Thanks for this great piece Astrid. I recently wrote a note about this very same topic that got so much traction that I am now considering creating an offering around it. As an anti capitalist business coach and entrepreneur, I feel that niching is a way that the system keeps us neatly in our box so we can be good, productive economic units. When we stray outside of that, we are harder to control so we can feel we are doing it 'wrong'. Helping entrepreneurs be all of who they are is beautiful and much needed work. Here's to straying outside the box!
What an interesting thought Marisa, about niching as a way to keep us in the capitalist system, vert thought-provoking! And yes, I definitely feel like not-niching (or not niching the ‘right’ way) is playing into stories of having to do business one way, the ‘right’ way. I’ll definitely be thinking of your observation more, thank you for sharing!
This is SO interesting. As a multi-passionate trying to figure out how create that varied beautiful business Astrid describes above, I often feel such a block towards how to actually do it. It’s just such a new framework for thinking about how to build that type of livelihood when that traditional capitalist working model is so ingrained. I’m so inspired by those paving a way and making it feel more possible. we’re all building the plane as it’s flying aren’t?? I’ll soon find my way, but looking forward to more of your thoughts on this!
We are all definitely building the plane as it’s flying! It really is a new framework but it is possible. It’s great to connect and let’s keep talking!
Yes, working in a different way is absolutely a learning curve. The biggest practice for me has learning to trust myself in my business, and taking as much as possible as an experiment.
Aha @Chris Wicker! It speaks to the tension between loathing the system we are in and yet knowing that we benefit from it, so it’s about acknowledging that we change the system by creating new systems. Thanks for asking!
I’m glad that this post encouraged you Janelle! So far Eric is very reclusive—although I did see an eye and his snout once—but we definitely need to get a wildlife camera to see what he’s up to at night 😅
I'm a ManiGen (Human Design) so I simply can't niche down and have one business only lol. What I still need to understand is whether it makes sense to have both businesses under the same publication name here on Substack or whether I should create 2 separate ones. I give myself all the time it takes to get clarity on this. I'll experiment and see what feels right for me.
The issue with ManiGens like me is the struggle to focus on 1 thing at a time. We're like butterflies that go from one flower to the other constantly. So I know I absolutely need to find balance as you've mentioned and understand what part of the day is better for studying (I'm taking an education in vegan nutrition), which one is better for creating content, etc.
Thank you for your comment Martina! Experimenting with your Substack(s) sounds like a good idea. Often we end up feeling more drawn to one option: either loving the expansiveness of having two, or feeling tired by it and wanting to put everything under one banner—which is completely fine, because you are the umbrella ☂️
Thank you for commenting Lora! I don’t know enough about book promotion/marketing to say anything intelligent about it, but I can imagine that in book marketing niching is emphasised to make a book instantly recognisable as being ‘like so and so’. I’m sure @Katie Sadler has more intelligent things to say about this 😊
Niching generally makes it easier to grow your platform, as people immediately know what you’re all about. But you can still be known as an expert in your area while talking about other things.
You just need to keep your central topic in mind so that you don’t go months without talking about egg tempura art, for example! Make sure that whatever you want to be known for, you talk about regularly, and make it clear to someone finding you for the first time that this is your area of expertise.
But you can definitely talk about other things along the way, and follow your interest.
Thanks for this great piece Astrid. I recently wrote a note about this very same topic that got so much traction that I am now considering creating an offering around it. As an anti capitalist business coach and entrepreneur, I feel that niching is a way that the system keeps us neatly in our box so we can be good, productive economic units. When we stray outside of that, we are harder to control so we can feel we are doing it 'wrong'. Helping entrepreneurs be all of who they are is beautiful and much needed work. Here's to straying outside the box!
What an interesting thought Marisa, about niching as a way to keep us in the capitalist system, vert thought-provoking! And yes, I definitely feel like not-niching (or not niching the ‘right’ way) is playing into stories of having to do business one way, the ‘right’ way. I’ll definitely be thinking of your observation more, thank you for sharing!
Thank YOU Astrid. We are on the same wavelength!
This is SO interesting. As a multi-passionate trying to figure out how create that varied beautiful business Astrid describes above, I often feel such a block towards how to actually do it. It’s just such a new framework for thinking about how to build that type of livelihood when that traditional capitalist working model is so ingrained. I’m so inspired by those paving a way and making it feel more possible. we’re all building the plane as it’s flying aren’t?? I’ll soon find my way, but looking forward to more of your thoughts on this!
We are all definitely building the plane as it’s flying! It really is a new framework but it is possible. It’s great to connect and let’s keep talking!
Yes, working in a different way is absolutely a learning curve. The biggest practice for me has learning to trust myself in my business, and taking as much as possible as an experiment.
Ok I need to ask - what’s an anti capitalist entrepreneur? That sounds fascinating.
Aha @Chris Wicker! It speaks to the tension between loathing the system we are in and yet knowing that we benefit from it, so it’s about acknowledging that we change the system by creating new systems. Thanks for asking!
That’s awesome! I love changing/improving the system so that’s a winner for me. Thanks for teaching me something new!
It’s a pleasure @Chris Wicker Please do subscribe if you would like more! Great to connect.
Absolutely beautiful piece. Loved every single bit of it. It allows people to simply breathe, relax and let their joy flow
Thank you Moumita, that is so lovely to hear! Thank you for commenting ✨
Thanks Astrid, this is the encouragement I needed to hear. And I think we need to see photos of Eric!
I’m glad that this post encouraged you Janelle! So far Eric is very reclusive—although I did see an eye and his snout once—but we definitely need to get a wildlife camera to see what he’s up to at night 😅
Btw I love the story about Eric lol
I'm a ManiGen (Human Design) so I simply can't niche down and have one business only lol. What I still need to understand is whether it makes sense to have both businesses under the same publication name here on Substack or whether I should create 2 separate ones. I give myself all the time it takes to get clarity on this. I'll experiment and see what feels right for me.
The issue with ManiGens like me is the struggle to focus on 1 thing at a time. We're like butterflies that go from one flower to the other constantly. So I know I absolutely need to find balance as you've mentioned and understand what part of the day is better for studying (I'm taking an education in vegan nutrition), which one is better for creating content, etc.
Thank you for your comment Martina! Experimenting with your Substack(s) sounds like a good idea. Often we end up feeling more drawn to one option: either loving the expansiveness of having two, or feeling tired by it and wanting to put everything under one banner—which is completely fine, because you are the umbrella ☂️
Oh that’s interesting ! Thanks for your reflection, it makes sense.
Oh the push and pull of niching! Such an important topic 💛
Thank you Sarah, I’m glad you enjoyed it! x
Interesting! Book marketing especially tells you to "niche down." I do resist it. But maybe it is more important in book promotion/marketing?
Thank you for commenting Lora! I don’t know enough about book promotion/marketing to say anything intelligent about it, but I can imagine that in book marketing niching is emphasised to make a book instantly recognisable as being ‘like so and so’. I’m sure @Katie Sadler has more intelligent things to say about this 😊
Niching generally makes it easier to grow your platform, as people immediately know what you’re all about. But you can still be known as an expert in your area while talking about other things.
You just need to keep your central topic in mind so that you don’t go months without talking about egg tempura art, for example! Make sure that whatever you want to be known for, you talk about regularly, and make it clear to someone finding you for the first time that this is your area of expertise.
But you can definitely talk about other things along the way, and follow your interest.
Thank you for chipping in Katie!
Thanks Katie!
Thank you Astrid. You actually turned me on to @katiesadler and she has helped me a lot!
I’m just launching my business and appreciate this reinforcement that I don’t have to niche, but I can still be strategic!
Thank you for your comment Sudha! I'm happy to hear that this post resonated with you, and good luck with your business ✨