I've been reading a lot lately about "niche marketing" ... ever heard that term?

www.Dictionary.com defines niche this way:

1. A recess in a wall, as for holding a statue or urn.

2. A cranny, hollow, or crevice, as in rock.

1. A situation or activity specially suited to a person's interests, abilities, or nature: found her niche in life.
2. A special area of demand for a product or service: “One niche that is approaching mass-market proportions is held by regional magazines” (Brad Edmondson).

A few years back, homeschooling supplies and curriculum would have been considered a "niche market".  It still is to a certain extent. With homeschooling growing by leaps and bounds every day, the opportunities are endless!

There are literally thousands of homeschool suppliers.  You may even be one of them - or you are thinking of becoming one. 

You may be asking - how do I find my "niche"? I really want to start a business in the homeschooling market, but where do I start?

1. Start brainstorming -- What are you most passionate about?  Besides God, family, and friends - what really gets you excited? What do you absolutely LOVE doing? You wouldn't want to be stuck talking about or selling something you don't like.

2. Then ask yourself -- What are the most frequent questions asked of YOU as a homeschooler? What do YOU have a hard time finding for your kids?  Ask OTHER homeschoolers what products or services they have trouble finding.

3. Research, research, research! I can't say (or write) enough about this. Do it right and do it thoroughly.  Get your hands on every book, website, article, whatever written about this subject - and devour them! 

4. And last but not least -- search through the blogs here at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com. THESE are the people in the trenches every day! THEY are your market! See what questions they are asking each other...what are they searching for? What are their struggles? Find the need and FILL IT!

Now go! Get started finding your niche!

Next week on "Training Tuesdays" -- I'll give you some websites with valuable information about niche marketing!

Julie Nott, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Editor, FREE Unit Studies and Homeschooling for FREE e-Newsletters

Advertising Sales Representative

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

Visit my blogs:

www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Julie

www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/FreeStuffForHomeschoolers

Comments

I'm on step 4!

10:57 AM, Jan. 28, 2006, posted by Anonymous

I like these steps (I'm a concrete thinker):

I've spent the last year brainstorming (Step 1) how to combine my accounting practice, non-profit board experience and homeschooling. I discovered that homeschool organizations (like co-ops and sports groups) are becoming 501c3 tax exempt organizations. But they are paying lawyers who are not familiar with the uniqueness of HSers a ton of money to do their IRS filings. (Step 2) So my idea for a niche is to launch a website ( hopefully called HomeschoolCPA) to help HS organizations file for 501c3. How's that sound?

I'm done (and continue to do) research (Step 3) and now I'm reading blogs (Step 4)!

I'm trying to build a solid groundwork and not rush into launching something half-baked. But it's hard to rein myself in when I want to charge ahead!

Thanks for the steps. I remind myself, every step is progress!

I look forward to PRMama's newsletter!

You've done a lot!

2:45 AM, Jan. 29, 2006, posted by

Anonymous -- I think you have a GREAT idea! I hear the buzz a lot about co-ops and support groups wanting to become 501c3 status and not knowing where to start! I'd say -- get the domain name RIGHT NOW before someone else grabs it!

Oh...and don't forget the other part to step #4 -- go ahead and start your own blog!! What have you got to lose? It's FREE!

Blessings! Stay tuned to PRMama for more great ideas!

Julie Nott

Edited by PRMama on Jan. 29, 2006 at 2:51 AM