When most technical professionals first step into consulting, they make one big mistake: they try to serve everyone.
It feels safer — cast a wide net, surely more clients will come. But in practice, it makes you invisible.
Clients don’t want a generalist. They want a specialist who solves their exact problem.
Here’s how to start defining your niche:
1. Inventory your skills.
What problems are you exceptionally good at solving? Think specific — not “project management,” but “improving project workflows in renewable energy.”
2. Align with your passions.
What kind of work excites you enough to sustain the long hours and challenges? Passion fuels persistence.
3. Validate market demand.
Is there a paying audience with urgent problems? Research industries, trends, and pain points where your skills intersect with client needs.
Combine these into a simple statement:
👉 “I help [target audience] solve [specific problem] by [unique solution].”
Example:
“I help renewable energy startups streamline their supply chains to reduce costs and emissions.”
That’s clear. That’s specific. That’s memorable.
🔑 Key takeaway: Your niche is your launchpad. The clearer it is, the easier it becomes to market, win clients, and grow your solo consulting practice.
Exercise – Define Your Niche
Complete the Exercise using the Niche Builder Worksheet [Download the Fillable PDF] 👇
AI Prompt
Instructions: Copy and paste the following into ChatGPT (or your preferred AI tool). Fill in the blanks with your background and interests.
Action Step: Run this prompt today, draft your niche statements, and share the best one on LinkedIn to start testing your positioning.
Copy and paste the AI Prompt 👇
“You are my business strategy coach. I’m a technical professional with experience in [insert your top 3 skills]. I’m passionate about [insert 2–3 areas you enjoy working in]. I want to explore potential niches for starting a solo consulting practice.
Please:
- Suggest 3 possible niches where my skills and passions overlap.
- Identify the main problems clients in those niches are willing to pay to solve.
- Draft 3 sample niche statements using this formula: ‘I help [audience] solve [problem] by [unique solution].’
- Give me one tip on how to test these niches in the next 30 days.”
Example Output:
Niche: “Renewable energy supply chain consultant”
Problem: Inefficient logistics and rising costs
Niche Statement: “I help renewable energy startups streamline their supply chains to reduce costs and emissions.”
Next Step: “Join two LinkedIn groups for renewable energy and start engaging with founders.”
This article is based on the book:
The SOLO Framework: Strategise, Optimise, Leverage, and Own Your Consulting Success
