Follow the Path of Least Resistance
How do I pick a niche? That's probably the one question everybody here asks; and some of us ask again and again.
I have had this desire for years to break out of my routine and take control of my financial destiny via the Internet. There was only one problem: I had no idea how to do it. Then it dawned on me, 'Wait, you're an anthropologist. People must be dying to hear about anthropology! That can't help but be a money tree!"
Well, not so much. I mean seriously, how in God's name can an anthropology website make any money? If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
So, long story short, I created an anthropology website: www.anthropologycenter.com. "But if it's hard to monetize," you may ask, "why did you make one?"
I have a few ideas about how to monetize it but the point of this post is that I'm going with what I know best. And therein lies the meaning behind the title. If I went with a motorcycle repair website I would be absolutely clueless. I know nothing about the subject and it would be painfully obvious after awhile. But anthropology? That's a breeze, I can talk about that all day.
I think when most people consider the Internet as a viable business they tend to make it more complex than it needs to be. In reality, we all are good at something or knowledgeable about a particular genre. If so, go with it -- at least at first. Once you get the hang of it, branch out into something else (that's my plan).
Currently I live in China but I've been in Asia for 12 years in several different countries. I've worked in both business and academia and my hope is to turn what I do (anthropology) into a business that focuses on corporate culture research. After awhile I'll branch out, but for now I'm going to build up my site as best as I can.
And I think that's one of the most important things I've learned during this process: focus on what you know and what you're passionate about. Water follows the path of least resistance; when starting a new business online for the first time it's probably best to follow that example.
Recent Comments
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Hi Matt, what you have written makes a lot of sense. My mind keeps wondering onto products/ topics that I know nothing about and I have to keep reminding myself that anything I do not understand is going to fail.
I think you can monetize just about anything. Just about any topic will have books and other media on the subject that people will want to buy.
So true!
Focus on what you know and what you are passionate about!