Over the past few weeks I’ve shared ideas for finding your professional niche. In addition to the tools you use and the industry you’re in, you can also use your network to narrow down the things you excel at and that will give you a good indication on what to include in your niche.
What do I mean by that?
You’re likely working with people and in contact with other professionals you come to you for specific topics. When people ask us questions we don’t always realise that those questions follow a pattern and that certain themes repeat themselves.
In the entrepreneurial community people talk about this as the stuff that’s in your head that others would pay money to learn from you. This week, I want you to think about it as those topics you have expertise in that help you shape your professional niche.
What questions do people ask you?
Are you the go-to person when someone needs help with their Python script? Do they ask you about graphic design?
Reflect on recent conversations you’ve had with colleagues and customers and see what topics come up again and again. You’re likely known as the person who they ask for help on <insert your topic here>.
Struggling to pinpoint a topic? Maybe it’s something not directly work related or technical. Maybe it’s more about your approach or your time management skills. Don’t get hung up on finding a specific technical area, your soft/human skills are important too.
Something people come to me for, for example, is to get a simple, plain English explanation of a complex technical concept. This is an area where I can help them by breaking down a difficult to understand topic into easy to understand chunks with examples and analogies so they can share this information with others, including lay people.
How would others describe you?
If you asked your colleagues, your manager but also your friends and family to list the things you’re great at, what would they say?
What technical and human skills would they include?
You probably have a good idea about their possible answers, but I also recommend to actually ask them the question. Feels awkward? It’s helpful, though! Simply ask if they could list 3 skills/characteristics/topics they think you’re great at or know a lot about. You’ll likely find overlaps between their answers and I’m sure it will be a helpful and insightful exercise for you.
Get that outside perspective by collecting the responses from a range of different people so you can become more aware of people’s perception of you and of the contributions you make.
What do you like helping others with?
Take 15 minutes of time and grab a piece of paper and a pen: write down everything that comes to mind in response to the question: what do you like helping others with?
It’s likely that the topics you can help others with are those you’re particularly good at and passionate about. Identify these areas and see how you can connect them to the work you’re already doing or that you’d like to do more of.
In 2015 I had the opportunity to teach others by becoming a Tableau trainer for Tableau Desktop and Server and it opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me, something I never expected. I truly enjoyed teaching and carry this passion with me to date. What are some things you can help others with? Things you can teach them? Maybe these thoughts will unlock new opportunities for you too…
Have a great week!
Eva