I Don't Give Two Hoots
In the process of working on my niche, which is humor, (targeted to the retired
Baby Boomer arena), I have come across more competition than I can possibly
count. Oh man, did that ever intimidate me at first! I mean we're talking the likes
of REALLY funny people who make millions from what they do - Dave Berry, Tina
Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld. . . not to mention the hundreds of hilarious
blogs that have 7-figures in followers.
But I've developed a philosophy that's helped me out of my self-defeating "not as good as they are" trap. Nobody in the whole world can be ME. I have a unique set
of experiences, background, history and interactions that are exclusive to ME and in that world, there is no competition. I also have a unique style and presentation
that is exclusive to me and, again - no competition.
So you know what? I have stopped giving TWO HOOTS about competition in my niche. I am no longer "researching" what others are doing and am now focusing on my own optimistic perspective of life which I know brings laughter and joy to others. My personal goal is to develop a blog that appeals to the people I target. It simply
has nothing to do with anyone else. Anything that needs to be learned about competition can be learned right here on WA.
The biggest "needle in my balloon" is when I read other humorous blogs or articles and start comparing myself, I always come up short! When I look at their content,
their followers, their fans, their numerous comments - I get discouraged and come away doubting myself. That is a very dangerous place to be! Especially when, really - it has nothing to do with me.
I hope everybody's having a terrific week! I so love my fellow WA-ers.
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Recent Comments
51
Patti, Do you remember the Salsa Maker? That handy little kitchen gadget to make your own salsa at home. I'm sure you do. You probably had one. Well, the first year we worked the LA County Fair, there were 26 booths in 5 buildings selling those salsa makers.
Over the 17 days of the Fair I saw the people in 24 of those 26 booths lamenenting on how hard it was to make any sales with 26 booths, so, they started Jazzing up their demonstration and offering multiple freebies with a purchase. These were all experienced demonstrators. Now, people working in 2 of those booths decided from day 1, that they would just continue to present their product as they always did and not get into the freebie war. By the end of the Fair those 2 booths had accounted for over 40% of the Salsa Maker sales at the fair.
Okay, now you are saying where is he going with this? Well. The LA Fair is like Google. It brings in Millions of people over the 17 days.
The 26 booths are like websites in the same niche. 24 of the booths or websites started spewing trash while 2 of them provided original content.
The results Original content WINS!
By the way, Who can beat original content like this: BURNED ARMPIT HAIR CAUSES CAR CRASH
Keep them coming Patti.
OMG what an INTERESTING post! That really is amazing that the "good-quality, basic presentation" still worked the best, even with all the bells & whistles being offered by the others.
I had forgotten all about the Salsa Maker (nope - didn't have one) but saw a similar thing at the Idaho State Fair a couple years ago with the "Vidalia Chop Wizard." There weren't 26 booths but I bet there were 4, and that's probably about the same, w/ attendance per capita. Were you one of the booth holders, Skip?
And thank you so much for your comment about the armpit hair fire. Isn't that a SCREAM! It's OK to laugh b/c nobody was killed.
Thanks again for your terrific response! You are so encouraging!
No, I was making money in a different product demonstration booth, but, 3 of those salsa booths were in the same building I was, so, I got an earful every time one of them was on break.
Stay focused Patti, you have a good site.
I love your humor, Patti! I'm so glad you're not letting it stop you. So they're big names? So what? They don't have YOUR stories and their blogs are NOT written by You. Keep telling your stories. LOVE 'EM!!!
Awww, THANK YOU Carla dear! You and I have very similar senses of humor and that counts for a lot. Thanks for taking the time to respond! Love you Girl.
Love you, too! If this wasn't a PG-13 rated site, I'd tell you one of my Da's favorite expressions. LOL
Don't let that stop you, I am in a space with some very big players, but I think there is room enough for everyone to find their audience!
Sandra, I totally agree. It's just easy to let yourself be pounded down when you compare. DON'T go there! BTW - I love your profile picture. So pretty!
Exactly. When I have music students I tell them no one is you. You have something special to offer, unique, that is yours. So Sugarbird, what you offer is uniquely yours and there will be people appreciating your sharing it that will support you.
Awww, Ben. Thank you so much. I bet your music students absolutely adore you. They're lucky to have someone with your outlook. Thanks for commenting!
Yep Patti - you are absolutely right!
Like you, I stopped comparing myself a long time ago. Keep that up and a person is bound to drop out! Besides, in my niche of wellness, there's nothing new under the sun. "They" all want you to think there's is the best "new" thing under the sun and "they" all want you to buy only from them (their product line, books, etc).
OK - I get it, everybody has to make a buck. But I truly want a site where people can go and get the best of the best of the best ... and as I continue to learn (cause you can never know it all), I will continue to provide a superior service.
You are doing exactly the same thing! Nothin' can stop you now!!
God Bless! ~Cathy
What a great response Cathy, and I totally agree with you. I bet that wellness niche IS competitive, but hey - what "thing" that is worth promoting isn't competitive? Thanks so much for your comment.
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I know Tin Fey and Ellen are supposed to be funny but I don't really see it. If anyone needs to look out for competition, THEY need to look out for YOU :)
L O L!!! Now THAT is a compliment! Geeze, thank you Steveo!! I wonder how come all their fans don't see that I'm funnier than they are? :) (rhetorical question. No need to answer.) YOU ARE THE BEST!!
You are just not "out there" enough yet. I try to share your stories on facebook, but my facebook friends only seem to like dumbed down bathroom humor :( I will keep trying though :)
HAHAHA! Dumbed down bathroom humor seems to be in, huh? I don't like it either. But thank you for mentioning me and don't give up! I do the same for you, did you know that?
Thank you Patti! :)