What is a niche? Why do I need a niche? The Merriam-Webster dictionary says that a niche is a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted (finally found her niche). In the business world it is a specific industry, a specific service that is provided. Your niche is the specialty service or activity that you will provide to your target market.
Why is a niche needed? Is a niche important? Yes, it is. By identifying your niche you are able to able to target your audience and in the terms of marketing it will save you money on advertising. Your target market is the audience that you will market your services to. When you identify your target market your message can be tailored to their specific needs or problems. This places you in the position to reach specific customers and satisfy their needs. Your niche can help determine what you charge for your fees. The more specialized you are, and the more knowledge/experience you have the higher yours fees.
How can I identify my niche? Ask yourself the following questions:
From that list select the top three that you enjoy doing the most. You want to select those that you find the most excitement and highest skill level. Now that you have this information you can determine who would benefit from what you have to offer.
Now you can see why determining your niche is important, and you don‘t have to be afraid that it will limit you. Most people are afraid that if they have a niche it will limit who they can work with. Not true. It will actually help you grow. By knowing your niche you are able to personalize the services that you give. Your clients want to know that they are the most important one and that you will “customize” your services to them. Determining your niche will allow you to do this.
Sheila Edens-Brown is a Certified Social Media and Internet Marketing Virtual Assistant. She is also a Certified Virtual Events Specialist and Coach. Her skills are used to help coaches, speakers and writers grow their businesses without having to worry about the day-to-day operations of admin support. She is a Certified Business Coach through the Emotional Endurance Institute. In addition, Sheila also trains and mentor other virtual assistants, and consults with individuals that are transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur. She empowers women professionals to grow in business and life through marketing, mindset, and success coaching factors. Her writing portfolio consists of training materials, teaching materials, magazine articles and blogging. To learn more, or to contact her for writing or speaking, visit www.virtual-admin-professionals.com or www.SheerEleganceVirtualAssistant.com.