I've noticed that most people in the "offline" niche are selling SEO and/or web design services.
Why?
It's the same thing being sold by 100 other people in your area, and simply comes across to the business owner as "me too".
Most people I've talked too either don't have a USP to differentiate themselves or are competing on price - both of those are great ways to slit your own throat.
Why not think outside the box?
Personally, I created and sell a digital coupon business. I'm not going to give away exactly what I do, but basically I took an old concept and simply put it online... Within a week of starting it, I had an advertiser give me a check for a $1,000 and had 3 or 4 other businesses interested in paying me $100/month.
But you don't have to copy what I'm doing - look at what your local market needs and fill it.
Or better yet, start a business that forces people to join it!
For example, what if you started the (Your City) CPA Association? You could put out ads that say "If you're looking for a trustworthy, reliable, and affordable Certified Public Accountant - Call us today and the (Your City) CPA Association will give the name and number of a reputable local professional who can help you."
Now you're going to have local people and businesses calling you asking who they should go to for their accounting needs. And of course you're only going to recommend CPA's who have paid to be part of your association.
And any CPA who doesn't join is a fool because they are not "endorsed" by a local association who is looking out for the best interests of it's community..... would you trust the non-endorsed ?
... These are just examples guys. My main point is - if you're selling a "me too" product with no real benefit of using you instead of someone else, you might want to find a business that can help you stand out (and give people a reason to buy from you).
Why?
It's the same thing being sold by 100 other people in your area, and simply comes across to the business owner as "me too".
Most people I've talked too either don't have a USP to differentiate themselves or are competing on price - both of those are great ways to slit your own throat.
Why not think outside the box?
Personally, I created and sell a digital coupon business. I'm not going to give away exactly what I do, but basically I took an old concept and simply put it online... Within a week of starting it, I had an advertiser give me a check for a $1,000 and had 3 or 4 other businesses interested in paying me $100/month.
But you don't have to copy what I'm doing - look at what your local market needs and fill it.
Or better yet, start a business that forces people to join it!
For example, what if you started the (Your City) CPA Association? You could put out ads that say "If you're looking for a trustworthy, reliable, and affordable Certified Public Accountant - Call us today and the (Your City) CPA Association will give the name and number of a reputable local professional who can help you."
Now you're going to have local people and businesses calling you asking who they should go to for their accounting needs. And of course you're only going to recommend CPA's who have paid to be part of your association.
And any CPA who doesn't join is a fool because they are not "endorsed" by a local association who is looking out for the best interests of it's community..... would you trust the non-endorsed ?
... These are just examples guys. My main point is - if you're selling a "me too" product with no real benefit of using you instead of someone else, you might want to find a business that can help you stand out (and give people a reason to buy from you).
