"I couldn't agree more. I've experienced something similar. I know exactly what you're talking about. Did we just become best friends? You just described my life. You're spot on."
"Great post. Thanks for sharing."
You've read those comments, haven't you? You've written those comments as well, haven't you?
Yeah, you have. It's ok; no one is here to judge you. Trust me, that's exactly what this article is referring to.
Because we...as in all of us, whether we recognize it or are oblivious to it, are stuck somewhere in the balance of genuine curiosity and dependence on external validation, only, instead of facing the audience, we've turned around and are now performing only to the people who agree with us.
I love my connections, and I especially love reading about what they have to say. It's that very reason that justifies why we are all here together, rooting for each other, engaging with one another's content, and supporting each other. But what about before all of this connection on social media?
How did we both end up here? The answer to that question is why we won't leave, and I'm not saying we want to; I'm saying we can't.
We appear to be living in a closed loop of recycled ideas. Yes, I'm referring to an algorithm, and yes, I'm also referring to an echo chamber (in case you're wondering), but not as much as I'm referencing this ideology known as the Gospel of social media stardom.
The infamous Niche.
Didn't you know that you need one? That you need to hone in on one? You need to discuss it day and night through your content so you can attract the right audience to your content and "glow-up" the algorithm. Training it to show you what "it" believes you're interested in.
Right now (if you're still here), you might be considering the reset button if there were one. Sorry, there ain't. You're stuck looking at shoes and duck-hunting videos on Instagram, along with anything else your wandering eyes hesitate over, with or without intent. You're a data point and a business transaction in a system designed to exploit your attention. The same applies to LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, or any other platform; it's all the same. A few subtle nuances, but still similar.
So, if that's even remotely true, why do we need a niche? Do we really want to be known as the "___________ guy?" A person who only discusses one very specific topic because it appeals to a particular person?
When I reflect on the days of self-discovery on social media, I want to go back and caution myself about the limitations I'm about to fall into. The impact of living in an echo chamber on my social media ethos.
Consider this your anti-growth hack for the day (if you're still here), because I happen to believe that I'm the Niche, or, just so I don't appear to come off as arrogant, we're the Niche.
Meaning I'm going to share what I want, talk about what I want, when I want, not because of an attempt at virality or to add value to your life about one of the things I talk about, but all the things I talk about because I'm the one talking about them.
I hate the word niche, hate the idea of "niche," and if you're telling me I need to hone in on my Niche, well, I've got news for you...
I don't hate you, but I will tell you that I disagree with you, and maybe, just maybe, that mutual disagreement can bring us closer together.
Having a niche might build you a following, which is good for you, but not having one? Well, call me an idiot. Building authentic connections is what matters, and isn't that the whole point, anyway?
When's the last time you told someone that their content sucks, without saying, "Hey, you're content sucks?" Or when was the last time you told someone that you disagree with them, tastefully? When was the last time you posted something just because you wanted to without fearing how your biggest supporters might react?
That's a bit tangled, so let me translate it for you: Don't be afraid of disappointing your supporters because if they support you, they'll stick around for the real reason.
You.
Thanks for reading,
Derek
P.S. Don’t tell anyone about this.
