Hi,

Im thinking on focusing on Wordprocessing and Desktop publishing, and i was thinking a combination of these, such as focusing on publishments/manuals for companies would be a great niche?
What are your thoughts?

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Mandee
iClick Consultant

Sounds great Mandee, have you had much experience in desktop publishing? It's a great way to combine admin and a creative mind.

Good Luck

Well i wouldnt say a lot of experience, but im naturally really creative and talented with these programs.

Should i focus on something that i have more workplace experience such as database management.

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Mandee
iClick Consultant

I recommend focusing your niche on doing something that you truly enjoy. If you think you'd truly enjoy that then focus on the Desktop Publishing/Word Processing piece. However, if you can specialize some way within Desktop Publishing that sets you apart from others doing the same thing, then you are probably going to have a bit of an easier time marketing yourself and charging a higher rate as I imagine that there are quite a few VAs or outsourcing firms that offer this as a service at a low rate.

You might also want to fallback on doing some database management tasks while you work to gain clients in your niche as I suspect that database management skills might be more in demand than Word Processing/Desktop Publishing.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I feel your niche should be something you really love to do since you will probably be doing it a lot. Experience will increase as time goes on. But it doesn't hurt to also have skills in basic administrative work which all businesses need especially till you build up your client list in your niche.

Hi, Mandee. I really love the desktop publishing and wordprocessing niche. However, I have found, while trying myself, that it's really difficult to build a client base in that area, primarily because most people have access to or are able to perform the service themselves. Especially with all the desktop publishing programs that are available. I have found another niche that I enjoy in book and poetry editing. I do have a couple of local authors that I have done some editing for and who have promised to send others to me. But, I would like to know if anyone has any ideas on how to reach/market to authors and poets, other than by word-of-mouth. I know it's a great way to gain clients but I can't sit around waiting for someone to send work my way. Any thoughts?

I, too am a creative mind but you definitely have to make sure you offer services that will keep you in the "black". Don't give up on the desktop publishing but throwing in a bit of database management and other skillset similar to that will help you achieve. Good Luck!

Mandee;

I agree with Kimberly; desktop publishing and word processing are services and not really a niche. If you can identify a segment that requires these services - that would be your niche. There are so many programs available and inexpensive that most can/will do themselves - you will need to identify who you would be solving a problem for.

Consider possibly adding graphics, and website creation and management, etc to your services. This will not only broaden your service list but give you more skills to market.

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Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan