356: Find Your Niche and Your Secret—The Power of Differentiation
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Guest
Reuben Swartz is the founder of Mimiran, the fun, anti-CRM for independent consultants. He founded Mimiran out of his experience as a sales and marketing consultant for the Fortune 500 who struggled with his own business development efforts. He's also the host and chief nerd on the Sales for Nerds podcast.
Summary – Why this discussion matters
This episode explores how solopreneurs can effectively differentiate themselves, refine their niche, and build meaningful relationships. Reuben shares insights on the importance of defining a unique "secret" that sets a business apart, the power of genuine conversations in client relationships, and why narrowing one's focus leads to greater success. He also discusses overcoming sales and marketing challenges, particularly for introverts, and how technology should support, rather than replace, human connection in business growth.
Takeaways
Solopreneurs Need a Unique "Secret" – Clearly defining what makes you different helps cut through the noise and attract the right clients.
Conversations, Not Just Technology, Build Relationships – While digital tools help, authentic human interaction remains the foundation of trust and business growth.
Narrowing Your Niche Increases Success – Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focusing on a specific audience makes sales and marketing easier and more effective.
Social Media
Founder, Mimiran: the fun, "anti CRM" for solo consultants who love serving clients but hate "selling"
Host & Chief Nerd, Sales for Nerds Podcast
Blog | LinkedIn
Free Training: Simpler Messaging for More Referrals
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.