Niche vs. Passion?

by Wizardofwisdom

Posted: 15 years ago 27 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

Hi Warriors

I'd really welcome your opinions on something.

I'm not a newbie - I create my own products in the self empowerment/law of attraction niche(s) mostly, and I know how to build a HTML based mini site, and I have some not bad ideas about sales copy and marketing. I've done my due diligence, in other words!

But ... and here's my question ... over the years, I've had a lot of advice telling me if I want to really make a living online, I've got to head for more lucrative niche markets. So I've dabbled in affiliate marketing, (trying everything from "golf products" - a game I don't play, to promoting a book on how to run your car on water - which I wasn't sure I believed in).

I began life - way before the internet was a twinkle in it's daddy's eye - as a writer and motivational workshop leader. That's what I shine at, and that's where my passion lies. I make sales online, sure, but no way is it a living yet.

So, if you were me, would you stick to the niche - which so far has not made me a living, (a steady and handy trickle of sales but rarely more), or go for where the big boys play, but lose my soul?

Do you think it's the niche itself that is just a slow seller, my marketing tactics or something else, (like maybe I'm not as good as I'd like to think I am! You can tell me!)

Thanks in advance - I really appreciate your thoughts and wisdom on this!

All good things
Trev.

#marketing advice #niche #passion

Dan C. Rinnert 15 years ago

Following your passion means that it's easier to stick with it, which is important, especially as many would-be Internet marketers will simply throw in the towel after a couple weeks of effort with no sales. If you're passionate about something, odds are that you'll stick with it long enough to (usually) start seeing results.

Of course, you need to make money too. As a writer, you should probably be able to write about any topic, no? If someone paid you an agreeable amount of money to write an article on golf, could you do it? If you can do it, or have the means to outsource it, then you can create sites for the profitable niches.

Maybe an option for you would be to create a website around a profitable niche. Maybe it's golf, maybe it's something else. Don't start getting into too many too fast. Just start with one profitable niche and stick with it.

Then, divide your time between the profitable niche and your passionate niche. Maybe you'll learn some techniques in your profitable niche that you can apply in your passionate niche to make it more profitable.

The problem you may be facing is that perhaps you're spreading yourself in too many directions. As a result, perhaps you're not putting sufficient effort into your passionate niche as is necessary to make it more profitable. That's why I'd suggest narrowing it down to the two--the profitable one and the passionate one--and see how it goes from there.
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- Nathan Hangen 15 years ago
  
  I have found that the only niches I really excel in are the ones I'm passionate about, understand, and believe in. I've tried selling all sorts of stuff, and for some reason the stuff I'm not interested in doesn't sell. Probably because it is evident in my writing, but who's to say.
  
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  bgmacaw 15 years ago
  
  I wrote a post about this topic a while back, almost a year ago in fact: Arte Moreno's Niche Blogging Lessons. It talks about advertising mogul Arte Moreno and his passion for baseball and applies his life lessons to the "niche vs. passion" argument.
  
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David Maschke 15 years ago

Isn't the niche you are already in a profitable one?

Take a look at the self help forum here. People pay a lot of money to hear how wonderful they are, and how to get the life they deserve. ( They must not have spent enough time feeding off mommy as babies, but hey, what do I know?)

Your site needs a little work, though. You look like a powerful, intelligent person. Under your picture you have, "no worries". Try something like "Human Potential Expert" or something.

Also, I can't read the title on your box cover graphic.

I'm guessing you're from australia? Your accent can take you a long way in using audio.

Dave
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- Josh Lobley 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by David Maschke
  
  Isn't the niche you are already in a profitable one?
  
  I'm guessing you're from australia? Your accent can take you a long way in using audio.
  
  Dave
  
  I'm Australian and I also sing songs.
  
  I always think that our accent is a bit yobboish.
  
  What do others around the the world think?
  
  Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  Jill Carpenter 15 years ago
  
  Well, I have some Passions, but not sure they will pan out.
  
  I know that in the course of the past year, Steven Wagenhiem followed a passion he had, and not sure what his final results were - but if he were to rely on that dream for everything I do believe he would tell you it would not be feeding his family. Although, I do like what he did a lot! You would have to confirm with him.
  
  You need to have some passions, and mix it up with some things that will make you money IMHO.
  
  Not all your eggs in one basket so to say.
  
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  dwshoup 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Josh Lobley
  
  I'm Australian and I also sing songs.
  
  I always think that our accent is a bit yobboish.
  
  What do others around the the world think?
  
  add audio to your site.
  
  Just my opinion but most people (that I know) are drawn to accents.
  
  Thanks
  
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Mangozoom 15 years ago

I guess I would suggest you find Niches you are passionate about ... this way you will have the energy to go long term and will create valuable content as opposed to dross.

John
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drewanderson 15 years ago

"If You Really Love What You Do, You're Going To Succeed" - Donald Trump

This is one of the quotes from an interview with Donald Trump. He was talking about how he works 7 days a week and he never gets tired of it. Though that may be a tad out of the ordinary, it is very true.

We are all programmed at some point in our lives to believe that what we do for income may not be what we really love to do. It's just not true... we will only make what we are truly worth if we focus on what we truly love doing.
Hope that helps
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Audrey Harvey 15 years ago

I have very limited free time - I work part time, have a business from home, and homeschool two children. At this stage IM is as much a hobby I enjoy as a means of making money. That'll change now because I've pretty much decided to quit my job.

I tend to stick to areas I love, because it's more enjoyable to work in these areas, rather than just another chore to add to my list. Fortunately the pet niche, which is my passion and also my day job, is pretty profitable.

I've tried entering niches that aren't really of interest to me but could make a few bob, and I just don't enjoy it at all. It just eats into my downtime and I'd rather spend that downtime working in areas I like.
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travlinguy 15 years ago

Hey-
You can have the best of both worlds. There's a not-so-unique and not-so-obvious concept floating around the IM world that says you need to be in a highly-competitive niche where the prospect has already made the buying decision before looking for the solution. That's the ideal scenario for a marketer. When you learn how to appeal to the 'urgency factor' people often take to the marketplace, you'll become successful.

With that in mind, what do you have to offer? Traditionally, stuff that fits this niche falls under the 'health' 'love' or 'money' categories. Think about it. If you want love, when do you want it? NOW! If you want money, when do you want it? !NOW! If you want health... You get the idea.

People searching for basic human stuff want it now and they come to the marketplace having made the decision to buy info products that will satisfy their needs. All you have to do is catch them when they have that urge. Is it so hard? Absolutely not. Marketers have been doing it since the dawn of commerce. All you have to do is plug your high-quality product or service into the equation and run with it.

There was a time that I could personally relate to wanting metaphysical or spiritual wisdom with white-knuckle urgency. And when I found stuff that resonated with what I was seeking, I bought. Of course, there are bigger markets offering more $ in sales, but personal development has been a mainstay for thousands of savvy marketers for a long time. So, in my opinion, you don't have to compromise your principals.

The point? You can be successful with almost any endeavor if you take the time to figure out what you want and how to go about bringing your valuable information to market. My advice would be, be true to yourself, especially when you can serve a valid need. Good luck!
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artwebster 15 years ago

I create my own products in the self empowerment/law of attraction niche(s) mostly

Am I the only one who detects a simple lack of logic here?

How can you possibly justify selling in these niches when they are obviously not working well enough for you on a personal level?

Do they not work for you because (as I very strongly believe) they are undiluted effluent and you are aware of that - or do they not work for you because you don't practice what you preach?

Answer that question and then you can answer your posted question.
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- MaskedMarketer 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by artwebster
  
  How can you possibly justify selling in these niches when they are obviously not working well enough for you on a personal level?
  
  I gotta agree with art.
  
  This is a little odd you're asking these questions considering your niche and that your stating on your website "Suppose You Had a Real Genie in a Bottle" - what are you trying to suggest here?
  
  Then you say they don't exist, but its still possible to grant wishes (are you sure this works?)
  
  I have no problem with the niche, but this is a little akward, me thinks.
  
  If you've been to a book store before, or search on Amazon, you know there is no shortage of books on personal development. Actually, I've noticed the personal development niche getting bigger over the last 5-7 years.
  
  More sections have been added to my local Barnes and Noble over that time...
  
  Now on to your problem... Is the personal empowerment and LOA niche profitable... Yes.. Thats why I see a problem with what you teach and how its not helping you with your online business.
  
  You say you're a psychotherapist, life coach, and author.. thats great!
  
  Example of a successful psychotherpaist online: HPP Audio CDs
  
  My friends mom does psychotherpay in Manhattan and she's been hired by big TV Networks, like Spike to "get inside" the minds of their consumers. Shes paid well. Why not consult big businesses?
  
  Or you can position yourself as a life coach: USATODAY.com - Life-coaches all the rage
  
  Life coaches are actually in demand.
  
  You can coach the everyday person, a business owner, an executive, a Golf Player, or any sports player! You may know nothing about golf, but if your a life coach you can coach (or sell an ebook), so a player to be mentally prepared to play golf..
  
  Or you can position yourself as a leadership expert and train leaders. Don't even call yourself a life coach. A position like this could determine weather or not you can make a full time living online.
  
  The reason why your failing at the self empowerment/LOA niche is because of YOU and YOUR MARKETING.
  
  Your positioning has a lot to do with how sussessful you will be. You can position yourself as a specific life coach (ex: executive leadership training/ entreprenurial training) instead of just a life coach. Then you want to position yourself strongly against your competition with competitive advantages, USP, ect.
  
  What type of marketing/sales funnel do you have?
  
  The market and money is there. Just focus on your marketing, sales, and advertising and you should be able to create full time income online.
  
  Do yourself a favor and pick up some real marketing books like "Positioning" and any one of Al Ries or Jack Trouts books: Amazon.com: Positioning: The Battle for Your... ;
  
  Its not 97$ like the usual pile of IM crap, but just 11.00 can give you real education from real masters at marketing and advertising.
  
  And coaching people online with your expertise could make for a good membership site..
  
  I'm really not trying to be an a$$ here, but im concerned with what you teach is actually effective. How can you confidently distribute information about acheiving any goal, when your deciding to give up the niche your in?
  
  The conclusion is to stay with your passion and continue to make improvements to become successful. This doesn't mean not to try other type of niches like affiliate marketing, but don't throw in the towel because a few people (that don't know what they're talking about) told you self improvement and LOA isn't a lucrative niche. Its as lucrative as you make it. Ask the lady who created "The Secret"
  
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Steven Fullman

15 years ago

I believe it was Chris Rempel who said that writing about
a topic you're passionate about is one of the worst pieces
of "advice" thrown about in IM. I happen to agree.

Great for a personal, non-profit site.

Not so good if you want to make money.

You need to find a desparate crowd of buyers.

Steve

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MaskedMarketer

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Fullman

I believe it was Chris Rempel who said that writing about
a topic you're passionate about is one of the worst pieces
of "advice" thrown about in IM. I happen to agree.

I believe it was Donald Trump who said "With out passion you dont have energy, with out energy you have nothing." He also says " Love what you do".

Dr. Farrah Gray (self mad millionaire at 14) also believes passion must be in the mix to be really successful.

If you're having trouble turning passion to profits, Joel Bauer can help you there (another successful figure).

All 3 are "famous", featured on TV, have published books on the subject, and are extremely wealthy.

Nothing against you and Chris, but passion is what seperates good from great.

Go ahead and get Joel Bauers course if you doubt it.

And in this case, the OP passion cna make him money as he IS in a profitable niche.

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antmen 15 years ago

I might be a little late to this party, but I agree with MaskedMarketer. Without passion you have nothing! I am a voiceover artist, not because I thought I was going to make me rich - or even make a living at it - but because I love the recording environment, the written word, and sound. To me there is no better career.

When I discovered Wayne Dyer, the "father of inspiration," my life changed. Eventually, a voiceover coach that understands and connects with the way "The Universe" works and with The Law of Attraction came into my life (and I believe by no accident). As I started to see how all of what I've learned applies to voiceover, I wrote an ebook call M editation for v oiceover. It did - and still does - very well for me. But only because when I sat down to write it (following jim edwards' 7 day ebook), the book literally wrote itself! There was no overthinking... no second-guessing... it just flowed.

I firmly believe that the reason it has connected with both newbie and veteran voiceover talent, is that it is based on "truth" and comes from a place that resonates with fellow talent and those that know there is more to it than the day-to-day "to-do's" of the vo biz.

Onward and Upward, man! The flight is sometimes delayed, but fly you will! Stick to it if indeed it is your passion... however, neither posting here nor asking people offline will truly give you the answer, because the answer lies within yourself already. You just have to quiet things down and you will hear it.

-Anthony
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Steve L 15 years ago

great topic of discussion here...

i believe passion has to be there somewhere in the mix, even if you're trying to tackle a profitable niche you are NOT passionate about... because if your product doesn't deliver for those that ARE passionate in that profitable niche, the ones buying your product... i feel you will 1) create a bad customer experience which will result in a negative word of mouth vibe around your name/company and 2) create poor backend offer opportunities.

if you want to tackle a profitable niche you aren't passionate about, pay somebody that is passionate about it to help.
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paowiee1 15 years ago

maybe you could do both. go into a profitable niche ...earn some cash... eventually to finance your passion that's what george soros did at least...before he went into becoming a 'philosopher' he made billions first by being a trader
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kckaz 15 years ago

I was just surfing around and found this topic and thought I'd add my $.02...

Passion comes in many forms. You don't have to have passion about the niche. You can have passion about the process of building and creating. Look how many successful businesses there are in totally boring industries..pumps, hoses, plastic molds...you think the owners are passionate about those products? Doubtful.

But they are passionate about building, creating, growing, meeting new customers, solving problems, overcoming challenges using their God given skills for service.

So my suggestion is to look at skills you have a passion for (sales, finance, writing, organizing, management) and apply these to ANY niche that can make you a living at even if it is shoveling turd.
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elctrcmotors 15 years ago

If you need to make more a living, in other words, you need more income, I would look at it this way.

You can invest your time and even money in something that you are passionate about, you termed it losing your soul.

Or you can invest your time and maybe money in part-time work/freelance projects/internships/etc. in something related to your passions, so that by doing that extra work, it will be an investment in what you already have going -- making it easier to succeed at what you want to do.

I would go with the second option, because it is serving your long-term goals in the end.
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hotlinkz 15 years ago

Trevor,

The self empowerment niche is hot. Stick with it. The problem may be your marketing and promotions. At $67, you may need to get a professional copywriter to redo your sales copy.

You may want to start off with a landing page that offers only the free report and redirect visitors who subscribe to your sales page.

Have you submitted press releases and invite requests for local and/or national radio and TV interviews?

Calvin
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MaulanaMalik 15 years ago

If you don't enjoy what you're doing then you're not going to make the most money that you can anyway, so I'd say stick with whatever you're passionate about and make it work. You'll look forward to every day and the content will come that much easier to you.
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kayaker 15 years ago

My vote is always passion. Find a niche that you are passionate about.
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- edhan 15 years ago
  
  To earn money online, I will choose both niche and passion.
  
  It will be pointless for IM if one base on passion. It will not help you to earn money.
  
  I will find a niche that I am passionate about and go from there. This will mean that I will be enjoying what I am doing and getting income in return. I have passion for hobby so I setup hobby site as a niche to generate income.
  
  So that will be best for both worlds - passion in niche.
  
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Niche vs. Passion?

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