As I look back over the last 2 years or so, I reflect on the fact that originally, I was going to do just about anything I could for anyone. (Meaning I had a list of skills, and as long as a client needed something on my list done, I’d take the work). Specifically, I wanted to work with public speakers, but wasn’t too choosy. Then I decided to drop the generalist VA-type stuff, and just do editorial support for professional speakers, authors and entrepreneurs. Now I’ve dropped the professional speakers off my list of desired clients. The few I’ve worked for I haven’t been able to “click” with. Working with authors, on the other hand, has been a much better fit for me. Probably because I am one myself.
I was telling my husband the other night that my business would have been successful a lot sooner if I had nailed my niche of work and niche of clients right off the bat! He reminded me though that I needed to get there on my own. Some of finding your niche is trial and error. I guess initially, I was going for a horizontal niche, or doing the same work across a bunch of industries. Then I moved to a vertical niche, in some respects, with authors I can do most administrative support. With my “guru” clients in a variety of fields, I solely do my horizontal, editorial niche. Hmm, I’m envisioning a “T” on its left side.
Since my niche has changed so much in the last two years, I wonder where it will be in another two years. I expect it will be much the same, but business is dynamic, not stagnant, so stay tuned…