The Will Galison Method of Choosing a Niche

When I help my clients grow their lifework, I suggest they pick a niche, a unique specialty that will help them stand out of the crowd so they’re more likely to attract an abundance of clients.

Will Galison, one of the people who submitted a dream inspired song to the dream project, did the exact same thing with his music career. According to several online sources, including Wikipedia:

[Will] developed a love of jazz in high school and subsequently attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He decided to change [from guitar] to the harmonica because “I was one of a million guitarists at Berklee.” He became Berklee’s only harmonica player.

In other words, Will chose a niche, a unique specialty that made him stand out of the crowd. As a result, he got noticed and has performed extensively with big name musicians. He’s also created his own equally impressive music.

When you want to create lifework you love, but you’re one in a million as a spiritual director, wedding celebrant, counselor, or coach, etc. few people will notice you. In order to get noticed you need to find a unique way of positioning your services so you stand apart from the crowd.

To do this, think of what makes you unique and use your uniqueness to your advantage.

Will plays piano, guitar, harmonica and he also sings. He chose to specialize in harmonica because it is unique. His choice may have made all the difference in the world in terms of his success as a musician.

Of course, your niche is only as powerful as the talent you bring to it.

I’ve been listening to Will’s harmonica playing. It’s astounding. It’s obvious he’s sought after not because he was Berkele’s only harmonica player, but because he’s really good at what he does.

But, if Will had chosen the guitar instead of the harmonica he’d have to be an even better musician to get noticed. Great guitar players are ubiquitous. He’d have so much competition it would have been nearly impossible to get gigs with Sting, Carly Simon and Big Bird, just a few people he’s supported with his harmonica.

Since Will is great at what he does, and few other people do it as well, he stands out as one of the number one choices for harmonica players.

How are You Unique?

When you want to grow your lifework, whether you’re just starting out or are a 30-year veteran, it’s important to ask the following:

How are you unique and how can you use this to your advantage to stand apart from the crowd?

Be creative, have fun and take risks. It’s the best way to grow something meaningful and worthwhile

Click here to watch a great video by Will and remember to check out his song when we go live with the dream project.