Stop looking for your niche (do this instead) π
At some point in your composing career, someone will tell you:
"Get really good at just one thing, and you'll be able to stick out above the crowd."
But that usually leaves with us with more questions - not less.
- How do we know what to specialize in?
- What if specializing too early is limiting our ability too early?
- When do we transition from being a generalist to a specialist?
Early on in your career, these questions can be completely paralyzing.
So to start taking action now, you'll need to shift your perspective.
With that in mind, I'd like to share with you three strategies that I (and most aspiring creative business owners) apply to "find their niche"...
... and why only one of them will truly prepare you for long-term success.
β Method 1: π Look for the Gaps
I've used this method in the past, and recommended it to composers as a thought exercise.
It goes like this.
Start by asking yourself this key question:
"Where is there a need for music that isn't currently being met?"
When I asked myself this back in 2018, here's two things I tried that worked:
- π Offering music copying services to my local recording studio (Ocean Way Studios)
- πΆ Writing tabletop RPG music for streamers on Twitch thanks to a lead from a highschool friend
In both cases, I looked for gaps in the industry that were attainable based on who I knew/where I was at.
However...
There's two problems to this method:
- β³ Unsustainable. This is a time-consuming method to research and pitch ideas to people.
- π Misaligned. Even if we fill a market need, it may not be what we want to do in the first place.
Want to know if a niche really works for you?
Ask yourself this question my mentor Rich Webster asked me:
"Do you want the successful version of this?"
If the answer's yes, keep at it.
If no, consider trying something else.
(And if you're not sure, keep going until you find out.)
β Method 2: π Decide for the World
Honestly, do yourself a favor and just skip this method.
This is the "lone genius" myth - that if we hole ourselves away in isolation for long enough, iterating on ideas in secrecy, then one day we'll have an "a-ha!" moment and bring forth a product or service that will change the world.
But the truth is...
It doesn't work that way.
Here's two problems trying to do everything ourselves creates:
- π Unproven. You have no idea if the idea you've got is something anyone needs.
- 0οΈβ£ Disconnected. You've built it alone, so you've got no one to present your offer to or get feedback from.
And that brings us to my personal favorite method - method 3.
β Method 3: π§ͺ Experiment and Observe
Sounds simple, right?
Well... it is.
Here's how it works:
Step 1 β π¨ Start doing.
Make things, and make mistakes.
Nothing during this process is a waste of time, because you don't know which skills will find their way into your final business model.
Share everything publicly.
Step 2 β π¬ Get feedback.
Show people you trust what you're working on, and get their honest insights on what to improve or lean into.
Listen for positive affirmations like "You're so fast!", "You're great on camera", or "I love when you write soft music."
Use these as clues/signals for things to lean into.
Step 3 β π Actually listen.
Don't ignore the feedback you get.
Be willing to adapt based on the input from people you trust.
They define your identity and brand as much as you do.
Step 4 β π Incorporate and repeat.
Try again while incorporating some of the notes you've gotten.
If you're told you're good on camera, make another video.
If you're told that your soft music sounds great, write another soft piece.
Lean into the praise and integrate the criticism.
(Yep - that's all there is to it.)
This simple, 4-step formula is the key to building a powerful, sustainable niche.
You've got listen, and you've got to iterate.
Over. And over. And over again.
Remember:
You don't need to "know your niche" to get started.
The key is just to stop guessing, and start doing.
Keep experimenting publicly, and your niche will reveal itself in time.
π Ready for more?
When you're ready, here's 4 ways I can help:
- π₯ My YouTube. Watch 350+ videos including music tutorials, career tips, and more.
- ποΈ The Newsletter Archive. Read articles from previous weeks of this newsletter.
- π¬ Composing Career Bootcamp. Join my 6-week cohort-based course to learn how to land paid composing work from anywhere in the world. (100+ students, 5 stars)
- π Work Directly with Me. I'm offering private mentorship to a handful of select media composers. If you're interested, click the link to apply.
That's all for now!
Hit reply to share your thoughts, questions, or just to say hi.
(I love hearing from my readers. π)
Otherwise, happy music-making and I'll see you next Tuesday!
- Zach
(P.S. Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here.)