Janine, thank you for clarifying "target market" and "niche" for me. I realize that I have been trying to narrow down my target market, but I my service(s) can be my niche.

in this line of industry, being general is the complete opposite of niching simply because that just means that you are not focusing on anything.

Niching is focusing on one thing, and be a top provider for that specific service.

My niche just sort of evolved. At first I started offering a slew of different services but because of the need, social media and email has become more my niche. It's been neat to see it just "happen".

I think that being a generalist is a niche. You might find a lot more business if you can do many things, but I have seen VAs who specialize in only one or two areas ans they still do very well.

I'm so glad I came upon this this thread. I offer a wide range of services as well and thought I must be doing something wrong because I'm not focusing on one particular "niche". Thanks for the insight!

__________________
Jána :daisy:
www.virtually-supporting-you.com

Seems everyone is so set on figuring out a 'niche' market for there business but I feel since there are now very few VA's comfortable doing a bit of it all this in itself is definitely a good niche for you, at least until you can figure out where else your business may take you.

Thanks for clarifying niche and target market!

I am so glad I read this thread. Immediately after reading this I knew exactly who I wanted my target market to be but I am still working on my niche. I know what I want to offer but I am not sure how it will become a clear cut niche just yet. I too have a diverse set of skills to offer any client but I don't want them to be overwhelmed with a never ending list of things I can do. I would rather focus on those things I enjoy doing like the thread says. I found it easy for me to think this through by just looking at my history and thinking of

1. The work I have enjoyed doing in the past: This can be either what I did on my 9-5 or what I did to assist others that bought me joy.

2. Who I have enjoyed working with: I have worked with others in the past, although I was doing it as a free service, I still had those particular people who I didn't mind helping if they called.

3. The industries I am most interested in: This was a little harder because I have a few interests but I focused on the one that best fits the people I would like to target as my first customers.

4. What typical problem areas those people or industries have: I basically just came up with a set of problems that I imagine that they might have. I won't know for sure until I actually ask someone working within that industry but I can align my skills with what I feel like they may need and as I learn more I can add to my services.

This is my starting point. I will offer more and it will become clearer as I grow the business but this really helped my thought process.

Thank you!!

I'm happy to see this thread has been helpful since I wrote my response in 2012.

How has everybody done on finding their 'niches'?

Janine

Niche marketing is targeting only one particular audience. How turn your niche into a multiple income stream without it appearing confusing to your audience is slightly tricky and can be somewhat expensive. Without giving too much information away, because I teach and hold classes on this subject. Therefore, I would rather people attend my webinars and classes, some are free and some are not.

Creating a secondary company to be ran under the corporate holding company is the easiest method. Many large corporations own several small ventures that are owned and operated by a larger entity. It is slightly more complex but it can be done. A great example of this would Wal-Mart and Sam Clubs. Both these stores are two separate entities, servicing two select groups, but they are owned by the same larger holding company.
I have one LLC entity, which has my main niche as the main primary holding and then a DBA of a secondary niche that passes through the LLC Corporation. Therefore, I am a multiple stream entrepreneur.

Or you can add specialized services (i.e. classes or training sessions), which your niche audience can use and express an interest. Before deciding what method works for you, should seek the advice of a locate CPA and or law firm to check the legal requirements, advantages and disadvantages of each structure.

Required disclaimer: This post is only intended as a suggestion. This post is not intended to be used as legal advice. Best Virtual Paralegal LLC’s staff members, subcontractors, bloggers, and editorial staff are not a substitution for an attorney. Best Virtual Paralegal, LLC is not a law firm or attorneys. If you are viewing this post, social media pages, or advertising postings with a complex legal issue you should seek the advice of a licensed practicing attorney of your own choosing.

__________________
Holly Sheriff, MSLS
Best Virtual Paralegal, LLC & BVP Services