If you’re still feeling like going too narrow on your niche feels risky, or even just uninteresting, you might find this 2020 episode of 2 Bobs helpful.

In a lively 30 minute conversation, David C. Baker and Blair Enns broke down the common objections to specialization.

Paraphrased they are:

1. I don’t want to be pigeonholed
2. Other successful people aren’t specialized
3. Large consulting firms aren’t specialized
4. I’ll get bored
5. What if there’s a downturn in that niche?
6. Won’t people appreciate a ‘blue sky’ thinker?

If any of these sound a bit too familiar, I’d highly recommend a listen or a read of the transcript.

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Of the many gems, I thought the most resonant was David pointing out that the point isn’t actually to go as narrow as possible…

Pair this with David’s now-canonical POV on the optimal number of competitors and prospects you should​ have, and you’ll see it’s about finding what I’ll call the Goldilocks market position:

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Not so small that you risk there not being a proven, sustainable market.

Not so large that you’re replaceable by competitors, or irrelevant to prospects.

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Sound delicate? Perhaps.

It’s a triangulation for sure.

But ultimately it can provide you both a sturdy foundation and some soft guardrails from which you can focus on delivering deep, differentiated value.

How cozy is that?

💡

-Wes

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P.S. Coaching exploration calls booked up quickly -- just added more
​If you're thinking it might be time for some dedicated 'in-the-trenches' support on your soloist journey, I just added 3 more exploration call slots on Tuesday, Nov 26.

Head into the US Thanksgiving holiday with your wheels turning :)