Becoming a freelancer takes thought and effort. If you recently lost a job, you might find yourself bootstrapping the first few months of your freelance existence. Some freelance workers have internal compasses that guide them effortlessly to what niche they need to be in. Others need help. If you are having trouble deciding what area to use your talents and knowledge, read these 5 laws for finding your niche and guess no more.

1. Reflect on your life. This doesn’t mean you have to write a memoir or meditate for hours on end. Grab a notebook and pen though, because you are going to need to write. Look in your history at the problems you have faced in business or personal life. How did you solve these problems? Write down any answers that come to you. Reflect on your experience with these problems. What did you do to fix the situation? List examples of your story. Write down the failures and successes.
2. Look for patterns. Notice your interests. What do you talk about most? If people come to you for answers with specific problems, write down how you helped them or what they wanted from you. If you lack ideas, go to the local bookstore and notice what section appeals to you the most. What motivates you to buy a magazine or book? If you keep buying the same books and magazines, chances are you have experience with a related problem, but are seeking new learning from it.
3. Get ideas. Go to forums and other websites and discover what problems people have. Even if you don’t know everything about the niche, you can find people to help you. If you write great web copy, you can hire out a designer for websites. The main goal is to solve problems that people have. In business, you have to be specific and target your market. These people want solutions. Get ideas to find answers.
4. Ask others. Family and friends will tell you what you are good at. They probably come to you regularly with their problems and you automatically respond with an answer. Maybe you didn’t realize this before. Take time to notice what they come to you about. Ask them directly what you would be good at doing.
5. See what’s trending. Popular books and websites have the answers for you. Find out what people are looking for by checking out sites in your niche. If you work in the self-help category as a coach, check out Publisher’s Weekly for the top Nonfiction books. Then tailor your freelance business around your experience in the topic. If you write, check out top writing sites for what people need. Article writing is a popular market and with your knowledge, there should be a specialization in there for you.

Find out what people want. People present problems to anyone and everyone until they find an answer. Look for this. Discover what problems they have and tailor your business to serve them. They will buy. Solving problems is value to consumers in your niche. Find what they want and set up your freelance business around that issue for how you can help.

photo credit: quinn.anya