“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
I believe we’re called to serve all people.
When I was an assistant public defender and Legal Aid attorney, service to all people was sometimes challenging. Nevertheless, I represented just about anybody who walked through my door. The line was long…
There was no need to promote my services to a particular group of people who needed my help. They all did!
Yet, as entrepreneurs, we must be specific: Whom exactly are we called to serve? How exactly are we meant to serve them? The Wal-Mart service-to- everybody approach doesn’t work well for the small business owner. Rather, being all things to all people hurts our effectiveness, our productivity, and our bottom line.
I had a hard time embracing the concept of “niching down” even though I cognitively understood it. I was afraid having a “target market” that was too specific would be monotonous or would prevent me from working with people who didn’t fit a particular profile.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
I love working with and serving Christian women entrepreneurs! What delights me is that my message resonates with many others as well.
Serve all people with your gifts and talents. For sure.
Especially if you’re in business, however, be very, very clear who needs you most.
To your success!
Being all things to all people is like being the Wizard of OZ…may make you feel good briefly, but clearly does not allow one to be true to ones self, beliefs, or calling. As Wikipedia notes, “A shorthand definition of niche is how an organism makes a living. The ecological niche describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors.” I think this “scientific” definition of an ecological niche is perfect for entrepreneurs of every stripe. You must know your resources, You must know your competition. You must stay focused on those you are best resourced and prepared to serve.
Richard, that’s brilliant.
And the fact that you are a regular contributor to my blog and follower of Heart & Soul for Women of Faith speaks directly to my point: “What delights me is that my message resonates with many others as well.”
Thank you for the insight you share with us. What a gift!
Warmly,
Jory
This really resonates with me, Jory. It was recently that I had the epiphany to include my faith in my online presence because it is who I am and who I am created to be. I too love helping Christian women! So glad to “meet” you. Blessings, Amy