7 Types of Tasks You Should Never Delegate

Turning your hobby into a career can take a little trial and error, a lot of resilience, and some good business sense. TurboTax can help you make your moves count so you can focus on what you do best! Whether TurboTax experts prepare your tax return or you do it yourself, they guarantee their calculations are always 100 percent accurate, or they’ll pay any penalties.

If you’re a creative person looking to take your hobby to the next level, here are tips for getting started and growing your business.

Choose your focus: Before Steffy started focusing on the DIY aspect of her business, her niche was in fashion, mostly vintage fashion, which helped her build a following who loved her aesthetic. “My first big win was I booked a blog a month with a major fashion brand. It was the first time I realized that big companies are paying attention to people on the Internet,” says Steffy. “Over time, working with brands just legitimized what I was doing and made me feel like, yes, this is fun, and yes, this is something that is still a hobby, but also there's a future in it as my business.”

Set clear goals: Define your career goals – actually write them down – and create a roadmap for achieving them. Set short-term and long-term goals that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Set reasonable dates for achieving those goals and stick to them!

Create a personal brand: Establishing a strong personal brand that feels unique to you and your target audience can help you stand out in a crowded space. Make sure it’s clear what you do from your branding and what services you offer.

Develop a business mindset: Brush up on budgeting, marketing, sales, and customer service to understand how best to monetize your passion. “My first challenge was tax wise,” says Steffy. After getting hit with a big tax bill at the end of year, Steffy realized that she had to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer to avoid hefty fees. “When you work for yourself, you're thinking you're making all this income, but really a lot of it goes back to the state and the government, and you have to really be on top of that.” TurboTax experts can help you determine all of your deductions as a freelancer and entrepreneur while helping you get your max refund.

Scale wisely: Do you invest in hiring help or do you stay small? That’s a question solopreneurs often struggle with. “I hit a certain point where I realized that I did need help. I'm still working through what that help looks like. I have a part-time employee, but I always grapple with whether I need more hours and more hands on deck,” says Steffy. Balance your creative life by contracting out the responsibilities that take up a lot of your time and that you don’t necessarily enjoy doing. Wearing too many hats can take away from your talents and lead to burnout so get help when you need it, like tax time, but choose wisely where you invest your time and money.

Adapt as you grow: Once you start to gain traction, adjust and adapt your business plan to suit your growing needs. “I was already doing DIY projects behind the scenes, but I just thought, it's not my niche. People won't be interested in this,” says Steffy about transitioning her fashion-focused brand to her other hobbies. “Then I filmed one video of DIY, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and it went viral. That's what made me realize that maybe people do come to me for my fashion, but that my fashion sense trickles down into all aspects of my life, including how I decorate.” That led Steffy to eventually writing a home decor book A Home for Every Season. “It just shifted my business completely,” she says.

Connect with other creatives: Being a solopreneur can be lonely. You have friends and family but they may not understand your business struggles. That’s where a creative community comes in. “A community definitely helps even just to have comradery and bounce ideas off of each other,” says Steffy, who often shares content with other influencers. “We're all on the Internet and then getting together and creating content and sharing it, it definitely helps lift everyone up.”

Consistently show up. Consistency is key to building a following and accomplishing your goals. “The biggest tip I would have is to just get up and do it every day,” says Steffy. “You have to have a strong foundation yourself to grow and just keep coming up with new ideas and trying new things and just showing up, not necessarily every day, but a few times a week, for your audience and trying to inspire them and be creative.”

Photos: Courtesy of Steffy.

Running a business or thinking about starting one? Make your moves count with TurboTax!*

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Ready to take your creativity to the next level? Here are tips for building a dreamy creative life!

Schedule creative time. If you have a 9 to 5, schedule time in the morning, after work or on weekends to explore your craft or run your business. Marking your calendar and making time to be creative will help you make sure you don’t let the chance slip by – the more you do, the more you discover your talents and build your expertise.

Don’t try to do it all. “When you're running your own business, you're essentially forced to wear all the hats,” says Dani. Being a small business owner can look like a one-woman show. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Instead, focus on what you love and let experts do the rest. Whether TurboTax experts prepare your tax return or you do it yourself, they guarantee their calculations are always 100% accurate, or they’ll pay any penalties.

Collaborate with others. Host a regular creative hang with friends, tap into a local creative community, find people online who you relate to who might want to collaborate on a project or promotion. This is a great way to get the word out about your unique offerings. Dani has turned her fashion business into an interior design and print business, collaborating with brands on wallpaper, shoe design, and more.

Don’t let failure stop you. Mistakes often lead to breakthroughs. Experiment with new ideas and techniques, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. You’ve got this! Don’t feel like you have to reach perfection before making the next move. Small business life is a journey of doing and learning. “I learned not to limit myself in what I think I can and can't do,” says Dani. “I always wanted to pursue interiors and I thought when I was younger that I had to pick a lane. But all these years later and letting go of those self-limiting thoughts, I ended up doing interiors and that took on a whole life of its own.”

Diversify your revenue streams. “A big part of being an entrepreneur is getting used to the ups and downs of running a small business, and the slow times,” says Dani. She soon learned to diversify streams of income and pursue other creative ventures, such as licensing her designs and renting out her spaces for photo shoots. “I would say really think about how you can capitalize on all the different things you're doing and get creative with that,” she adds.

Travel and explore. Have you ever traveled and not felt inspired? Not possible! See new perspectives and get out of your comfort zone and you’re sure to feel creative and inspired in the process. Travel means learning new things about yourself and what you want out of life. Tight on budget? Visit a new place in your area, have coffee with someone in your field, do something out of the norm to gain inspiration and try something new.

When you’re ready, make that big move. Dani spent six years doing apparel graphics for a corporation, until she gathered the courage to start her own clothing line. “That was probably my first really big move and I built that up on social media,” she says. She used social media to get the word out. “I used a lot of my spaces for photo shoots for my brand, so I would design really cool funky spaces and then people started to ask me if I did interiors,” she recalls.

Share your story. That brings us to having the confidence to share your work and your process. “When Instagram stories came out, I started to share my behind the scenes process,” says Dani. “And that was when people actually started to really connect with the brand. I realized that my superpower wasn't to make a fancy-looking brand and seem like it was already established. It was to embrace that I was this solopreneur at the time.”

Photos: Courtesy of Dani Dazey.

Running a business or thinking about starting one? Make your moves count with TurboTax!*

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We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

When you think of romantic destinations, you probably envision secluded beach getaways, remote mountain cabins with a roaring fire, or luxurious suites in a historic Parisian hotel. These options definitely qualify as romantic, but the truth is that most of us can’t travel into quite such another world on a regular basis… much less within a two-day timeframe.

Exploring a new city stateside can be uber romantic, if you know what to do with your time. Here are our top five cities for a romantic couple’s getaway closer to home, one that’s sure to be just as exciting and intimate as any dreamy honeymoon-esque destination.

Chicago

A fantastic city for old-fashioned American romance is Chicago. With its sweeping architecture, beautiful parks and lakefront views, this city is not to be underestimated if romance is your goal.

Start your first morning off at a classic brunch destination like Beatrix or The Bongo Room, both of which are sought out weekend after weekend by Chicago couples.

Next, take a stroll along Chicago’s Riverwalk, where you’ll find yourself gazing up at the incredible skyscrapers for which the Chicago School of architecture is known. If you’re really into history and design, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise Tour is not to be missed - you’ll float down the Chicago River (yes, drinks are available), and gaze up at the city from the center of its famous waterways.

Next, check out one of Chicago’s many amazing museums. The Museum Campus, located right along the lakefront, is home to the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum. Oh, and did we mention the Adler Planetarium, where you can cuddle up and gaze up at the stars together?

For dinner, make a reservation at one of the city’s best restaurants, like world-famous Alinea or celebrity chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl & The Goat.

Finish off your day with a stroll along Navy Pier, where you can kiss atop the Ferris Wheel while taking in breathtaking nighttime views of the city.

Spend your second day touring Chicago’s most interesting neighborhoods on foot. Head to Old Town for gorgeous historic homes and a super-walkable, classic city vibe, or opt for Logan Square if hipsters and arcade bars are more your speed.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s natural landscape and architecture, with its rolling hills and European-feeling streets and architecture, makes it a serious contender for the most beautiful city in the U.S.

Start off your first day with a pastry from Tartine, or grab a meal at a charming cafe like Mama’s on Washington Square. San Francisco’s food and wine scene is truly its own culture, so don’t be surprised if you grab some extra items to-go.

Next, head to the Embarcadero and take in the waterfront views, or hit up the iconic Golden Gate Park for a classic attraction you won’t want to miss. Spots like the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and Stow Lake serve up beauty and romance in heaps.

While you’re on foot, enjoy a picnic in the park. SF is the kind of city where you can easily grab fresh bread, deli meats, gourmet cheeses and snacks from your pick of local artisan markets with superb offerings.

That night, enjoy a romantic dinner at a waterfront restaurant along the Embarcadero, such as the Spanish-inspired Coqueta at Pier 5 or The Franciscan Crab Restaurant at Pier 39 for fresh seafood and stunning views of the Bay.

The next morning, take a walking tour of North Beach, often referred to as San Francisco's Little Italy. Grab brunch at Caffe Trieste and/or drinks at 15 Romolo, then explore the area’s historic streets and many local boutiques.

To cap off your trip, take a romantic sunset cruise on the San Francisco Bay. Sail past iconic landmarks like Alcatraz Island while sipping Champagne and enjoying hors d'oeuvres.

Boston

Boston is arguably the country’s most historic city, and its charming architecture, beautiful streets, and fantastic dining scene are perfect for a couple’s escape.

On your first day in Beantown, start your morning off with breakfast at a charming cafe like Tatte Bakery & Cafe or Thinking Cup. Go for a walk along the Charles River Esplanade, enjoying the scenic views of the river and the Boston skyline.

The Museum of Fine Arts isn’t to be missed, as it houses one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world.

Next, have a romantic lunch at a cozy bistro in the Back Bay neighborhood, such as Deuxave or Mistral. For dinner, enjoy a romantic meal at a waterfront restaurant in the Seaport District or the North End. Legal Harborside boasts delicious fresh seafood in a modern environment, while Ristorante Lucia offers a super romantic aesthetic.

After dinner, take a sunset cruise on Boston Harbor. Relax aboard a sailboat or yacht while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline and the harbor lights.

The next day, head to a historic diner like The Paramount or Mike's City Diner for breakfast or brunch. You’ll need sustenance for all the must-do activities in Boston, which include exploring the historic Freedom Trail, starting at Boston Common and ending at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.

Next, enjoy each other’s company and conversion as you stroll through the beautiful Boston Public Garden. Enjoy the lush greenery, colorful flowers, and the iconic Swan Boats on the pond.

For dinner, try a romantic dinner cruise on the Charles River. Enjoy a gourmet meal and live music while cruising along the river and admiring the city lights. After the cruise, take a romantic walk along the historic streets of Beacon Hill. Admire the charming brownstones, gas lanterns, and cobblestone streets as you stroll hand in hand.

New York City

New York City is for lovers and always has been. Start your first day off with a cozy breakfast at the NYC staple Sarabeth’s, which boasts a killer location just south of Central Park. Next, stroll hand in hand through the park as you digest. For bonus romance points, you can even rent a rowboat and paddle around the lake, taking in the urban beauty around you.

Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great way to spend your afternoon, and you can take in even more of the iconic experience by heading up to the Met’s rooftop garden for stunning views of NYC. Another great place for walking? The High Line, a converted rail line that’s now an elevated park perfect for strolling and taking in the city’s views.

Grab dinner at a romantic spot that boasts some more killer views. Some of your best options include The River Café for waterfront dining or One if by Land, Two if by Sea for a historic atmosphere and plenty of romance.On your second day in town, explore the more creative neighborhoods of NYC. Start your morning off with breakfast at a trendy spot like Jack's Wife Freda or Buvette, then stroll through Greenwich Village, SoHo, or Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, taking time to stop at every cute little boutique that captures your interest.

Austin

Keep Austin weird for sure, but also embrace its youthful energy and fresh, creative environment.

Start your romantic trip to Austin with breakfast at a cozy cafe like Elizabeth Street Café or Paperboy. Then take a stroll around Lady Bird Lake, enjoying the scenic views of downtown Austin and the Colorado River.

That afternoon, take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool located in Zilker Park. After you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a romantic picnic lunch in the park as you take in the natural scenery.

As far as cuisine is concerned, Austin’s foodie scene is ever growing and expanding. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating, such as Uchi or Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar. Savor delicious cuisine and cocktails while soaking up the ambiance of Austin's vibrant nightlife.

After dinner, take a moonlight stroll along South Congress Avenue. Explore the eclectic shops, street art, and live music venues that make this area so unique.

On your second day in town, have breakfast at a trendy brunch spot like Bouldin Creek Café or Josephine House.

After filling up, explore the vibrant East Austin neighborhood on foot or by bike. Visit local art galleries, boutique shops, and coffee shops.

Next, get out of the city for the afternoon and take a scenic drive to the Texas Hill Country. With a plethora of wineries and or breweries to visit, you won’t regret going just a little bit off the beaten path around Autin. Consider destinations like Duchman Family Winery or Jester King Brewery for a romantic afternoon sampling local wines or craft beers.

Not interested in getting out of town? Stay in Austin and spend the day relaxing together with a couples' massage at a spa like Milk + Honey or Viva Day Spa.

For dinner, indulge in a romantic meal at a cozy restaurant with a farm-to-table menu, such as Lenoir or Olamaie.

Main image: Taryn Elliott

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.