|
![]() ![]() ![]()
Expert Answers to Biz Questions Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.
Starting a Business in a Controversial Niche: 3 Things You Need to Know
There are all sorts of things that can be controversial these days, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible to start a successful and lucrative business in a niche some people don't approve of. Whether your business is related to something like hunting and guns, adult entertainment, or even certain types of food, you may face opposition online or in real life. However, every controversy has two sides, and as long as you focus on serving the people who are interested in your niche, you can build a strong client base and a good business. Here are three things to know if you're considering starting a business in a niche that is currently controversial: Focus Your Marketing on Your Target Audience, not Your OpponentsOne of the most important things you can do is remember who is actually buying your products or paying for your services. Expand your social media efforts on reaching them rather than arguing with those who don't approve of what you are offering. It may seem like free publicity to get into arguments online, but all you are really doing is using the time and energy you allocated to promote your business to talk to people who will never become customers. Yes, some people in your target audience may see your debates and side with you, but this is far less effective as a way of getting them into your sphere than simply finding the online communities for your target market and integrating with them. As a business, it is always better to appear positive and offer solutions for your potential customers, rather than take a more negative role and argue with those who oppose your niche. Know the Laws Around What You DoNaturally, you know that the business you are starting is legal, but because you may face opposition, it helps to know the laws around your niche inside out. Research as much as you can and perhaps even consult with a lawyer to make sure you know what you need to know to defend everything you do from anyone who opposes you. For instance, if you are planning to sell ammunition to hunters, such as selling in bulk, then make sure you're aware of all local hunting laws. This will not only allow you to defend yourself against those who don't approve of your business but will also help you prevent any legal mistakes that could have severe consequences for your business in the long term. Form a Good NetworkWorking in a controversial niche can be stressful, but the niche exists because other people care about it too. You should do what you can to form relationships with other businesses in your niche that complement what you do. This will not only help you all gain customers through referrals but also allow you to form a strong business community within your niche that will be better able to withstand any attacks against what you do. As an example, if you sell hunting equipment, forming professional relationships with companies like hunting tour operators, ammunition and gun businesses, and camping retailers can lead to a good business network that benefits everybody in it. Networking can be done in person at events or via social media, but always pays off. As you can see, starting up a new business in a controversial niche presents some unique challenges. However, with enough familiarity with your niche and an approach that aims more at building a community rather than fighting against the opposition, your business can thrive in this kind of environment.
![]() Small Business Tax Center • Idea Cafe Home • Sign Up • Biz Grant Center • CyberSchmooz •Coffee Talk with Experts • People in Biz Profiles • Starting Your Biz • Biz Planning • Running Your Biz • FREE Trade Publications • Marketing • Financing Your Biz • Human Resources • Legal & Biz Forms • Managing Your Biz • eCommerce • You and Your Biz • Gen X • Work@Home • The Fridge • De-Stress • Send an Award • Send an eGreeting • Yoga @ Your Desk • Web Guide • Idea Cafe in the News • About Idea Cafe • Advertise on Idea Cafe • Contact Us • Privacy Policy • Site Map • Small Biz News
Copyright 1995-2023, Idea Cafe Inc. Downloads are for personal use only, not for resale to others, and may not be reprinted in any form without written permission from Idea Cafe Inc.
DISCLAIMER: We hope whatever you find on this site is helpful, but be cautioned that it may not apply to your own situation, or be totally current at any given time. Idea Cafe Inc. and all of its current and past experts, sponsors, advertisers, agents, contractors and advisors disclaim all warranties with regard to anything found anywhere on this family of websites, quoted from, or sent from Idea Cafe. and its related sites, publications and companies. We also take no responsibility for comments published by others on these pages. TRADEMARKS: The following are Registered Trademarks or Servicemarks of DevStart, Inc.: Idea Cafe®, Online Coffee Break®, The Small Business Gathering Place®, Take out Info®, Biz Bar & Grill®, Complaint-O-Meter®, A Fun Approach to Serious Business, CyberSchmooz, and BizCafe.
|
|