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Choosing nich when not an expert

by Johanselle
42 replies
Hi guys I need your advice on something. I have started a website and my nich is survival. I am concerned that I am not the expert i should be. I have a background from the military and my last job was teaching survival skills to NATO pilots in case of capture or bail out.

I feel like i have a lot to bring to the table, but when I look around to other sites in the same nich or forums i see a lot of people with just crazy knowledge. Should i discard my idea and find something else to focus on? Or should i stick with it even though there are many people out there thats in another league than me?

Link to my site: www.killersurvivalskills.com

I am thankful for every advice!!
#choosing #expert #nich
  • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
    Johanselle,

    Some people may disagree with me but I don't believe you have to be an 'expert' in any niche to write well about it. Of course, your experience with the topic will allow you to create better articles, but it's silly to say that it's required. Many people learn as they go and that's totally ok.

    You can't expect someone to be put in every single survival scenario, and your visitors will know this. If they have knowledge, where do you think they learned it? Chances are, other websites. The same exact place you can go to learn everything you'd need to know as well. In fact, you'd be further qualified than most of these people (after you do your research) because you have first hand experience teaching it. A lot of other marketers won't have that.

    I'd just do as much research as you can before posting, especially if you're planning on promoting something. My father is really into the 'survival' thing and knows when somebody's trying to make a quick buck off of him. This niche has a lot of opportunity for affiliate marketing if you can pull it off.

    If I were you, I'd stick with it for a bit longer if it's something you're interested in. And of course, try as hard as you can to retain your visitors through your email list. You may consider offering some sort of freebie as an incentive.

    Best of luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Johanselle
      Very true! Think you are covering a lot of good pionts! It's just that it is easy to become unsecure when you are having doubt about your knowledge appreciate your reply!!
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      • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
        Don't be mistaken about the knowledge others have.. they probably got it all from Youtube!

        Use your expertise, and brand yourself using your experience.. How many of those so called experts actually have experiece of teaching?

        Thats your USP use it.

        It might be worth while registering at HARO (help a reporter out) as it will help with your branding and maybe get you known..

        good luck
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      • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
        Originally Posted by Johanselle View Post

        Very true! Think you are covering a lot of good pionts! It's just that it is easy to become unsecure when you are having doubt about your knowledge appreciate your reply!!
        I agree - I went through a period a while ago with one of my new sites where I questioned whether or not I was wasting my time. In the beginning, it can be hard to tell. You just gotta believe in yourself and your abilities and trust that it'll pay off. It's only a waste of time if you give up.

        You're in a very profitable niche, so you don't have much to worry about. Keep up the good work, and I'm glad I could help!
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        • Profile picture of the author ripperdav
          Some great points mentioned in all of the replies so far.

          The thing is that you don't have to be the "total" expert to get yourself rolling. As long as you have enough interest in your topic to want to keep advancing your knowledge and perhaps skills in that area, you're well on your way I'd say.

          Your background already seems solid, and also certainly something that probably a lot of the other survivalist "experts" don't have in their back pocket.

          I'd say just keeping pushing forward...keep interested, learning...and sharing the knowledge you gain.

          Heck, you probably have more than most entering into that niche....just keep plugging away
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    • Profile picture of the author Roth
      Banned
      Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

      Some people may disagree with me but I don't believe you have to be an 'expert' in any niche to write well about it.
      This industry feeds off perception and fake expertise. It's morally reprehensible to position yourself as an expert when you're not. So James, you're mistaken here. There are way too many people writing about things they are not qualified to write about.

      I'm not a PERL programmer, so why in the heck would I produce content about PERL programming to programmers when I'm not one myself? Please stop telling others that expertise is optional...it isn't.

      You need skills to make money online regardless of the market or niche. Saying otherwise is tantamount to fraud.

      To the OP, what military where you in? If you have real military experience, disclose this on your website. You have a degree of expertise so leverage it. Also, keep on learning about survivalist skills and all the other topics related to your project...and narrow it down like you mentioned...but don't narrow it down too much...or else you'll run out of topics.
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      • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
        Originally Posted by Roth View Post

        This industry feeds off perception and fake expertise. It's morally reprehensible to position yourself as an expert when you're not. So James, you're mistaken here. There are way too many people writing about things they are not qualified to write about.
        I never suggested to label yourself as an expert. I stated you don't need to be an expert to write well about something, which is absolutely true. Many learn as they go, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's harder to write unique articles without firsthand experience, and it requires more research to put stuff out, but to say one can't do it is downright incorrect.

        Originally Posted by Roth View Post

        You need skills to make money online regardless of the market or niche. Saying otherwise is tantamount to fraud.
        Again, not true at all. From the visitor's standpoint, all that matters is you deliver the information they're looking for. From the webmaster's standpoint, all that matters is that doing so results in a paycheck. If both parties are satisfied with the content, who cares how much "expertise" the person has? If what you're saying is true than we'd better wipe out 95% of the blogs out there, because I'm willing to bet most "experts" are busy using their expertise on something other than writing about it for profit.

        That's a marketer's job after all - to make money.
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        • Profile picture of the author Work1099
          Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

          I never suggested to label yourself as an expert. I stated you don't need to be an expert to write well about something, which is absolutely true. Many learn as they go, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's harder to write unique articles without firsthand experience, and it requires more research to put stuff out, but to say one can't do it is downright incorrect.
          This is a solid point. To expand on it: the quality of information offered is what is important. From my understanding of your initial post, you gained experience as a trainer for NATO. This strikes me as a solid credential. Clearly, you knew enough to train NATO pilots if they hired you. If someone has more than you doesn't diminish this credential ... or your knowledge.

          Also, you don't necessarily even have to have a background in a subject specifically. Many businesses are built on hiring experts who provide the services, and the owner is not an expert at all ... but an entrepreneur who specializes in building and running companies. There isn't anything wrong with this arrangement.

          You may find yourself doing a combination of the two. Or beginning by sharing the information you do have, and then acquiring more over time.
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          • Profile picture of the author Roth
            Banned
            Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

            I never suggested to label yourself as an expert. I stated you don't need to be an expert to write well about something, which is absolutely true. Many learn as they go, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's harder to write unique articles without firsthand experience, and it requires more research to put stuff out, but to say one can't do it is downright incorrect.
            How long have you been doing IM? Oh right, you just started. You're living at home and contemplating dropping out, which is a bad idea. But I digress...

            Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

            Again, not true at all. From the visitor's standpoint, all that matters is you deliver the information they're looking for. From the webmaster's standpoint, all that matters is that doing so results in a paycheck. If both parties are satisfied with the content, who cares how much "expertise" the person has? If what you're saying is true than we'd better wipe out 95% of the blogs out there, because I'm willing to bet most "experts" are busy using their expertise on something other than writing about it for profit.
            No, this is absolutely false. I don't like how you're speaking for the "visitor's standpoint" when you have little to no experience in this industry. And on that point, you won't be able to deliver the information that they're looking for if you lack the expertise to write about a topic properly. And yes, we probably should wipe out 95% of the blogs out there...because their authors are BS artists chasing a paycheck...or noobs chasing dreams.

            Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

            That's a marketer's job after all - to make money.
            At what cost? Nothing wrong with an honest living, but if you want to adopt this cutthroat dog eat dog mentality where profit comes before people, then you're not a very good person. There's enough people like that already.

            You need skills. You need expertise. You need experience. If you don't have them, you need to develop them...without pretending that you already have them. Faking it til you make it is some of the worst BS advice ever given.

            Originally Posted by Work1099 View Post

            This is a solid point. To expand on it: the quality of information offered is what is important. From my understanding of your initial post, you gained experience as a trainer for NATO. This strikes me as a solid credential. Clearly, you knew enough to train NATO pilots if they hired you. If someone has more than you doesn't diminish this credential ... or your knowledge.
            No, it's not a solid point. If you don't have real experience or expertise, then you won't be able to deliver quality information on it. Period. The only caveat is if you have disposable income and can hire an expert to write for you, but this isn't the case with fledgling IM'ers.

            Sure, people get fleeced all the time and charismatic people often persuade their way into positions that they don't qualify for...but that doesn't make it acceptable.

            Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

            Also, you don't necessarily even have to have a background in a subject specifically. Many businesses are built on hiring experts who provide the services, and the owner is not an expert at all ... but an entrepreneur who specializes in building and running companies. There isn't anything wrong with this arrangement.
            Apples and oranges. That's off point when it comes to what we're talking about right now. We're talking about people producing content about a topic or niche when they have no expertise. In which case, I stand by what I said.

            However, you're mistaken again anyway. Angels or Venture capitalists can start companies that they have no experience in because they have the resources to hire expert staff to run the company. All they do is supply the resources.

            Smaller companies are always started by people that have a degree of expertise in whatever it is. Coffee shop owners were once career baristas....auto shop owners were once mechanics...I can go on.

            You seem have this idea about business that isn't quite in touch with reality...and you seem to lack ethics in regards to how business should be executed. Perhaps you belong on Wall Street? Or could I be talking to the next internet guru?
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            • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
              Originally Posted by Roth View Post

              How long have you been doing IM? Oh right, you just started. You're living at home and contemplating dropping out, which is a bad idea. But I digress...



              No, this is absolutely false. I don't like how you're speaking for the "visitor's standpoint" when you have little to no experience in this industry. And on that point, you won't be able to deliver the information that they're looking for if you lack the expertise to write about a topic properly.
              Roth,

              First off, I'm not quite sure what I did to upset you but you know nothing about me or my history in IM. FYI I'm doing very well (and have been for several years now) and live at home because I'm frugal and want to invest all of my money so I can retire by the time I'm your age. I don't see anything wrong with that.

              Anyway, I wasn't talking about the IM niche when I made my statement, although I suppose I made the mistake of wording it vaguely. There are obviously some niches where extensive knowledge is required, but most of them aren't this way. If expertise is actually needed, than the bloggers who don't have it will naturally give up anyway when they see they're not making money. But again this isn't the case for most niches.

              Originally Posted by Roth View Post

              And yes, we probably should wipe out 95% of the blogs out there...because their authors are BS artists chasing a paycheck...or noobs chasing dreams.

              Should all major news websites should also be wiped out because the journalists writing for them aren't "experts" in the topics they're covering? Should NYTimes.com, Gizmodo, TechCrunch all shut down because they're hiring writers instead of tech gurus? If all of these "experts" spent their time blogging and marketers about their "expertise" than we wouldn't have experts at anything. They'd all be busy writing instead of perfecting their craft.

              According to you, how does someone actually become an "expert? anyway" If not through firsthand experience, than it surely must be through education and research, correct? Is that not the exact same thing I suggested to the OP? You claim to be one of these "experts" yourself, so please enlighten me. I don't understand why you think that one can not write an article that satisfies a viewers needs through research. If research can't eventually transform someone into one of these so-called "experts" than maybe you now understand why I'm fed up with college?

              I'm not sure if part of your marketing strategy is to try and shove other marketers beneath you, as to try and make it look like you're superior to them. Maybe instead of focusing on making up fake facts about my life (which I'm kind of concerned you're keeping track of) you can share some of your "expertise" with us so we can all benefit.

              Looking forward to my newfound knowledge.
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              • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
                Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

                Again, not true at all. From the visitor's standpoint, all that matters is you deliver the information they're looking for. From the webmaster's standpoint, all that matters is that doing so results in a paycheck. If both parties are satisfied with the content, who cares how much "expertise" the person has? If what you're saying is true than we'd better wipe out 95% of the blogs out there, because I'm willing to bet most "experts" are busy using their expertise on something other than writing about it for profit.
                Wiping out 95% of the blogs out there, especially in the traditional IM "niches", would likely result in a vast improvement in the quality of information available.

                Especially if one could target the clowns pretending to be experts while they regurgitate the results of studying other clowns pretending to be experts while they...and so on, in a digital version of fun house mirrors.

                Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

                Should all major news websites should also be wiped out because the journalists writing for them aren't "experts" in the topics they're covering? Should NYTimes.com, Gizmodo, TechCrunch all shut down because they're hiring writers instead of tech gurus? If all of these "experts" spent their time blogging and marketers about their "expertise" than we wouldn't have experts at anything. They'd all be busy writing instead of perfecting their craft.
                One thing you failed to note. The professional writers at sites like you mentioned are not even pretending to be experts at their topics. They are acting like professional reporters. And having spoken to many professional writers, they do tend to be very knowledgable in the areas they typically cover, if only by osmosis rubbing elbows with real experts while doing their jobs.

                In fact, this journalistic approach is about the only way I can see to legitimately write about most subjects without a fair degree of personal knowledge.

                A few years ago, a reporter for the NY Times got caught doing the "fake it" routine, and left the Times with major egg on its face.
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                • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
                  Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

                  Wiping out 95% of the blogs out there, especially in the traditional IM "niches", would likely result in a vast improvement in the quality of information available.

                  One thing you failed to note. The professional writers at sites like you mentioned are not even pretending to be experts at their topics.
                  Right, but neither are 99% of the bloggers outside of Wealth, Health, and Dating. Few are claiming to be an expert at all so I don't see what the problem is.

                  If the readers are happy and the webmaster is delivering factually correct information that solves the reader's problem than who cares about their background? Certainly not the people visiting the site.

                  I'm not trying to make it look like I'm encouraging people to go out and 'fake it till you make it'. Nor am I encouraging people to label themselves as experts when they are not. But to assume you need a degree or years of experience in a field to make a blog about it is absolutely silly, in my opinion.
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                  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
                    Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

                    Right, but neither are 99% of the bloggers outside of Wealth, Health, and Dating. Few are claiming to be an expert at all so I don't see what the problem is.

                    If the readers are happy and the webmaster is delivering factually correct information that solves the reader's problem than who cares about their background? Certainly not the people visiting the site.

                    I'm not trying to make it look like I'm encouraging people to go out and 'fake it till you make it'. Nor am I encouraging people to label themselves as experts when they are not. But to assume you need a degree or years of experience in a field to make a blog about it is absolutely silly, in my opinion.
                    We're talking at cross purposes here.

                    If a blogger, in an IM-favored market or not, wants to write about their personal experiences and such, honestly and transparently, more power to them.

                    On the other hand, most of the folks inclined to read a thread like this are looking to position themselves as experts in an effort to sell stuff.

                    In my own opinion, the only way to ethically do so is to take the journalistic approach, rather than trying to pass oneself off as authoritative based on superficial research.
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                    • Profile picture of the author Terrance01
                      This is a "fired up thread".

                      I'm not sure if that's what your going for or not...but I would like to echo the opinion of my fellow Warriors: If you are looking for a niche...follow your passion and your interests....it will be very apparent to your audience.

                      Add value to the world!


                      There is something to be said about "good karma".


                      Cheers,
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                      • Profile picture of the author MaggieLet
                        As many have said before me, what matters is your passion for the subject!

                        Just looking over you site, I certainly learnt a few things and I am sure you did as well while working on your site and researching your topics.

                        That right there is the difference between a blog that succeeds and fails. If you have a blog that keeps you engaged, your readers will be as well.

                        Keep it up
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick SEO
      Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

      Johanselle,

      Some people may disagree with me but I don't believe you have to be an 'expert' in any niche to write well about it. Of course, your experience with the topic will allow you to create better articles, but it's silly to say that it's required. Many people learn as they go and that's totally ok.
      I agree with this and built a successful financial training company from it. You get help, partners to help you, reference material etc. Month after month, year by year, you will be that expert yourself in the niche you have chosen and you are not starting from zero knowledge. If I waited to be an "expert", I never would have started. It sounds like you have something to contribute and wish you luck with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jan79
    It's not only about being the best expert out there... and when you're writing up your articles you can always do research and learn, you don't have to write everything by heart. Also keep it personal so people can connect with you and learn about who you are, it makes them wanna follow you.
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  • Profile picture of the author ninosem
    If you are passionated with your niche... go ahead, don't be afraid, believe in yourself and don't give up... nice page...
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    • Profile picture of the author John1965
      Johanselle - It seems to me you have adequate expertise in your chosen niche. Don't doubt yourself, and be assured there are many people out there who would love to know your knowledege. Press ahead.

      Best of luck.....
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    • Profile picture of the author DAlgirdas
      Originally Posted by ninosem View Post

      If you are passionated with your niche... go ahead, don't be afraid, believe in yourself and don't give up... nice page...
      I can agree. An also try to see it as a process of learning and broadening your horizons. Nothing is as motivating as competing with someone whom you respect (in a professional way). Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    Well the most important part imo is that you're genuinly interested in the topic.

    It tends to help if you're passionate about something because then you can do research and learn more stuff. Nobody is a complete expert when they just start out i think. So it's something you can build up if you don't give up.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johanselle
    Thank you guys for the awesome replies! It really gives me motivation to stick to it and make it work! I think the point made about the so-called experts that gets information from other sites an appear to have great knowledge is very true. Sometime it feels like a shark infested water, but i have figured out that i need to trust myself and what i have to bring to the table!

    I was thinking about using my the specialized knowledge i have about winter survival and from combat survival/hostage situations as an angle for my site, it's a little bit more narrow nich but i believe it will do very well, what do you think?

    And again thank you guys so much for the motivation and advice you have provided!
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    • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
      Originally Posted by Johanselle View Post


      I was thinking about using my the specialized knowledge i have about winter survival and from combat survival/hostage situations as an angle for my site, it's a little bit more narrow nich but i believe it will do very well, what do you think?
      Yeah go for I see very little stuff on winter survival, it seems most people just assume the apocalypse will happen in summer

      I used to be part of AMF (L) and did lots or arctic warfare training.. it's a great topic 90% survival 10% fighting
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Sarlo
    If you can't put something fresh and new (new products, services), that are in-demand they probably yes. Learn how to come up with product ideas quickly... you don't have to be the leading expert, but you do have to create products that they want.

    See what competitors are selling, can you make something better?

    Try Creativity Sucks (from Amazon) for product generation ideas... it's the one I use daily. Like I said you can have less knowledge but better products - products prospects want to buy, that will help them and so forth.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brett Hitchcock
    Originally Posted by Johanselle View Post

    Hi guys I need your advice on something. I have started a website and my nich is survival. I am concerned that I am not the expert i should be. I have a background from the military and my last job was teaching survival skills to NATO pilots in case of capture or bail out.

    I feel like i have a lot to bring to the table, but when I look around to other sites in the same nich or forums i see a lot of people with just crazy knowledge. Should i discard my idea and find something else to focus on? Or should i stick with it even though there are many people out there thats in another league than me?

    Link to my site: www.killersurvivalskills.com


    I am thankful for every advice!!
    Great input here so I will say pretty much the same thing and that is...
    You have a unique position in your market and that is very valuable.
    You have actual real experience teaching people survival skills. You should capitalize and be confident in expressing that to your visitors.
    It's obviously something you are passionate about so go forth, share, teach and earn.
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyharte
    Part of the whole process is to establish yourself as an expert so you can start out with articles, products, etc that are very low end covering basic concepts, strategies, etc and then over time work up to more advanced topics. Along that journey YOU will become an expert by applying your own experiences and research into your offerings!

    Your target market is likely beginners or intermediates looking to improve vs seasoned survivalists. It does not take much "expertise" to start working with beginner content.

    Get out there and Conquer!!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author oWEN tEBB
      Hey,

      I would say I would stick with it because you have knowledge and knowledge is power, you just need to utilize better than your competition which i'm pretty confindent you can do given the right guidance.

      So ok the competition provides some decent knowledge or in your words crazy but in your humble opinion is it 100% accurate? Could you add something to that? You nobody gives perfect advice all the time as each person thinks differently so where as I would see solution A, you may see solution b and c.
      Can you see where im coming from?

      Also do some research onto your competitors. Is there something that they aren't doing that you could? It could be as simple as adding some survival youtube videos that you knocked together or tip of the day, just dont set boundaries, THINK BIG!!

      This is an exciting niche to choose as the options are vast, you just need to sit down, write up a business/action plan, set targets in terms of what you want to learn to make this business successful and take action. My last piece of advice is.....

      Don't focus on others, focus on what your doing and how your going to make this work. Trust me yo won't get anywhere otherwise. There you go my friend, I hope this helps but please if you have anymore questions, don't hesistate to get in touch. We are hear to help each other.

      Owen
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  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    I really wouldn't worry it sounds like you have ample experience. Survival training is quite a specific niche so you might want to partner with affiliate sites that promoting camping equipment to make it slightly more mainstream. Perhaps you could write product reviews on the best equipment and then provide an affiliate link to that product.
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  • Profile picture of the author usemyteam
    You have the edge among others as your experience is key factor to that. Results dont happen overnight so you just have to keep working on this niche as it is not totally common. You can also try targeting a larger audience and not just in North America. That may help.

    Also the people above are right, some "so-called experts" got their knowledge from YouTube.
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  • Profile picture of the author matty123
    the best thing to do is to find something you have an interest in and find out something that sells well by doing market research
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  • Profile picture of the author markeeter
    you have received some excellent advice here, and I don't think I can explain it any better. When we enter a feild, we naturally know little. We learn and grow with experience. The only thing we need is the will to carry on, I am not saying that your blog will hit off on the first page of google in just the first month.

    you'll need patience and hard work, but if you're persistent then It'll happen! In fact, once you learn the necessary skills and techniques, you'll keep growing and growing.

    So just hang tight and give your best. Don't get scared by the competition, learn from them

    I am sure one of these days when we search something about survival, we'll find ourselves on your blog.

    Best of luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Work1099
    Originally Posted by Johanselle View Post

    Hi guys I need your advice on something. I have started a website and my nich is survival. I am concerned that I am not the expert i should be. I have a background from the military and my last job was teaching survival skills to NATO pilots in case of capture or bail out.

    I feel like i have a lot to bring to the table, but when I look around to other sites in the same nich or forums i see a lot of people with just crazy knowledge. Should i discard my idea and find something else to focus on? Or should i stick with it even though there are many people out there thats in another league than me?

    Link to my site: www.killersurvivalskills.com

    I am thankful for every advice!!
    There is room in any market for multiple levels of expertise.

    You could consider what you shared as one piece of data that affects your overall decision to stay in your niche or not ... but it's not one that is going to be the deciding factor on its own.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Johanselle View Post

      I was thinking about using my the specialized knowledge i have about winter survival and from combat survival/hostage situations as an angle for my site, it's a little bit more narrow niche but i believe it will do very well, what do you think?
      I think niching this down like this is a smart move. The whole key to finding a niche is looking for gaps in the marketplace that you can fill.

      As far as other sites that appear to have more expertise than you, it's they that should worry about you. You have a bona fide credential they could only dream about, especially the "just Google it" researchers, with a double edge.

      Not only has a military branch dubbed you capable, they've dubbed you capable of teaching what you know to people whose lives might depend on what you teach them. That's a power position most niche marketers could only dream about.
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  • Profile picture of the author skyro
    I would say continue with the niche and continue reading and gathering more information about your niche. Thats how you become an expert. Plus it seems like its something you really enjoy talking about so it wouldnt be problem for you to learn more about the niche.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      I am going to be the real odd ball here.... you don't want to niche down you want to market UP. what I mean is... take your USP ( you trained survival ) and bring it home to everyone. start answering questions like "if the power goes out for 3 days what do you do?" This is not really a question just for the "survivalist niche" but your basic home owner.

      If crap hit the fan tomorrow where are most of us going to be? at home right? why not dedicate your experience to that market as a whole? Pulling from way off in left field... Confucius was a great thinker and philosopher. It wasn't til after his death during what is called the Neo Confucius period that many of his teachings were internalized and made more civilization friendly.

      Take your knowledge and make it civilization friendly. How could I survive in my back yard if I had to? How can I keep my family not only safe but comfortable? What can be done with your primary house systems in a time of need to ensure when things go back to normal they will still work?

      ( I had the power go out for 6 days last winter, I have a generator... it happens often enough. but I still have a valve that empties my water system in my house that prevents freeze up. I have a system in place that I can basically close off portions of my house if it is really cold / hot outside. < to run a generator for a week cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $400.00 btw, so closing off makes financial sense > )

      Reach those folks... and you can sell 2 weeks worth of food. candles. a good quality knife etc.

      Forget the fanatics, and shoot mainstream...much more money there MUCH MORE
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  • Profile picture of the author smoor2012
    I didn't read all the replies on this post, but I did look at your website for a few minutes.

    Don't even begin to quit on this....you seem to know quite a bit about what you are talking about already.

    I am prior service. Many people don't understand and/or appreciate what it would take to survive if things go south and they had to think a tough situation through.

    You know as well as I do that you can't compare yourself to other people. Write what you know. Sometimes have guest posts on your blog from others who have similar experiences. Write about your own experiences.

    There are many ways you can be successful at this and produce a good income for yourself with it and be helping others with things they hadn't thought about before at the same time.

    Keep going...it will work out. I would also advise to add each new post to stumbleupon every time you add content.

    Hope this helps.

    Scott
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  • Profile picture of the author jdudley
    Johanselle,

    More important than being an "expert"........YOU'RE YOU!!! Someone who's been in the trenches so to speak. Talk about what you've done and what you know from your own experience. Much of being an expert lies in someone elses perception so you be you and let them "perceive" the rest.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Alex Clark
    Pick a small area in the survival niche and become an expert in that area.

    That way you will become someone valuable in the niche. If you try to be a general overall expert in the survival niche ...you'll get buried amongst all the other guys trying to be that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Trujillo
    When choosing a niche, it's important to not only a choose a profitable niche, but a niche where you can genuinely help people and recommend top notch products and services. It wouldn't make sense to be i the weight loss niche and you don't know a thing about it or could care less about it. So choose a nice you are comfortable with or have some knowledge already on (you'd be surprised what you do actually know) and from their you can build upon your expertise by learning as much as your niche as possible and recommending only the best products and services.
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  • Profile picture of the author DaveSchwReno
    If you are intimidated by some of the competition's knowledge in your niche, perhaps you could consider promoting yourself in a sub-niche.

    You mentioned the NATO pilots training. My guess is that you have way more experience in that arena than most of your competition.

    What if you showcased your skills in scenarios relating to downed pilots? The confidence that you have in this niche will certainly shine through.

    Now, I am not suggesting that you concentrate on selling to pilots. I am saying that you tell that story to establish your credibility, then spin the tale off in the direction that you want to talk about/sell.

    I hope this makes sense.
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  • Profile picture of the author timfleagle
    First thanks for your services! I am a vet also. I would proceed your military skills are some of the best in the world. i would post history of some of your military experiences related to your website.
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    • Profile picture of the author desbravador
      I checked your website, from the looks of it the people/ customers who would most likely to be interested in your products would be travelers, or tourists. I think they would be the people you should target too. Especially different travel websites
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