I received this question via AskJoelComm.com
Joel, I can't find my passion. I have been a workaholic my whole life in areas that I do not enjoy. I don't even know what I enjoy doing. To make matters worse, my experience is not something that can become a product unless I compete with the top corporations. I have gathered and researched a lot of information on how to market, sales pages, setting up websites, etc. but still have not found that niche that meets my passion and others. Is there any insight you can provide to help someone find that niche and passion to get started with an online business?
Exploring your passion is one way to find a niche. But having a specific area of knowledge can also provide clues to what kind of product or site might be a good fit for you.
I recommend grabbing a pen and piece of paper, and writing down twenty things which you think you have some knowledge about. Feel free to write down the first thing that comes to your mind.
Then, go to three people who know you fairly well and ask them to allow you to be narcicistic for a few minutes. Family members, friends, associates... try to get with a variety of people you trust. Ask them to make a list of twenty areas of knowledge or passion that they have observed in you. Oftentimes, others who know us see things that we might not see.
Compare the lists and look for overlaps. Be open-minded. You might just find the niche that you can scratch. ;-)
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
August 25, 2006 10:06 PM
I have the same problem, I have researched so much and learned allot about advertising, seo, web design, book writing, ebook creation etc. But I have no passion for anything specific, I have no niche, any niche I think of along the lines of computers or electronics are all saturated with competition already. You don't happen to plan on giving personal coaching/mentoring soon do you Joel? I don't have any friends who know would know what my niche is.
July 3, 2008 11:45 PM
I would recommend going where the money is good :)
September 7, 2008 09:15 PM
Joel,
I have a similar issue, it isn't so much that I don't have a passion, I have a few - I have 18 years as a corporate trainer, course developer, instructional designer, but no degree. I have a huge passion for Natural health, becoming a Natural Health Consultant 5 years ago, but again, no degree. When I ask my friends to comment on my passions and talents, they say that I am their role model as a parent, or that I always have bang on insights when asked for advice - again, no degree in that either. After training for so many years, I have found that I want to peruse Public speaking as a career path, but with out a degree in any of my passions, I have no credibility. Do I need to pick on and go get a degree at 46?
Thanks for any feedback you might have.
Vicki
November 2, 2008 09:42 AM
@Vicki - Ben Franklin was largely self-taught. In the business world, you should know that actual experience, if sold right, it worth more than a degree. I'd suggest working on tone and confidence. You have "no credibility" because you don't present yourself as credible.
May 5, 2009 04:21 PM
WHY DO YOU PUT NOTES AND INFO IN ORANGE,IS IT ON PURPOSE SO WE DEFINITELY CAN'T READ IT?YOUR GRAPHICS KNOWLEDGE AND COMPASSION FOR YOUR READERS LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED.CHANGE YOUR COLOR SCHEME ESPECIALLY DARK BACKGROUND AND ORANGE LETTERING.ARE YOU TRYING TO BE COOL?LOL HA HA HA HA HA
May 12, 2009 09:31 PM
I think it is a really good way to evaluate . It is somewhat like the Johari window. Thanks for the share
May 24, 2009 03:45 PM
I the same problem I can speak Dutch German and of course English I picked up most of these off the street and I didn't get to study them as such.So like most others here I don't have a degree and it's Stopping me getting a job in translations or something like that.
September 10, 2009 03:43 PM
Like Chris who commented ahead of me, I am fluent in English & German, but I am out of practice with my German, so it's more conversational that it has even been professional.
My parents both emigrated here in the 1960's. I was taught German as my first language. In fact, my mom was worried that I wouldn't know enough English for pre-K!
So, Chris if you would like to translate- check out tour guide companies. I'm sure they could use you.
As for my own passions...
I love to help others. That was instilled in me at an early age by my dad.
Too bad a lot of people don't always reciprocate.
Oh well, move on & try to make a difference in this world.
Best,
-K
http://www.twitter.com/kevinpuls
October 7, 2009 10:20 AM
I am trying to find my niche in life too.... I have a passion for sports but never quite made it to pro soccer player. Am trying now to get into the Sports marekting industry but am finding it very hard to break through due mainly to the crisis in both Spain and the UK.
November 2, 2009 12:26 AM
I also like to find my niche in life too. I am 47 and a mother of four. I have been in the insurance industry for more than 10 years and have never acheived anything in life not even high education. I have no idea what am I here for and often find myself aimlessly living. I do not like being in this situation but I really do not know what to do because I dont seem to be interested in anything. Please help.