… have been thinking about something.
How can I “corner the market” on what it is I do?
Not just a niche – something bigger, something more precise.
What can I know, or create, or be, that makes me the only reasonable solution to a critical problem?
I think it’s something worth thinking about.
Great question, Michael!
I look to Seth Godin for hints to questions like this. Some of his themes around this include things like creating your own category in the market, being/becoming indispensable to your clients, combining skill with care, creating big, bold promises and keeping them, and ideas of this nature. Reading his blog is a great source of inspiration for me, and I’m sure you’re a reader as well. One’s story, of course, is key here; it all starts with your story and how well you tell it.
I wonder if it’s even possible to state an algorithm to answer your question, or whether the variables are unique to everyone? Keep us posted on your thinking!
Hello Lew! Yes, I read Seth’s blog as well and I agree he is thought-provoking and terrific.
I do think it’s an individual answer. And I confess that I enjoy just thinking about it and continuing to fine tune around it.
Michael, agreed – it is an individual answer. But the framework could be abstracted out and made into just that – a framework/algorithm within which one makes the journey.
Another question to ask around this – perhaps at the start – is, “what’s the motivation for wanting to corner a market?” What does one gain from this, and to what ends? And, having cornered a market, is that an unassailable, durable position? Or is it less a destination and more a process, where you have to keep “cornering” because of the dynamics involved?
Just a couple more questions to muddy the waters!
Hi Michael,
You are the master of relationship marketing with ‘the people you know’ in your niche market.
As I’ve mentioned before though – when you write an expanded book (+ ebook + e-training e.g. using Sensei WordPress interactive training plugin) about relationship marketing, utilising your amazing blog posts and other content – you’ll receive further recognition for this topic.
To capitalise on this, the e-training is scaleable, and enables you to earn a lot more from your fantastic content. That will ‘corner the market’ for you.
All the best. Peter Miller. Website Developer – Adelaide Australia.
Thank you Peter, a great suggestion. I’ll check out that plug in too!