Finding Your Niche

By Eric Chisholm

Note from Jane: I met our guest blogger right in my own backyard. He was living in a unit above the garage of my building while I first started New Music Empire (BEGIN's predecessor) about 3 years ago. I asked him to write for us because I'm a huge fan of a series on his blog "The Best Jobs in the World". Enjoy. 

​Your blog has hit a dead spot and your brain is blocked. The best-proven advice is to write what you know. Most people are hesitant to take advice about inspiration and generating content from a guy who crunches numbers and coaches college basketball.
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If you ever followed high school hoops in Ohio between 2004 and 2007, then you probably still didn’t hear about me. For the better part of a decade, I was only known as a basketball player. It was hard being a first generation Korean-American playing basketball in the Midwest.

​After two lackluster seasons in college, I left the game I loved to pursue the world of film. This pursuit was very brief, but it satisfied my urge and gave me amazing experiences and insights.
After the film endeavor, I chased the dream of becoming a business executive. While this is my most recent trail, you might be wondering how this is all connected to writing and blogging.

Still with me?

There isn’t much need for a college basketball coach who appreciates Charlie Chaplain and has an MBA, but I pride myself in having a wealth of knowledge in all three areas. None of the concentrations really intertwine.

I view this as an advantage. 

Whether you are operating a personal makeup blog or a blog for a company, it’s important to find your niche. Your niche has to be something you love and a subject in which you can demonstrate a wealth of expertise. I just happen to have three passions.
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Alright, you have that niche down but you maybe you’ve run out of guru ideas. It’s okay to get personal. Ready for one of those lists?

1. Talk about past failures.

Everyone has failed, and we all want to find that support group that offers comfort when we feel alone.   

2.  Don’t be afraid to share a major success or achievement. 

Your readers and audience want to know you’re doing well; if you’re not, they might not find value in your brand.

​3. Remember to show your value to the world. 

Sometimes you have to offer a free sample to get someone to buy the entire product.

​4. Point people to others for the areas that you cannot help them. 

While we would hate to have people leave our sites, this will build trust and become a future investment.

5. If you’re absolutely out of ideas or topics, then hire someone. 

It’s not weakness. Sometimes it helps to have a full-time blog writer.
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You can’t make everyone happy with your life and experiences. You’re definitely not going to appeal to everyone with your writing. If you offend a few people, you’re probably doing something right. It shouldn’t be your main goal to hurt feelings, but it happens to be a by-product when you’re honest with your audience and yourself.

I can’t play basketball anymore. My knees are shot and my reflexes have slowed. I am no longer in the film industry, and who knows how long I’ll stay on the business executive path.

But, I have accumulated tons of knowledge, skills, and experience to pass along to people who need it.  Readers, customers, and audiences will know if you enjoy it and know your materials.

Eric Chisholm is a blogger, business manager, assistant college basketball coach and husband. You can read his detailing of "The Best Jobs in the World" and other posts on his website ericchisholm.com
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