Best Niches for the Recession

Dear Haydn,

I know this is just semantics, but it is critical difference...

Hope and Opportunity help people to overcome Doom and Gloom. Doom and gloom often just lead people into depression, stagnation, and indecisiveness, which will equate to them not buying your product or service.

I am not belittling the facts of many people's stark reality, but I am suggesting people are more likely to follow someone who is filled with discussions of hope, opportunity, and belief rather than someone who is talking about the "tough economic times and header into even tougher times".

My belief is simply this...If you switch your message, you are going to make more sales, keep clients longer, and help them overcome their challenges more easily. In other words...you help them more and have more success for yourself.

Sincerely and Joyfully,

Barry

I am of the belief that, Yes, people are going to spend money at Christmas, no matter what! They will do whatever they have to to make it happen. NO ONE wants to wake up on Christmas morning and have their children approach a vacant floor, perhaps with no sign of a tree even, much less a present!

If the economy is truly improving in some areas, I know for a fact that it is NOT in many. I'm seeing jobs that would routinely always have new openings just about every week turn to ones where people are sticking it out, no matter how bad, because a job is better than no job.

One thing to remember, if you are planning to cater to those struggling financially, you will always have an audience, no matter how GOOD the economy might be. Why is that you ask?

1. Many elderly have to live on meager amounts of SSI. As you know, if you listen to the news, that is always an area that the govt. always has on the chopping block.

2. Newly married couples are always under the false pretense that living together is cheaper than living separately...and it is in some ways, but it is not a resolution to all the other costs involved.

3. New parents trying to get a grip on the cost of raising children. Poor things, they don't realize that it just keeps getting more expensive over time.

4. Divorced/single parent who single-handedly raised their children with no child support or outside help.

5. People saving up to purchase their first house or a better car, so they cut corners in other areas.

6. Uneducated people or under-educated individuals who can't compete for jobs in the marketplace.

7. Those over 40+ who are age discriminated against. Yes, it does begin as early as 40! And unfortunately, no matter how well educated, it is next to impossible to get work in their chosen field. Why? Because companies can hire someone straight out of college for half the cost!

8. There are those loyal to the companies that they worked for up until retirement, only to find that just before they retire, they get kicked to the curb for NO REASON. Why, so the company doesn't have to pay them what they deserve, their PENSION!

9. Take a look on the forum. Every day, I see more and more newcomers seeking to make money in whatever way they can. When you see such an influx, pay attention.

10. Try this one on for size...a 25 year old young unmarried woman with her CNA and CMA license who couldn't get a job as a babysitter for the following reasons:

*She was discriminated against and ridiculed, because the woman had a problem with the fact that this 25 year old unmarried young woman did not have children herself...therefore unqualified to baby sit. Since when is it not a good or wise thing to wait to have children of your own? Better yet, this young lady has already saved many lives through her work. She was the only one on staff who could administer CPR and did many times! Now, I ask you, who would you want to baby sit your child!

*Now keep in mind, she (25 year old) has her CNA license to care for the elderly (since 2005), and her CMA license (since 2007), so she could dispense medication, perform CPR, insert a catheter, treat wounds no one else wanted to, but she's not qualified to babysit! This is someone who could truly save her 8 year old child's life is something came up!

What is my point in all of this? While it is true that in this economy jobs are harder to find, these same situations don't apply just in times of a down economy. They are just intensified and gain our attention, waking us up in disbelief, unless it happens to US!

Think about those 10 situations above. Whether it's 1910, 1960, or 2012, throughout history, it remains the same. They are all evergreen situations! There's 10 angles to pursue right there!

There are many more that you can gather by paying attention to your surroundings, TV, news, newspapers articles, magazines, EVERYTHING! Those will provide you with lots of avenues for targeting your next product/audience.

Decide who your TARGET audience is and deliver valuable information that they truly NEED, not want necessarily, but NEED. "Want" goes out the window when finances are low, but if it is a determined NEED, they will buy it. So, start with need first, then wants. I wouldn't rule out either, because those not financially strapped can afford their wants!

So, anyone pursuing this field...do it FOR REAL! Truly make a difference in someone's life. The rewards will come.

Remember to "Pay It Forward" in whatever way you can, no matter your current financial state. It means so much!