Niche Schmiche?!

{flickr photo by Scrunchleface}

I have to admit I am probably one of the last people to get on the niche bandwagon. I knew finding a specialty in business was important. But I just could not get my head around it. And then one afternoon while I was driving home, I realized why finding a niche was so hard for me. Maybe if you read this, you will get that “aha” moment too.

What’s a Niche?

First of all, what’s a niche (pronounced neesh or nich) anyway?

In number 3 of its definitions, Dictionary.com defines it as “a distinct segment of a market.” It’s also a place to put your urn, but that’s another story.

When one finds a niche, like making recyclable art or writing psychology articles, they are essentially narrowing down the market. So that in a sea of plenty, buyers, clients, and customers can find you. I like to think of it like online dating. You’re checking the interests and beliefs that matter to you so that you can find a better match.

But in doing so, you are also saying goodbye to a host of other potential matches and while that’s a good thing, if you are a people-pleaser like me that can ignite fear and anxiety.

Here’s the thing.

I want people to like me. And I want them to like my art and my writing.

So narrowing the field a bit. Telling people I love taking my passion for self-help, creativity and inspiration and using it to create helpful articles for people is hard. It’s true. It’s important. But it’s no less difficult to say. I have a ton of interests. I love the article I did published in January about rabbits. I love interviewing small business owners and finding out what makes their heart sing. Those things make me happy. But it is difficult and not good for my business if I were to list every single thing I am good at, I love to write about and what I can do. I could write about anything. All writers can. But it may not be helpful for you to do so.

This is not a blog post to tell you how to find your writing niche. If you are looking for that, read this, “Seven Ways to Find Your Writing Niche” by Freelance Folder. If you are looking for how to find your crafty niche check out this Etsy article, “How to: Finding Your Etsy Niche.”

This is about what it’s like to be aware of the fact that in business, as in life, you cannot and will not be able to please everybody. You must gracefully say goodbye to those potential customers that you would have loved to help, but can’t. You must courageously step away from your people pleasing personality and open the door to the business of your dreams. When you are able to focus on what you are best at, what makes you most excited about you will be able to make a real difference with your business. You will be able to touch those people, the right ones, through your business.

You won’t be able to change every single person in the world. But the ones you focus one will be grateful. They will be touched. And if you keep focusing on them, you will be changed as well.

Ant that’s the whole purpose isn’t it?

If it isn’t, you are probably reading the wrong blog. But if you are, thank you for reading this! And now go off and find one that fits you. I’m writing this for those that fit into my niche. Is that you?