A

Most folks go about their lives with sights set on other horizons, working in some area they’re not super passionate about. Few will take action to work toward their vision, grinding from 9-5 and putting those “pipe dreams” on the back burner.

That’s where we entrepreneurs are a different breed—we have a vision, too, but we’re not satisfied with that vision alone. We’re bold enough to create our own businesses and dare try our hand at accomplishing what we’ve set our mind to. Some of us are more impulsive, some are tactical to a fault, and most of us know a business—side gig or not—isn’t going to become successful overnight. 

Creating a successful business or side gig requires a calculated effort. And the first step of that “calculated effort” is identifying a niche. This is especially the case for side gigs; I can’t iterate enough how crucial it is to take this step if you want to succeed. 

In fact, it’s so important to identify a niche that I’ve actually created a concept to help other people have an easier time doing it—I call it the “Triangle of Genius.” By taking these three simple steps and completing this trifecta, you’ll be able to easily identify a niche and, in turn, set your side gig up for success.

Playin’ the Game

It was actually a cherished video game series, The Legend of Zelda, that inspired me to create the “Triangle of Genius.”

In The Legend of Zelda, the main objective is to rescue a princess named Zelda. The key to rescuing her lies in obtaining a mythical object known as the “Triforce.” The Triforce will grant any wish (depending on who has it in their possession). Naturally, it’s super powerful and highly sought after.

Likewise, “The Triangle of genius” unlocks your genius ability and gives you an unfair advantage over your competition. So, what are the three parts of “The Triangle of Genius”?

1. Passion

First things first, you need to identify something you’re super passionate about. If your passion dries up, managing your side gig will turn into a chore. It’s not supposed to be a job; your side gig ought to be a stepping stone to your ideal lifestyle.

For example, my passion lies in practicing dentistry. But I’m also passionate about connecting with other like-minded business professionals and dental professionals alike. So I created Nifty Thrifty dentists, a group of over 30k+ dental professionals. There, I help dental products and services get their voice heard by the dental community. They offer a discount to Nifty Thrifty members and make more money as people pour through the floodgates to get a bargain. I make my own commission as an affiliate of these dental products and services, and sleep soundly knowing I’m helping other dental professionals practice dentistry affordably.

Being able to help those two groups create meaningful relationships with one another and bridge important gaps was an area of passion for me, and it set up the foundation for a side hustle I’m still loving to this day.

You don’t have to feel passionate about networking or bargain-hunting to find something you’re passionate about to grow your side gig around. Do you feel any creative calling outside of your day job? All of this will be for naught if your side gig is begun in an area you can’t be sustainably passionate about.

2. Industry Needs

When I started Nifty Thrifty Dentists, I knew dental professionals needed discounts. But I also wanted to offer tips and tricks to help fellow practice owners elevate their practice. I was able to leverage the power of my community to get us those discounts while monetizing it and growing my brand. In that sense, I was able to link industry needs and create a business that had demand.

When you’re thinking about what niche you’re going into, discern if it fulfills specific needs. Otherwise, it’s just a hobby. What makes it a side gig is that it helps other people out—service to others is the main difference between a viable side gig and a simple hobby.

3. Your Strengths

You can complete the first two parts of the “Triangle of Genius” but if you’re not good at the profession itself, then you won’t be able to succeed at it.

For example, if you want to start a graphic design company, you or your team will need to be strong graphic designers. Notice that I said you or your team. Even if you’re poor at drawing, being understanding of the temperament of an artist or a master of marketing their abilities might make up for it. It’s all about playing to your strengths. 

No one wants lackluster results, which is why you’ll need to platy to your strengths. If you have a vision for a business you’re not particularly strong in, you’ll definitely need to outsource to professionals who can deliver the “strength” component of your triangle. If that sounds like something that could help you, then look no further than All-Star Outsourcing.

Alternatively, you could just “level up” and put in the effort to become strong in whatever facet you need improvement on. That’s the beauty of this part of the triangle; you might not be able to newfangle a passion or create an industry need, but you can put in the long hours it takes to become better at anything.

Rescue Your “Princess”!

Once you’ve identified your niche, you’re set up to “rescue your princess” or, in other words, launch a successful side gig. Identifying your niche, however, is going to require unlocking the triangle. 

Once you’ve found where your passion, industry needs, and your strengths align, you’ve hit the sweet spot. You’re well on your way to unlocking the side gig of your dreams with an unfair advantage over your competitors.