The following is an excerpt from the book Get Paid For Who You Are.
Don’t just take my word for it. there’s an internet website called www.killerstart-ups.com that reviews fifteen new internet start-ups every single working day. That’s about 4,000 start- ups every year — just the ones this site reviews — with subjects ranging from financial investments to resources for educators to evaluating tv shows to culinary tips.
The prospects are as limitless as the number of hobbies and interests you can think up. One website, www.itsthoughtful.com is all about a community of people who want to get ideas for gifts that matter to those they care about. Someone had to think up the idea, start researching gifts, and start connecting others who are interested in the same thing. for that matter, someone had to think of starting a website reviewing new internet start-ups!
What’s your passion, hobby, skill or experience? Can it be turned into a revenue stream for you? Yes it can, whether you like scrapbooking, deep sea diving, nifty new gadgets, lawn care, becoming a better parent, personal development, financial planning, or hiking in national parks. Whatever you like or love is something you can spend more time doing and make money while doing it!
I really think in your business that if you have a weak brand you’re not going to want to really put it out there for people. Your not going to really want to hand out your business card. There’s going to be a difference in your energy. But, if you’ve got a strong brand that is really pumping, you are going to be thrilled to hand out your business card. You’re going to want to actually be really public.
The following is an excerpt from the book Get Paid For Who You Are.
Until you’re clear on your target market, it’s too easy to wander aimlessly, wanting to help, but unable to. it’s like trying to run with your shoelaces tied together. When you are clear on who you want to help — your “target market” — you’ll want to tell everyone who’ll listen and forge ahead with energy.
a target market or niche is the group of people you’ve decided to help. You can narrow it down in lots of cool ways, including age, income, where they live, occupation, or what they need. a target market is very specific and helps you to focus your marketing efforts. Without it you can get too scattered to succeed.
Many people ask, “Why do i need a target market? Why can’t i offer my services to everyone?” after all, why would anyone want to turn away customers? it can feel limiting.
However, choosing a niche or group of people to focus on doesn’t keep you from working with other people outside of your niche. You’re still allowed to work with others when they come to you. Surprisingly, it increases the number of people who come to you because you’re more attractive; you’re clear, focused, working with the right clients and happy. More importantly, it makes it so much easier for the right clients to find you!
The following is taken from David’s interview with Judy Feld in 10 Super Coaches.
What are your coaching niche(s)? How did you discover this?
Niches and specialties are very important in the growth of a coaching practice.
I think you create niches and specialties, not discover them. Here are three of my niches:
- Technology executives: CIOs, IT VPs, etc.
- Executive Women
- Career Changers
How would you suggest coaches find their niche?
Know yourself- use assessments: behavioral styles, values, strengths, etc. Coach people whose work you are interested in, and concentrate on niches that fit your strengths and background.
Be consistent in your messages; craft your own identity.
Invent your own sub-niche; create your unique area of specialty.
Strengthen the reserve in your business so that you can invest in long-term specialization. Be open to change.
Communicate continuously and creatively with your target market.
Provide real value; continue to add value.
Choose your specialty so that it does not depend on fads- fleeting whims of your decision-making population.
Above all, choose niches and specialties that you enjoy.
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Creating Your Speech
You need to decide who you will speak to. Who do you want to help? Women? Teens? Corporations? People in Rehabilitation? Spiritual people? When you know who you will speak to/help, you can start to try and find them.
Ideally, choose people who would pay for your services — who have money. Pick a topic which solves a problem people have. If you speak on ‘enlightenment for underprivileged children’ you’ll likely command a lower fee than if you speak on ‘how to make your customers choose your company over others’. Of course — if money isn’t important to you, this won’t matter.
Speak on something that’s VERY important to you and which you feel makes a difference to the world. If you don’t come from the heart and say what you really feel/mean, you won’t get the gigs, you’ll be unhappy, or both.
