K i love this one. It speaks directly to my soul. Looks like you and I are about the same age. I’m currently worth just under 20M and you just described my strategy in life to a T. Loved seeing that timeline of your multiple niches because, while your obsessions looked quite different from mine, the fact that they switched every couple years felt so relatable. I can’t tell you the criticism I received from teachers and professors growing up who bought in whole heartedly to the idea of a specialization or a niche. I was constantly told I’d be a “jack of all trades and master of none.” Now I literally sift through piles of resumes of specialists begging me for jobs (actually I have an employee who looks at those resumes for me). It’s very strange because I always disdained specializing because I was just so curious about every corner of the world. How could I ignore any of it. Anyway thanks for the encouragement. I’ve often doubted my path, even as it’s become very lucrative and successful for me because you can only hear that niche mantra by everyone all the time so often before part of you wonders if you’re doing it wrong. But like you said I believe results speak for themselves.
Well I’d say I’d be honored if you’d subscribe to my Substack. I’ve just stated but I’ll be posting tons of personal stories on here with business and parenting and life. I’d be completely honored if you’d follow me and share or engage if you feel so compelled. I feel extremely encouraged by your reply as I’ve recently grown to really admire your posts
Glad you thought for yourself despite the criticism from "professional educators". I substitute teach all grades and subjects and am very concerned about how we are creating "permission seekers" who are always needing to be told what to do because they are scared to do anything that the teacher may disapprove of. Btw I visited your page and saw that one of your projects involves the homeschooling industry. I'm very interested in this area.
I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on how AI becoming smarter than any specialist is going to affect us all. As generalists are we not just as vulnerable?
That’s awesome. Funny you mentioned home schooling. This is one of the places I’ve struggled with. I’ve often considered separating or toning down the homeschooling stuff on this Substack because I wasn’t sure if people who read my stuff about business would also be interested in my passion project called Jones University that is aimed at helping people who want to transition to home schooling get over the fear of thinking they aren’t “smart enough” or don’t know where to start.
You sound like an inspiration for me. 29 year old and have worked in finance, marketing, co-founded and e-commerce business and now am working in supply chain. Passion wise I always love creating - be it music, art or writing. I've been confused for as long as I remember because I've been told to pick something. I'm just struggling still to play my strengths.
That's a tough question! I've grown up training in South Asian classical vocals, but growing up have tried almost every genre out there. I guess other than heavy metal, hip hop and rap, I'm open to more or less everything. I love exploring when it comes to music! What kind do you like?
Glad to connect Sabrina. I too love music, art and writing. I’ve found joy and even money in all of them, although my day job (jobs?) aren’t really there, I’ve found as a business owner the artistry needed to market and sell is like applying those disciplines into the real world. Although I still do get to play piano for churches and funerals and such. Let’s follow each other and stay connected. It’s important to encourage each other on this journey as we both swim up stream
It's so admirable that you managed to monetize your artistic skills! The closest I got to it was selling my art for a bit during undergrad - and eventually co-founding the e-commerce business on scented candles. Turns out making scented candles is a very fun and creative process! But then I moved to Canada and had to become a silent partner. Now I'm on the pursuit of trying to find another creative outlet that I can monetize.
It can seem daunting but the possibilities are endless. I’ll be rooting for you my friend. Please feel free to shout out whenever you have a triumph you want to share
Yeah, Tim, I remember you saying that people subscribe to your world view, not to your niche. And this is what I've observed. My readers come back to read my thoughts even though I don't always write about personal finance.
I agree that you should let your audience steer your content overtime. However, if you’re starting a side business next to a day job would it not make sense to market your existing/unique skills? If you’re already an expert in something then your value proposition would be clear.
Building a real estate design & development media focused company with our newsletter, The LineUp and podcast Breaking New Ground. Check them out! Appreciate your writing Tim!
"You’re here because you resonate with the ideas I share. You’re interested in my view of the world (even if you don’t agree with every part). You’re here to think differently."
Well, I'll tell ya, I did go back and read through your last few newsletters to make sure I answered this thoughtfully.
I'm not sold on having no niche, but very much agree with making yourself the product, especially with mediocre content becoming easier and easier to create.
In reading your niche timeline, it sounds like you've had niches. Where I think you excel at is "obsession", aka focus, and leaning into those niches for a set period of time.
In general, you have a writing style that is not for everyone.
But it is highly consistent, which I can appreciate.
When I read your posts in the right state of mind, I always get value out of them and that's why I come back.
I'm a marketing professional turned nurse, and now newbie freelance copywriter. I was told to niche down into healthcare or health and wellness because my credentials would give me an advantage. Is this not the case?
So many thoughts. So much confusion. I understand following people and the why behind it. I mean, I'm following you, right? It's hard for me to tease out when this works for people who are writing about writing, or their creative specialty, vs. writing for clients in a niche like chiropractors or across industries. I think it's hard to speak to the pain points and provide a solution to a generalized target customer. I appreciate the chat.
I totally get it. I believe this whole idea of treating every day like a "bring yourself to work" day is a trap for more logical-minded people. I mean let's think about how ridiculous it can get. Let's imagine a plumber decides to make himself "the niche" and is really into self development and starts a life coaching business on the side. Are we really going to pick a plumbing life coach to fix our pipes? It's weird. Let's say he meshes the two on his website and injects motivational life quotes into his plumbing articles. That's totally bonkers. Would you pick him or are you going to pick the plumber that specializes in plumbing? It's a trap when you think you need to inject your personality into everything and "be" the niche. It's always personal brands telling other people to be personal brands. People forget how liberating it is to NOT bring your work home with you every day -which is what happens when YOU become the niche. It's a prison. Separating them is good for your mental health. Influencers burn out all the time because of this.
People like hearing "be the niche" because it makes them feel good, because now they don't have to make tough decisions and can follow all the rabbit holes. The only time this advice works is when you want to be a media personality, which is all influencers are. The plumbing life coach might get a reality tv show and that's really what this whole idea is about --getting attention, building a business off of that, THEN moving on to the next thing. They churn and burn going from one idea to the next and THAT'S the business model that "be the niche" ultimate produces. If that's your thing then yeah, this is great advice.
Tim, I agree with you 99% of the time. But I think in this article you mixed two separate things.
Millionaires have to be generalists. They need to develop a diverse set of skills and keep learning about many topics.
But this regards their self-growth.
When we want to attract an audience, we can't be "everything to everyone". We need to give people a reason to follow us instead of the competition.
So, we can write about different topics, but they are often connected. And that connection usually is a transformation we can help our audience achieve.
That's our niche.
Then, when we grow, we can probably expand the topics.
Agree, making “yourself” the niche isn’t enough. I see lots of people sharing everything they’re interested in and I’d never follow them precisely because of that. It becomes a mess.
And I just don’t buy that Tim is sharing 100% of what he cares about, there is a selection process. Yes, it’s more than one topic but it’s all for the same core audience.
But just saying “don’t niche” is of course more polarizing.
I can relate to this so much - especially because my life's journey has been exactly so and sometimes I feel confused for not having a niche, instead of playing it as a strength. I need to learn how to promote my versatility more. Any advice on that?
Excellent article, Tim. I totally agree on being nicheless. It feels off to be limited by a niche and I can't be put in to a box. I will break out because I am multi-dimensional. Great advice on becoming a millionaire too. Now if I could just get people to engage with my material...
K i love this one. It speaks directly to my soul. Looks like you and I are about the same age. I’m currently worth just under 20M and you just described my strategy in life to a T. Loved seeing that timeline of your multiple niches because, while your obsessions looked quite different from mine, the fact that they switched every couple years felt so relatable. I can’t tell you the criticism I received from teachers and professors growing up who bought in whole heartedly to the idea of a specialization or a niche. I was constantly told I’d be a “jack of all trades and master of none.” Now I literally sift through piles of resumes of specialists begging me for jobs (actually I have an employee who looks at those resumes for me). It’s very strange because I always disdained specializing because I was just so curious about every corner of the world. How could I ignore any of it. Anyway thanks for the encouragement. I’ve often doubted my path, even as it’s become very lucrative and successful for me because you can only hear that niche mantra by everyone all the time so often before part of you wonders if you’re doing it wrong. But like you said I believe results speak for themselves.
This is such a badass story Dominic. Where can I read more stories from your life?
Well I’d say I’d be honored if you’d subscribe to my Substack. I’ve just stated but I’ll be posting tons of personal stories on here with business and parenting and life. I’d be completely honored if you’d follow me and share or engage if you feel so compelled. I feel extremely encouraged by your reply as I’ve recently grown to really admire your posts
Totally bad ass! I have subscribed to your Substack after reading this Dominic!
Glad you thought for yourself despite the criticism from "professional educators". I substitute teach all grades and subjects and am very concerned about how we are creating "permission seekers" who are always needing to be told what to do because they are scared to do anything that the teacher may disapprove of. Btw I visited your page and saw that one of your projects involves the homeschooling industry. I'm very interested in this area.
Professional education is dying and AI is becoming smarter than any degree trained specialist.
Tim, as a father of a young daughter, you will need to decide about her learning framework ("education")
Do you know what you will do?
I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on how AI becoming smarter than any specialist is going to affect us all. As generalists are we not just as vulnerable?
That’s awesome. Funny you mentioned home schooling. This is one of the places I’ve struggled with. I’ve often considered separating or toning down the homeschooling stuff on this Substack because I wasn’t sure if people who read my stuff about business would also be interested in my passion project called Jones University that is aimed at helping people who want to transition to home schooling get over the fear of thinking they aren’t “smart enough” or don’t know where to start.
You sound like an inspiration for me. 29 year old and have worked in finance, marketing, co-founded and e-commerce business and now am working in supply chain. Passion wise I always love creating - be it music, art or writing. I've been confused for as long as I remember because I've been told to pick something. I'm just struggling still to play my strengths.
Sabrina, what sort of music are you into?
That's a tough question! I've grown up training in South Asian classical vocals, but growing up have tried almost every genre out there. I guess other than heavy metal, hip hop and rap, I'm open to more or less everything. I love exploring when it comes to music! What kind do you like?
Glad to connect Sabrina. I too love music, art and writing. I’ve found joy and even money in all of them, although my day job (jobs?) aren’t really there, I’ve found as a business owner the artistry needed to market and sell is like applying those disciplines into the real world. Although I still do get to play piano for churches and funerals and such. Let’s follow each other and stay connected. It’s important to encourage each other on this journey as we both swim up stream
It's so admirable that you managed to monetize your artistic skills! The closest I got to it was selling my art for a bit during undergrad - and eventually co-founding the e-commerce business on scented candles. Turns out making scented candles is a very fun and creative process! But then I moved to Canada and had to become a silent partner. Now I'm on the pursuit of trying to find another creative outlet that I can monetize.
It can seem daunting but the possibilities are endless. I’ll be rooting for you my friend. Please feel free to shout out whenever you have a triumph you want to share
Yeah, Tim, I remember you saying that people subscribe to your world view, not to your niche. And this is what I've observed. My readers come back to read my thoughts even though I don't always write about personal finance.
I believe it Denis. Anything else you've learned on Medium about niches?
Yes, those who stick to their niches underperform.
I love this! Literally just published an article saying how we're multi-dimensional beings. We don't fit in a box!
What did you love the most?
I agree that you should let your audience steer your content overtime. However, if you’re starting a side business next to a day job would it not make sense to market your existing/unique skills? If you’re already an expert in something then your value proposition would be clear.
Most people hate their 9-5 job skills and only do it to pay the bills. Is that the same for you?
Be "nicheless". Love it. So true...lean into what you care most about and sometimes that changes. Build your "brand" and go deep on your interests.
Nice summary John. What's next for you?
Building a real estate design & development media focused company with our newsletter, The LineUp and podcast Breaking New Ground. Check them out! Appreciate your writing Tim!
"You’re here because you resonate with the ideas I share. You’re interested in my view of the world (even if you don’t agree with every part). You’re here to think differently."
-- Dang it Tim ya got me.
Nice piece.
Which parts do you disagree with me on Jonathan?
Well, I'll tell ya, I did go back and read through your last few newsletters to make sure I answered this thoughtfully.
I'm not sold on having no niche, but very much agree with making yourself the product, especially with mediocre content becoming easier and easier to create.
In reading your niche timeline, it sounds like you've had niches. Where I think you excel at is "obsession", aka focus, and leaning into those niches for a set period of time.
In general, you have a writing style that is not for everyone.
But it is highly consistent, which I can appreciate.
When I read your posts in the right state of mind, I always get value out of them and that's why I come back.
Thanks for the solid content as always!
-Jon
This made so much sense. Genuinely, thank you for writing like you do. It's like oxygen in this polluted crowded online pandoras box world.
So you don't want to hear more about he U.S. election? :)
I'm a marketing professional turned nurse, and now newbie freelance copywriter. I was told to niche down into healthcare or health and wellness because my credentials would give me an advantage. Is this not the case?
Amy, people follow people online, not credentials. The world is changing. Thoughts?
So many thoughts. So much confusion. I understand following people and the why behind it. I mean, I'm following you, right? It's hard for me to tease out when this works for people who are writing about writing, or their creative specialty, vs. writing for clients in a niche like chiropractors or across industries. I think it's hard to speak to the pain points and provide a solution to a generalized target customer. I appreciate the chat.
I totally get it. I believe this whole idea of treating every day like a "bring yourself to work" day is a trap for more logical-minded people. I mean let's think about how ridiculous it can get. Let's imagine a plumber decides to make himself "the niche" and is really into self development and starts a life coaching business on the side. Are we really going to pick a plumbing life coach to fix our pipes? It's weird. Let's say he meshes the two on his website and injects motivational life quotes into his plumbing articles. That's totally bonkers. Would you pick him or are you going to pick the plumber that specializes in plumbing? It's a trap when you think you need to inject your personality into everything and "be" the niche. It's always personal brands telling other people to be personal brands. People forget how liberating it is to NOT bring your work home with you every day -which is what happens when YOU become the niche. It's a prison. Separating them is good for your mental health. Influencers burn out all the time because of this.
People like hearing "be the niche" because it makes them feel good, because now they don't have to make tough decisions and can follow all the rabbit holes. The only time this advice works is when you want to be a media personality, which is all influencers are. The plumbing life coach might get a reality tv show and that's really what this whole idea is about --getting attention, building a business off of that, THEN moving on to the next thing. They churn and burn going from one idea to the next and THAT'S the business model that "be the niche" ultimate produces. If that's your thing then yeah, this is great advice.
Tim, I agree with you 99% of the time. But I think in this article you mixed two separate things.
Millionaires have to be generalists. They need to develop a diverse set of skills and keep learning about many topics.
But this regards their self-growth.
When we want to attract an audience, we can't be "everything to everyone". We need to give people a reason to follow us instead of the competition.
So, we can write about different topics, but they are often connected. And that connection usually is a transformation we can help our audience achieve.
That's our niche.
Then, when we grow, we can probably expand the topics.
Agree, making “yourself” the niche isn’t enough. I see lots of people sharing everything they’re interested in and I’d never follow them precisely because of that. It becomes a mess.
And I just don’t buy that Tim is sharing 100% of what he cares about, there is a selection process. Yes, it’s more than one topic but it’s all for the same core audience.
But just saying “don’t niche” is of course more polarizing.
I can relate to this so much - especially because my life's journey has been exactly so and sometimes I feel confused for not having a niche, instead of playing it as a strength. I need to learn how to promote my versatility more. Any advice on that?
Hard to find that balance sometimes . Need to cast a wide net but can’t be a jack of all trades for too long.
Sorry but I don't trust business accounts on Substack. Use your real name and photo so we know who you are. Would you do it?
I for sure read, “rich less”. =)
I don’t have a niche, so that’s just as well. Thanks for being reassuring.
The voiceover on this article is GOLD, hahaaaa. Priceless...
Wow this topic just keeps showing up for me lately
Fantastic, love the voice over too!
Excellent article, Tim. I totally agree on being nicheless. It feels off to be limited by a niche and I can't be put in to a box. I will break out because I am multi-dimensional. Great advice on becoming a millionaire too. Now if I could just get people to engage with my material...