Too many small business owners start thinking that they need to be all things to everyone. They believe that by not doing this, they are leaving business on the table. However, this attitude can increase your risk of burnout, confusion, exhaustion, and failure. By defining a specific niche, you and your customers can know exactly what to expect. Here are five keys to help you when determining your niche.
Key #1 – Define Your Ideal Customer
Rather than picking a broad category of customers, narrow it down, considering things like gender, hobbies, geographic location, employer, occupation, etc. When you take the time to define your ideal customer, you are also clearly defining the language you use and pinpointing the platforms you’ll use to engage with your customer.
Key #2 – Pick an Industry to Serve
You must have a passion for what you do, or you won't be able to continue your forward movement when facing challenges and setbacks. Ask yourself the following questions to help you narrow your choice down.
• What industries do you know?
• What industries do you influence?
• What industries do you love?
• Is there an industry that is the answer to all three of the questions?
As an entrepreneur, you get to choose where you'll work, so taking your time and choosing wisely is essential.
Key #3 – Specialize in a Specific Product or Service
Too many small businesses make the mistake of trying to offer every kind of service or product that is available for their market. The entire purpose of defining a niche is for your business to be known as a specialty. People can easily catalog and refer to your business when you clearly state your thing.
Essential #4 – Look for an Ignored Audience
There will always be groups of people with specific needs or conditions that make it difficult to find service providers. If you market well and provide them with a platform to share their story of your business specialty, they can help you build your business with referrals.
Key #5 – Be in the Know
There are numerous ways to find out the trends in your niche. You can set up an RSS Feed to keep up with top industry blogs, work the hashtag searches and listen to social media, or just Google the information.
Work through these five keys to help you gain clarity and set your business up for success. Get your target niche’s attention and set your business on the right path.
Thanks for Reading
Steven Smith
