Choosing a niche is the most critical stage in building a business. Some people already know they want to sell flower pots with built-in UV lamps so plants always get enough light. But others haven't yet found the sphere they want to work in. This article is for the second group.

What to remember before choosing your direction?

1. Business has criteria that beginners should take into account.

BUSINESS CRITERIA

1) Starting capital up to $15,000. If you're launching a business for the first time, it's desirable to invest as little outside capital as possible at the start — ideally none. It's not about the risk level — it's about maintaining control and not creating financial pressure before you've validated the model.

2. Any business is about solving clients' problems. For what you do to be in demand, you need to clearly understand what problem your business solves. And remember: business is always built around clients — not around the product or the company. Pay more attention to who you're solving problems for, not what you're selling.

3. If at the niche-selection stage you're asking yourself 'can I make money here?' — your business is doomed from the start. You can make money in absolutely any niche — you just need to find the right approach. If you're choosing a direction purely because it seems the most profitable, you'll quickly lose motivation when the work becomes difficult.

2 ways to choose a niche: 1. Entrepreneurs fall into three types: 1) The Generator — easily generates new business ideas; needs to be in creation mode. 2) The Operator — excellent at executing and systematizing; needs a proven model to run. 3) The Expert — has deep knowledge in one area; should monetize that expertise directly. Know your type — choose accordingly.

3. Another method — the niche exercise: 1) Write down what you're better at than most people. At least 10 points. 2) Write 10 things people ask your advice on. 3) Write 10 companies, products, or industries that inspire you. 4) Write 10+ areas where there's a problem you know how to solve. The intersection of these lists is your niche.