I like this article because it really puts into perspective what my thought should be and how I should focus. I'm gonna try and focus on putting out as much great content as possible
I never liked the niche constraints but understand very well why it is given as a recommendation. I like to think of the niche/ genre question as a tree. it got its roots and trunk to support its branches and leaves. The trunk is the broad niche/genre, and the sub-niches the branches and leaves.
Agree, Roy and to be clear: while I think having a niche is very effective, I much prefer having a broader vision under which I can talk about different topics.
I don't want to talk only about one thing: I want to help people who are trying to create something new and unlock their potential. It could be the person who wants to publish their first book, someone who wants to start a new path...and that allows me to write about things as diverse as sports mindset, publishing or collaboration.
True, I have no interest in people’s cats or in their kids’ cute sayings. I want info; I want to develop skills. I already have a community of support in my life, thank you.
I think the why is something we should focus on continuously, always asking and refining the answer. If we can spend time understanding our why, it becomes easier to become one's niche.
The point about people not caring until they start caring was spot on. The real work is giving them a reason to care. Why should people want to read my article or join my community? That’s where knowing my why comes in. It’s the foundation for building the connection and providing real value.
The why is the foundation of everything and it requires a lot of hard work.
It’s easier to talk about us as a way of self-expression and that’s healthy too, but if we want to take our writing to the next level, we have to connect everything to a bigger purpose and turn that into value for our readers.
People eventually care but you have to give them a reason.
I love stories. And I believe behind every story there is a life lesson to take with us. I'm creating a community where people can come tel their stories and others can give their perspectives if the storyteller wishes so. Never done before, I believe. Its about learning to tel and to listen, and maybe to write them.
On the other hand, Im also starting a newsletter for nonprofits.
Yesterday I was actually contacted by a new YT channel that does exactly that: invite people to share their stories with the purpose of inspiring others.
I think it's a wonderful idea: people want to share and be heard by very often they don't find a platform.
Do you believe that I was feeling embarassed abouth this idea?🤭😆😆
And do you know how it came to be as an idea? Because I've realised my friends love my presence because I'm a good listener. I realised that I didn't even have time to speak..they're the ones talking. Then I realised..uau, people do need to talk!
As a respectful counter, or broadened view of this idea of 'be the niche'...
I think there is much more to this idea of "you are your niche" than simply "sharing personal random stories…" I find there are strong logical arguments counter to the good ones you've made here.
And some, that may align with what I've seen in your work. I see you very much as your own niche. 👇
• Authenticity goes beyond personal stories
It’s not just writing about yourself (when one is their own niche) -- it's also about expressing one's unique perspective, values, and experiences in a way that connects deeply with others. (like your work for example).
• Building trust and connection through authenticity
Rather than needing to “earn the right” to be authentic over time (e.g. like Hormozi, etc.), starting with authenticity facilitates writers/creators to build trust naturally from the outset.
People are drawn to individuals who are open, honest and transparent, not just those who provide external value.
• Niche from personal growth.
Instead of focusing on a pre-defined niche, someone like Dan Koe for example, who is a big proponent of "the niche is you" suggests one become their niche through their personal growth and experiences.
"Solve your own problems and challenges first, then show others how you did it" is Koe's logic.
This seems to fit quite well with what I've seen of your impressive evolution and growth. :)
This type of process is also more fluid and supports writers/creators in evolving and pivoting without being constrained by some 'niche limitation'.
• Long-term alignment and sustainability
Authenticity from the start seems a much better approach (in my mind) - as opposed to the suggestion that folks have to 'earn' some size of following or popularity before sharing real stories.
My experience thus far... being me, being the niche - is much more sustainable than pursuing external validations, or metrics.
And, I chuckled reading your post - as I've watched you growing and growing and very much being you - the niche. I rarely don't see a picture of you in your posts. This suggests to me that you are indeed your own niche. 😄
Thank you, David, I always love a good debate with you.
What you say makes total sense and authenticity is a key part of writing. I'm not saying you have to earn the right of passage to be authentic and talk about you - you embed it, you share your opinions, etc.
What I see though, is people jumping onto the "Be your niche" wagon because it's what they want to hear. It's empowering to think that by sharing your thoughts on everything and anything you will start to build a following.
I see people succeed when they have a vision (not necessarily a niche) and something that acts as a larger umbrella to keep everything together.
Even in the case of Dane Koe: solving your problems = self-improvement.
Finding that balance between a vision and being you is what I'm aiming for.
I hear ya, on folks looking for the “make it easy” button. And, funnily enough, I see the ‘niche down’ obsession also becomes that for many.
My own experience, which may not work for 99.9% of others, is focus on Self.
This often means ‘slower’ growth, but will sure fuel the mind and body through the tougher spots (in ‘creating’ and in life).
Build and support resilience for the ‘dips’.
And, in the meantime, so much learning can happen while writing and posting about it.
In this Age of AI, my prediction is that more of this type of writing will stick. The formulaic posts and writing that continue to present simple 1+1+1=3 wrapped in a nice 🎁 will be like a diet of chocolate bars and pop. :)
Glad to see you continuing to keep you as the core of your work. I see you as your niche :) 🙌
I love how you approach writing and you are obviously doing very well based on your growth.
I love the idea of self and you are able to take your readers into your journey and your thinking. You also have a clear target audience: business audience and education, which I think is key.
And I agree that we have to put our personality stamp on our work because otherwise, the bots Veronica and David will take over.
The "be your own niche" or "the niche of one" or "you are the niche" is the updated version of "start a blog and just write" which resulted in thousands upon thousands of blogs that get near zero visitors.
You're absolutely right! However, I had a great experience with a slightly different approach. Starting my blog with a narrowed niche helped me dive deeper into a specific topic. Over time, I expanded my focus as people became interested in my opinions and I gained more knowledge. This allowed me to write about a wider range of topics. I hope that makes sense, I'm on my way to pick up my son from school :)
You started from the bottom up and built on top following a logic and a WHY. I don't think there's one magic formula but you have to connect the dots and have a vision that ties everything together.
I'm glad to see it's working for you!
PS: you make total sense and I know how school pick-ups are 😂
One). Your title is a clever hook, which I shall use as an example of clever hooks when I write about such ploys. Two). It's rare to see this many intelligent responses to a post. To you and your readers, I say "Well done" Peace, Maurice
1) Titles are so critical yet most people treat it as an accessory. It's the most important line of the entire article. Dedicate to it just as much time.
2) Thank you for this wonderful compliment. My vision is not to write something that people read but to generate a discussion, a debate, a conversation...that's what creates a community.
You said the key points, and I specifically like the fact that you were bold about dispelling what people assume to be 'a working formula' since it's 'trending'.
Thank you, Tabitha, I used to be blinded by the mainstream advice until I realized that we have to create our own formula and be critical, even if that means going against the current.
You are right, Jacek, everything has nuances and has to be contextualized.
I'm not a big fan of the mainstream chants, "Clear not clever," etc because we ended up with a numbed brain that adopts other people's thinking and frameworks.
It's good for ideation but you have to do you and create your formula.
This --> "You are not your niche: you become your niche."
Brilliant 👏
Thank you, Ramon.
I’m glad you liked it!
I like this article because it really puts into perspective what my thought should be and how I should focus. I'm gonna try and focus on putting out as much great content as possible
That's great to hear, K.L, and I think this approach can also give you clarity and guide you toward what's important.
Happy writing!
I never liked the niche constraints but understand very well why it is given as a recommendation. I like to think of the niche/ genre question as a tree. it got its roots and trunk to support its branches and leaves. The trunk is the broad niche/genre, and the sub-niches the branches and leaves.
Agree, Roy and to be clear: while I think having a niche is very effective, I much prefer having a broader vision under which I can talk about different topics.
I don't want to talk only about one thing: I want to help people who are trying to create something new and unlock their potential. It could be the person who wants to publish their first book, someone who wants to start a new path...and that allows me to write about things as diverse as sports mindset, publishing or collaboration.
For me, it's always about the why.
True, I have no interest in people’s cats or in their kids’ cute sayings. I want info; I want to develop skills. I already have a community of support in my life, thank you.
Exactly, you have to give value to your readers and once they get that, they start caring and the trust grows.
I adore this statement you wrote: “You are not your niche: you become your niche.”. There is a lot of creative freedom in these words!
Thank you, Carrie, it's nice when you write something that resonates beyond just words 🫶🏻
Great article as always, Veronica.
I think the why is something we should focus on continuously, always asking and refining the answer. If we can spend time understanding our why, it becomes easier to become one's niche.
The point about people not caring until they start caring was spot on. The real work is giving them a reason to care. Why should people want to read my article or join my community? That’s where knowing my why comes in. It’s the foundation for building the connection and providing real value.
Thank you Stella.
The why is the foundation of everything and it requires a lot of hard work.
It’s easier to talk about us as a way of self-expression and that’s healthy too, but if we want to take our writing to the next level, we have to connect everything to a bigger purpose and turn that into value for our readers.
People eventually care but you have to give them a reason.
I love stories. And I believe behind every story there is a life lesson to take with us. I'm creating a community where people can come tel their stories and others can give their perspectives if the storyteller wishes so. Never done before, I believe. Its about learning to tel and to listen, and maybe to write them.
On the other hand, Im also starting a newsletter for nonprofits.
So, thetes a lot on my plate.
I love that, Diana.
Yesterday I was actually contacted by a new YT channel that does exactly that: invite people to share their stories with the purpose of inspiring others.
I think it's a wonderful idea: people want to share and be heard by very often they don't find a platform.
Good luck with your lovely community 🌸
reallyy??😀😀😀😀
Do you believe that I was feeling embarassed abouth this idea?🤭😆😆
And do you know how it came to be as an idea? Because I've realised my friends love my presence because I'm a good listener. I realised that I didn't even have time to speak..they're the ones talking. Then I realised..uau, people do need to talk!
The poor me never gets a chance 😅.
How crazy is this?
That’s awesome, Diana, and I can easily see this evolving into a Podcast too, so that people can shrare their story in a different format.
Being a good listener is such a fabulous skill and not an easy one to master.
You have something good here!
Interesting post Veronica.
As a respectful counter, or broadened view of this idea of 'be the niche'...
I think there is much more to this idea of "you are your niche" than simply "sharing personal random stories…" I find there are strong logical arguments counter to the good ones you've made here.
And some, that may align with what I've seen in your work. I see you very much as your own niche. 👇
• Authenticity goes beyond personal stories
It’s not just writing about yourself (when one is their own niche) -- it's also about expressing one's unique perspective, values, and experiences in a way that connects deeply with others. (like your work for example).
• Building trust and connection through authenticity
Rather than needing to “earn the right” to be authentic over time (e.g. like Hormozi, etc.), starting with authenticity facilitates writers/creators to build trust naturally from the outset.
People are drawn to individuals who are open, honest and transparent, not just those who provide external value.
• Niche from personal growth.
Instead of focusing on a pre-defined niche, someone like Dan Koe for example, who is a big proponent of "the niche is you" suggests one become their niche through their personal growth and experiences.
"Solve your own problems and challenges first, then show others how you did it" is Koe's logic.
This seems to fit quite well with what I've seen of your impressive evolution and growth. :)
This type of process is also more fluid and supports writers/creators in evolving and pivoting without being constrained by some 'niche limitation'.
• Long-term alignment and sustainability
Authenticity from the start seems a much better approach (in my mind) - as opposed to the suggestion that folks have to 'earn' some size of following or popularity before sharing real stories.
My experience thus far... being me, being the niche - is much more sustainable than pursuing external validations, or metrics.
And, I chuckled reading your post - as I've watched you growing and growing and very much being you - the niche. I rarely don't see a picture of you in your posts. This suggests to me that you are indeed your own niche. 😄
Thank you, David, I always love a good debate with you.
What you say makes total sense and authenticity is a key part of writing. I'm not saying you have to earn the right of passage to be authentic and talk about you - you embed it, you share your opinions, etc.
What I see though, is people jumping onto the "Be your niche" wagon because it's what they want to hear. It's empowering to think that by sharing your thoughts on everything and anything you will start to build a following.
I see people succeed when they have a vision (not necessarily a niche) and something that acts as a larger umbrella to keep everything together.
Even in the case of Dane Koe: solving your problems = self-improvement.
Finding that balance between a vision and being you is what I'm aiming for.
PS: I'm very happy you see me as me 😉
Cheers and see you here and on Strava!
👏 well said Veronica.
I hear ya, on folks looking for the “make it easy” button. And, funnily enough, I see the ‘niche down’ obsession also becomes that for many.
My own experience, which may not work for 99.9% of others, is focus on Self.
This often means ‘slower’ growth, but will sure fuel the mind and body through the tougher spots (in ‘creating’ and in life).
Build and support resilience for the ‘dips’.
And, in the meantime, so much learning can happen while writing and posting about it.
In this Age of AI, my prediction is that more of this type of writing will stick. The formulaic posts and writing that continue to present simple 1+1+1=3 wrapped in a nice 🎁 will be like a diet of chocolate bars and pop. :)
Glad to see you continuing to keep you as the core of your work. I see you as your niche :) 🙌
I love how you approach writing and you are obviously doing very well based on your growth.
I love the idea of self and you are able to take your readers into your journey and your thinking. You also have a clear target audience: business audience and education, which I think is key.
And I agree that we have to put our personality stamp on our work because otherwise, the bots Veronica and David will take over.
Cheers!
Thanks Veronica.
Going to be a long time until those bots can have shiny fun personalities... :)
😂
And until they can do cool sh&t on Strava 😎
The "be your own niche" or "the niche of one" or "you are the niche" is the updated version of "start a blog and just write" which resulted in thousands upon thousands of blogs that get near zero visitors.
Unfortunately that's often the case.
People love the idea of "Be your niche" because it's what we want to hear.
It removes the pressure of doing the hard thinking and finding your vision.
Call it vision, your why or whatever but you need to have something that connects the dots.
You're absolutely right! However, I had a great experience with a slightly different approach. Starting my blog with a narrowed niche helped me dive deeper into a specific topic. Over time, I expanded my focus as people became interested in my opinions and I gained more knowledge. This allowed me to write about a wider range of topics. I hope that makes sense, I'm on my way to pick up my son from school :)
That's exactly it, Andi.
You started from the bottom up and built on top following a logic and a WHY. I don't think there's one magic formula but you have to connect the dots and have a vision that ties everything together.
I'm glad to see it's working for you!
PS: you make total sense and I know how school pick-ups are 😂
💜💜
No truer words than this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Hey Veronica, two things here......
One). Your title is a clever hook, which I shall use as an example of clever hooks when I write about such ploys. Two). It's rare to see this many intelligent responses to a post. To you and your readers, I say "Well done" Peace, Maurice
Hi Maurice,
2 things from me:
1) Titles are so critical yet most people treat it as an accessory. It's the most important line of the entire article. Dedicate to it just as much time.
2) Thank you for this wonderful compliment. My vision is not to write something that people read but to generate a discussion, a debate, a conversation...that's what creates a community.
Cheers!
🍋 Have a vision
🍋 The Big WHY
🍋 Reverse engineer
Thank you for the continued support and advice through your work Veronica 😊 Reading this was like a little nudge to keep me focused on why I’m here 💖
That's great Shelly and I always use the zoom out technique for myself when I'm feeling lost or pulled in different directions.
What my why? What impact do you want to make?
Asking those questions always helps you get back on track.
You said the key points, and I specifically like the fact that you were bold about dispelling what people assume to be 'a working formula' since it's 'trending'.
Thank you, Tabitha, I used to be blinded by the mainstream advice until I realized that we have to create our own formula and be critical, even if that means going against the current.
The more tips like "wake up at 5am" I hear the more I'm convinced they should have caveats automatically added.
"Be yourself" says guy who is rich and has mass following regardless what he does.
"Just wake up early" says guy who had to do that to have some time to himself.
"Just be consistent" says guy who after 5 years of no progress got lucky with topic of his choosing and was promoted by big media outlets.
"Just eat bread" said stupid aristocrat.
It would be nice to have context added by readers on all platforms, that's the only good thing on Twitter really.
You are right, Jacek, everything has nuances and has to be contextualized.
I'm not a big fan of the mainstream chants, "Clear not clever," etc because we ended up with a numbed brain that adopts other people's thinking and frameworks.
It's good for ideation but you have to do you and create your formula.
You got me at Ironman. Love this!
Are you a triathlete as well, Irene?
I'm trying to find felllow tiriathletes in this world ;)