How to affirm or find your niche in various endeavors
Find your niche
Whether you are in college, in a 9 to 5 job, in transition or facing near retirement, you may be wondering how to find your niche in your next venture. After both running as well as being a participant of a few different workshops, I found out something fascinating. Whether it is starting a hobby, writing a blog, launching a new online store or seeking a brand new career, the points used to evaluate and to confirm the right niche or path are very similar.
This is what I have asked some participants and clients to do. Brainstorm in the most open-minded way using a journal or your laptop.
1. Create a list of your hobbies or interests even from the time you were a teenager if necessary. What intrigued you? What got you excited to get up and do something? In my case, it was skateboarding, cycling, art, and working with others to do sketches and theater. I also loved writing so much I was teaching it privately from the age of 14.
2.What will follow next may actually be a natural outcome from your previous answer. List your natural talents and learned skills. Write your talents first as that is something you would likely have noticed at a younger age than the skill set you have developed from school, college and work. My strengths with words and images have helped me help a few organizations with their media work.
3. The next follow up question is what have been your achievements? Again, you can start as early as high school and your accomplishments can be varied. Whether it was sports oriented, art centered or career focused, as long as it made you smile, write them down. In university, I was chosen for an advertising mentorship program. I used that experience in my first job at a media production firm.
4. Next, list any trials or setbacks you have faced and then list in point form how you overcame it. Whether this was overcoming a physical ailment or a financial setback, write it all down. As you think about it, feel free to write any lack of oversight or any weakness you think led to this situation (if it was a setback). I only avoid using the word “failure” because if you have learned from it, then it really was not all a waste.
5. Take time to write or type this. Know that if you are starting an online blog or business that these questions are definitely worth at least an hour of honest review. The reason is anything that you plan to do, whether it is to find your niche for extra or main income, will require so much of your time that it’s better to start off correctly by confirming your key intention. Your answers will show you your long-haul passion and whether you have the skill-set (plus talent) to support your next venture. Your answers will help you in finding your voice and finding your voice is finding your branding. And finding your branding is finding your mission statement. Not only do new businesses need mission statements but so do blogs and small online stores.
6. It may be obvious after a while what business would be worth your time and effort, once you have reviewed all your positive qualities. The overcoming hardship question will show you what you possess in order to face the upcoming challenges that will arise (and they often do) in your next endeavor. Looking back at any mistakes or at your core weaknesses may also show you what online or new business to avoid. However, if you are starting a blog, any setback can actually provide good content. If you are going to offer a coaching or consulting service, a setback can be used as a teaching point for your clients.
This will be an interesting journey. It can be nurturing as well. It is worth keeping your detailed answers to review whenever you make a big decision that requires some former feedback. If you can spare that hour, make yourself a cup of tea and begin.
