“I don’t care how I do it… I need to make money now. Can you help me?”
Since I started in Internet Marketing, I’ve heard some version of that sentence dozens, if not hundreds of times. From clients… from prospects… even from strangers cornering me at conferences.
And I feel for all of them – I really do.
Because 12 years ago, I was exactly where they are today. At the time, I had just started out online. I was doing everything that the so-called experts told me I SHOULD do to make money.
I was diving into all the hottest niches, trying all the latest tactics, and staring at my computer at all hours of the day trying to gain an edge online.
And I was miserable.
It was only when I took a step back and really considered my strengths that I eventually developed the business that I have now. It’s a business designed around ME… around what I love to do… not what others tell me I should do.
In other words, I found what I call my “sweet spot” in my marketplace. Today I want to point you in the right direction to discover your own sweet spot, so you can build a business based on who YOU are…
This Is So Much More Than Your “Niche”
First, I want you to understand that finding your sweet spot is so much more than simply picking a niche.
In fact, one of the main reasons why so many entrepreneurs fail in their attempt to grow an online business is because like me, they start out looking for a niche instead of their sweet spot.
That’s because a niche is solely based on external factors, like a recognized need in the marketplace or a problem needing a solution.
In stark contrast, your sweet spot is based on your own internal factors – such as your strengths, talents, experiences, passions, and so on.
That’s why it’s a mission critical concept. Because when you nail your sweet spot you’ll have every available advantage you could possibly get to become the next leader in your marketplace.
As a market leader, you will earn the kind of money you want. You’ll have the added benefit of actually enjoy running your business. (Seriously, who wants to build a business that they don’t like?)
But the inverse is also true. If you build a business outside your sweet spot you’ll most likely never reach the top of the market. You’ll struggle to succeed. And you’ll be forced to do lots of stuff you don’t enjoy and that you’re not very good at.
Doesn’t make for a very happy person.
This is So Important…
Clearly, this is an extremely important concept – not just if you want to make money online, but also for your overall sanity as an entrepreneur.
In fact, it’s so important that I created a whole module on this for my Business Growth System (BGS) clients.
In my opinion, spending the amount of time we do assisting our clients in this critical area is one of the primary reasons our clients succeed more than any other program online.
Obviously, I can’t go into as much detail here as I do in BGS, but I’ll explain as much I can.
Now that you understand its importance…let’s get to it.
How to Discover Your Own Sweet Spot
Again, your sweet spot is the intersection of your strengths, passions, talents, and experiences. It’s the place where all these come together to allow you to provide some unique value to your marketplace.
I can tell you from years of experience that everyone has a sweet spot. But it can take significant amount of research and introspection on your part to find it.
But in the end, it’s all worth it.
Because when you find your sweet spot, no one else in your marketplace can compete with you. (How could they? You built your business based on YOU, and no one else has your unique set of passions, skills, talents and experiences.)
Also, ultimately it’s easier to market your business if you’re operating inside your sweet spot.
Because if you do NOT bother to find your sweet spot and just do “anything” to make money, you’ll have to make up the difference with your marketing skills.
In other words, you’ll have to become a better marketer than every other entrepreneur in your industry to compete.
Believe me when I say, that’s difficult.
It’s ultimately more efficient to take the time to find your sweet spot – that unique advantage that you have in the marketplace.
Here’s An Exercise that Can Help You
First get out your journal, and start thinking about what you’re passionate about. Ask yourself:
- What excites you?
- What motivates you?
- What conversations do you feel you must take part in?
- What gets you out of bed in the morning?
- Write those down.
Then move onto your strengths:
- What have you always been good at?
- What have you used to make a living up to now?
- What do your friends and family say are your best strengths?
- Do you already have an area of your life where your friends regularly ask for your advice? (Like how to fix your car? Set up your IRA? Etc.)
- Do you have any advice you often give that’s not common knowledge?
Then look at your past:
- What unique experiences have you had?
- How have past experiences made you who are today?
- Any great stories you always tell?
- Write those down – as many as you can think of.
Once you have that all written down: Look at your lists.
Is there any crossover on that list? Is there are a particular area where your passions, strengths and experience meet up?
If so, that’s a good place to start looking for your sweet spot in the market.
Remember, the point here is to build your business around your internal factors – your passions, strengths, experiences etc.
That’s how I built my own business. It’s how you find the kind of success you’re looking for.
A few questions before I go…
- Was this post useful?
- Have you already defined your sweet spot?
- If so, how has that helped you in your marketplace?
As always, I’d appreciate it if you could answer in the comments. Then I’ll be back here soon with my next post.