Comments on: Reconsidering My Micro-ISV Ideas

By: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? « A Life of Constant Flux

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? « A Life of Constant Flux — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:10:44 +0000

[...] Reconsidering My Micro-ISV Ideas [...]

By: Joel Marcey

Joel Marcey — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:23:41 +0000

Hi Phillip,

Thanks for your response.

As a matter of fact, with respect to the “niche” of a consulting business — I do, in fact, have a niche within that focus. It is just something I cannot talk about right now because (1) I am not at liberty (2) I want to see what plays out. But, I do have a possible niche there.

I think you may be partly right that I am suffering from a broad focus and no customer. Short attention span? I am not so sure about that. And I am definitely no afraid to go after a small market — in fact, I almost would appreaciate that more.

With respect to the broad focus and no customer aspect, I think it is coming down to me having to narrow something down. And I think your two questions really hit the nail on the head, and are the ones I am struggling to answer.

I actually know, in general, what I like to do. The question is how to translate that into a service or product. That is my struggle. Something we all go through. Which is why I am sitting back and taking stock of things — I have the luxury of doing that right now.

Your last sentence is spot on. Exactly!

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.

By: Phillip Zedalis

Phillip Zedalis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:07:35 +0000

In my opinion, “consulting business” or “technical editing” are not niches; they are focuses. A niche has a customer, a focus has a task.

So you can certainly have a “niche” as a “consultant for startups going IPO” or “technical editing for real estate lawyers” because that is a defined focus, and a defined customer.

From observing your blog recently, I would say you suffer from a broad focus and no customer. Whether this is because you are not sure of your abilities to sell yourself to customer X, or a short attention span, or maybe you really are afraid of picking such a “small market” in fear of failure; I leave that up to you, however know we all have our doubts, but we also know we can deliver the best solution to our customers.

I recommend you spend less time debating the theories behind a mISV and you really sit down and ask yourself two questions:

1. What do I like to do?
2. Is there anyone who needs me to do what I like to do.

If you can find something that fills that void, you have found a niche… from there you should be so excited by default that you will have the courage to start.