necessary to
do research and note down some historical and traditional significance. As this
hobby of collection needs tremendous travelling, research and meeting various
people, one has to concentrate only on a few specialized fields.
Since online business needs an online platform, entrepreneurs have to learn e-
commerce, website designing, and application development to do it more
independently. All the logistical and legal support and the online trade license
could be taken from professional experts. As part of the plan, to make an early
market niche, entrepreneurs can start a video blog on collecting as a hobby. This
would help them to have contact with like-minded people and to gather more
knowledge. Though online marketing does not require many funds but initial set
up may be funded by taking some loan from a reputed bank.
Great Chinese philosopher Confucius said, ‘Choose a job you love, and you
will never have to work a day in your life’. As this alternate career choice is just an
expansion and embellishment of one’s hobby, so there is no extra burden to
learn or to work. One can easily devote time and effort as the person is
passionate about the work. So, it is highly recommendable and satisfying to have
such an alternate career out of one’s passion.

Suvanwita Das
Student, Passionate collector of stamps

♦♦Career Mantra♦♦ Page 107