Generalists rise up!!🔥You really are the whole niche. The only time you want to "niche-down" is when you have an idea to Productize. So go be ALL you can be all at once and stop trying to be one thing. You are a multi-passionate creative and that is FANTASTICCCC! Can I get a Yessss!🔥🔥🔥
Rising Up! 🌐13:45 Acquiring skills is important, but actively working towards a goal and gaining experience through failure is more valuable, leading to new paths and opportunities in creating a product to sell based on your interests to earn a living on the internet.
Being diagnosed as ADHD when I was a child (I'm 58 now) but never learning how to deal with the unique gifts of ADHD has caused me grief for years until recently as I learn more about how my brain is wired and creative I can be when I'm not trying to FIT INTO the society's norms and what my dad says I should be like. I've felt so inadequate and listened to my dad's constant criticisms because I didn't follow the "plan" of working 40 years with 1 company and THEN enjoy life. I did have a carrier until my health suffered from continuing in it. I've had many interests over the years and went back to school several times over my life for different interests and skills. Mainly because I now love learning! Not because I want to be someone's slave and do a career with that education, but more for the development of skills that are helpful for my life and makes life better for myself and others.
@toddmaek5436 What do you mean? Even though I WAS diagnosed as a child, it's like I'm just finding out now that that's what has caused me grief all these years. So, I guess I'm like any other person who finds out as an adult. I'm still doing a lot of self-examination and thinking back to times and situations that I didn't understand why someone reacted or said something to something I said or did. My whole perspective has changed towards myself and others by doing this intense self reflection on previous experiences to help me understand why I think, act and talk differently and my perception of things are more "outside the box" than the norm.
myself, am autistic at 57. diagnosed at 35 was definitely a gift, though one i wish i was ready for earlier. never viewed my being wired differently as some sort of defect. first thing i wanted upon diagnosis was "how do i best take care of myself and get the most out of it? how do i HARNESS this?" as for dealing with rest of the world and being 'normal', i view it like being bilingual in place where 5% 'speak autism' while other 95% are neurotypical. [originally from miami fl, so guess how i came up w that]. basically, when i go out from house/family who speak or at least understand my language, i go out the door and 'speak neurotypical' for the day. two or three times a year, just like there would be a day i was all "i don't want to play in spanish today". about as often, "i don't feel like playing normal today". neuros call it Mental Health Day. so why should i not call off and take mine? being 'normal' might have been a prize in 70s/80s, but it's sure not a prize now. i need neither pharmaceuticals nor sex change. rather than being 'normal like everyone else', the key is to be AHEAD of everyone else. competitive world, player versus player and all that. whatever your neuro scenario is, there are people vastly worse off than you. there are autistic people who shit themselves and cannot be touched without freaking. i owe it to them to succeed, along with to the people and God who have believed in me when i did not. good luck and God bless
As a 62yo Man with a plethora of experiences throughout my colourful life I have reached a point where I want to share my knowledge in the hope it will help others learn from my successes & mistakes. My new favourite word of the year is going to be the “GENERALIST”. I resonate with a lot of what you’ve said here and can’t thank you enough for the wisdom shared in this video. I know have a clear pathway to follow. Love & Blessings from Western Australia 🇦🇺
Andrew Kirby just released a video on the importance of niching to the point it feels uncomfortable. Crazy how two people I like so much can produce the opposite video at nearly same time.
I know other creators wit opposite philosophies that are successful. You have to decide if there is an ulterior motive behind the recommendations. And you have to decide which path might be the right for you.
Eh, I agree with Dan. You, individually, are the best niche. So in a sense, it is super specific, because the niche is the unique combo of things that make up you.
@@wavestation999 And with the widespread access of information people buy from people they like, respect, relate to or aspire to be. And people pay for curation, structure or implementation.
People are different. I personally like seeing other sides of a creator rather than one niche all the time. It makes it human and over time doesn’t get so boring. But not over doing
I think its a sign that there isnt one right answer. For one creator they got success from niching. For Dan, the opposite. Out perception of “truth” is based on our life experience, which as an individual only makes up a fraction of reality as a whole. So you get to choose and see for yourself what truly is the best way to be successful, and its going to uniquely be what works for you. How fun. I am excited for you and wish you the best. 👍
I've been a generalist for most of my design career, and been trying to build a specialist business, but have constantly hit a roadblock that is "WTF, do I really want to be churning out just one thing?" -- this goes against my creative nature. I appreciate Dan championing another way. This resonates with me quite a lot.
Our education system was originally designed to produce factory/ office workers. That made sense in the industrial age, if that's what you wanted to be. Times have changed & we are no longer in the industrial age.
I'm a generalist that has excelled innevery role I've ever been in because I always rise up where I can. But I'm struggling very hard as a generalist. It's not an easy path. Not just corporations, the world rewards specialists. It makes targeting your customers and solving their problems so much easier. I wish I knew what to do and envy specialists that got their life figured out.
Nooo. You’re the “go-to” person for a huge market of people who just want their problems solved quickly. They don’t want an award winning video or brochure. They just want products that will be fast, affordable and good. And you can do or direct others to get them there!!
00:01 The rise of the generalist is changing the work landscape 02:07 Being a generalist can provide many advantages in life and work 06:07 Embrace diverse interests for greater impact 08:02 Generalists thrive in the creator economy. 11:53 Skill stacking is like diversifying your portfolio to thrive with multiple interests. 14:04 Generalists thrive by exploring multiple interests 17:37 Embrace a generalist career path to thrive 19:18 Creators thrive by embracing their unique combination of interests and personality 22:46 Identify goals, frame content towards it, attract diverse audience 24:23 Creating engaging content through understanding social media growth 27:46 Create free products to showcase skills or interests and build a portfolio of income sources as a generalist. 29:22 Position and monetize your interests towards beginners.
Recent masters of mental health counseling graduate here. My realization was: why would I work for $30 an hour at an institution when I can make $150 per hour building my own business?’ This translates to all working fields. It’s a no-brainer.
It does, except most people underestimate the work that goes into building skills and creating a business with a consistent flow of clients. All the best on your journey.
No brainer to Us Max, Around 60-80 % of people will stay in sht job - nagging about their poor fate - instead of - improving and adapting - having better result.
11 year licensed therapist here. Believe me, you’ll realize that $150 and hour is still not enough and is draining. I’m moving away from direct individual therapy because the work is truly heavy. Build products and scale the business. Have a plan to move out of individual work.
When I subjected myself to one niche (editing) I felt lost. I knew it wasn't me because I liked writing/talking about my interests & curiosities. Such as: audio engineering content creation fatherhood writing sports music art
If you niche down, you might get views from search- but you might not build a community. For example, I subscribe to a travel channel about a particular country. But I have to skip watching- I don’t want to watch a 20 minute video every day about yet another beach and there is no community or discussion in the comments.
Also being a artistic soul myself I know that you have to open up your mind and pursue a lot of different ideas and not feel trapped or under pressure or you will never get into a flow state. The enemy of creation is putting yourself under pressure to be better than anyone else. Now you’re not having fun, you are watching your back. If you are a generalist you can specialise in a few things without having to be the best in everything and inevitably your interests will show your personality and that’s what makes you unique and interesting
Renaissance Man definition- A man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge. I've been referred to as this because I've done so many things. I think I just keep reaching out to just get as much as I can in knowledge and satisfaction. The thrill of the hunt is powerful to fuel the human experience.
Absolutely, the shift towards a generalist approach in the creator economy is a fascinating evolution! Embracing diverse skills and interests not only enriches personal growth but also enhances adaptability in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. 🌐
I do think the natural way of our psyche is to be generalists. Specially as creative minds… The part of having a “goal” or a “why” behind it all is truly a 💎, it is how it all ties together. Let’s stop self censuring because it doesn’t fit in our niche!
This video speaks to me and my soul.. Hence my channel name. I hate the niche down advice, its not me, it stifles my curiosity. I rather learn a little about a lot, of whatever I find interesting. Which can change often and as my mind wanders.. Thank you for this video!
This is some of the most valuable information in the information revolution. I have actually heard of these ideas back in november of 2023 and have been spending a lot of my time creating this channel that I'm commenting from, the videos, and creating an audiobook recording in spanish to improve my language skills. I never liked the idea of being boxed into one thing. In fact, I've always hated it. I don't want to be known for doing X thing, I want to be known for who I am (which I guess can vary depending on environment and circumstance). I've always been a generalist, and I have a ton of interests. With where I am in my life, I can truly begin building what I truly want and I hope that the audience grows with me because everything is changing, from social dynamics between men and women, to the economy, to even Ai and technology. It's time for a radical shift, and we can all make it happen. Cheers.
After I read your book the second time, it felt like we were relatives.. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective Dan. A fellow "spiritual" businessman from Uganda
The human body is a generalist having specialized cells in each system to get the work done, the funny part is those cells gets replaced in a cyclical manner. Thank you. My favorite youtube channel from now on. I am a singer song writer and I think this knowledge is gonna help me tremendously.
The worst part about self improvement books or videos is that they often hold you back because you spend all of reading or watching when all you really nees to do is use your time on doing what you already know you need to do and quit with the excuses. Eat well and exercise as your body allows.
This vid is great! I struggled with singularity and taking off as a generalist. I love creating. Made music, a good company, an education company, a trader, and have kids books on Amazon. I just need to focus.
Dan, you and I believe in the same notion. So far I've watched 100+ videos by business gurus and other RUclipsrs, but none of them match closely to my mindset.
Dan Teachings have travelled with me every where in my car - He’s my mobile personal coach, and I appreciate the profound points & clarity he shares. Cheers from the UK 🤝🏾👍🏾
The ability to merge multiple vectors at will for is the best feeling. To do that professionally in ways others don't is super fulfilling. Takes years of layers leaning into it, but it just gets better and better.
Holy cow this could not be more true. I realized this by accident, working to the top of my profession by leveraging multiple skill sets I am highly sought after at this point in my career. I work at a print shop and do all production solo for multiple shops within my region, while also doing graphic design and content creation. I’m also a photographer and I made a photobook which made me realize I could step away from my career a little bit to focus more on becoming a generalist. As cool as my jobs are (one of my print shops specializes in decals and paint masks for commercial airlines), I am still starved for more diversity. I refuse to spend each weekday in the same office or locked down to a ‘full time’ position ever again. What an awesome video, this really hits
I have several passions - music, broadcasting, gaming - and I've always thought I MUST choose ONE. And if I did say, choose music, I had to wholeheartedly go with it and focus only on that, and if I didn't it proves I really didn't want it. Now this helps me to think differently.
Great message. I am a mediocre generalist but i like it that way. Electrical engineer by training, software engineer by trade, yet I like philosophy, have read Sartre, Camus, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy etc. Know lots of history and current affairs. Not too religious but have read enough of the Bible to understand the message of Christianity. Have listen to a number of buddhist dhama talks. Speak 4 languages and do interpreting on the side. Have a wife. And kids. Not too balanced but i cant just be in any niche.
I grew up as a neuro-divergent when that was not even a thing, and therefore struggled immensely throughout my 20s and 30s. Finally i accepted that i had many different passions and wanted to work in different fields. Being a generalist and accoetinh it - even now in the society i am surrouhded in where the majority are a slave to the system , has been liberating. I thank you for these videos because they are so inspiring and help me on my path to my own growth and financial freedom!
I am an entrepreneurial generalist. My website even says I'm a generalist. How I found your channel at this point of my game, is pure alignment and confirmation that I'm doing something right. PS, love getting your weekly letter emails. Live long and prosper.
This is me! And there’s always work over 3 decades. If I can’t do something I learn how to do it or hire a specialist. I know enough about everything to do it fairly well and what is possible. Thanks for the boost!!
Entrepreneurs should leverage 'idea stacking' where you combine multiple interests to create a unique value proposition, which is often less saturated and can lead to higher engagement. Always focus on solving specific problems for your audience, which builds trust and authority faster.
10:50 is something I would love to see a more in depth video on. It’s so important and for perfectionists, creatives and really anyone who gets stuck in the learning process. It’s always a great reminder to just start. I know you’ve talked about this before but it never hurts to remind.
Agreed. This part really caught my attention. I'm working on a new writing project, and I've realised I have been spending way too long on research, planning, and brushing up on creative writing skills, than actually writing!
@@dee764 I totally get it. I do the same, I think because I have failed before and don’t want to make the same mistakes and then I find myself overthinking it and then the project never gets done. It’s a rough cycle to break
I was always “failing” at specializing, at least at a deep level, and hated myself for it. And I always learned very diverse skills extremely easy, on my own. But a lot of those skills have been with the help of specialized experts on high levels, because I was never afraid to knock on doors and ask, and I was almost always welcome. This is an eye opener for me. Because I am a boomer, or supposed to be …
There will be people who live better than generalists, those that make it to the end of the money game and realize it's not worth playing. Those who then turn around and do what they were born to do, the few who find their purpose will stop playing by the rules of today and help to create the game board of tomorrow.
Thanks Dan. As a specialist in cleaning business I am now at a point where I want to explore and expand on creating avenues and online systems that meet people’s issues. So it’s so clear to hear sour message
🌺Thank you for this Dan. I knew niching down wasn’t for everyone. I’ve always believed you can have one central theme to your brand and keep expanding with different ideas. This also helps you scale when you’re ready. It also helps you prevent burnout because you aren’t just doing the same topic or niche all the time.
I feel like this video was legit made for me. 2 weeks ago I quit League of Legends I was a Katarina OTP, I was 2nd or 3rd best Katarina on the Server (Grandmaster rank) , 3 months ago I started streaming on twitch, I realized that there are people better than me and it would take so much time and effort to get there that it's not worth it, even though I always had the never give up mentality, I spent 9 years on and off while in school playing that game. Right now, I'm 19. Today I watched your 1m skill stack video, was thinking of watching a lot of tutorials on many skills but that would keep me away from failure because I wouldn't create my own brand and anything of my own (wouldn't practice those skills by doing.) Also, I've realized that all my life I've been very interested in Fitness, Psychology, Nutrition, Gaming, I find it interesting how similar it is to you. While playing a lot of league of legends and going to the gym, I somehow still managed to get really good grades in school especially in math. Even with good grades in school I still decided to not go the traditional route, I had some hope in League of Legends. I quit League because I wanted to pursue some kind of business, which seemed way more profitable with my confidence I generated by becoming exceptional at League. 10 days ago I started consuming copywriting content, have a goal of getting the skills to start working as a copywriter for businesses, so maybe I can finally get good source of income. Building a generalist brand would be something new for me, I feel like I don't have the skills for that yet, I'm delaying it for now. I'm a beginner copywriter haven't made any money yet, my skills need to get improved. I fear having this big goal similar to yours might not get me anywhere because I would get overwhelmed, it's too quick. I'm still working at a 9-5 job, in the future, if I succeed as a copywriter and improve my business knowledge, maybe I'll get there. But I need to reach failure in each skill, my problem is I'm trying to learn so much without actually doing and failing. I fear that I will get overwhelmed and get stuck, but reality will show me. I'm only 19 all the advice you give seems real. 👍
Discovering all of this so fast is very overwhelming in my case, I understand that this process takes years. I'm just not sure exactly where to start, I feel like it's best to stick to copywriting for now and eventually scale (hopefully).
I think what he means is that you are your own niche in this fast evolving world of content creation. I'm doing it with my own channel and it does not grow fast but the people that stick through, do it for you and you don't have to stress over sticking with one thing that has the possibility of dying down.
So many people feel ashamed of knowing many things but not fully being expert in one, yet precisely generalist is the kind of people who can zoom out of a domain and find true solutions and systems. The future is for generalists.
Your video gives some great perspective to think about and digest. Niche down until it hurts has never been a strategy that sat right with me. It just feels wrong, like wearing an ill-fitting suit. Ended up making a lot of notes. Thanks for sharing this.
Well this was good to hear, I've been struggling to 'niche down' because I'm very much a generalist, just learning everything and anything I need to reach the goal. Your take is pretty much the opposite of what I've been hearing, I'd felt disadvantaged by not being a specialist, now it doesn't seem so bad.
Innerstanding the multiplayer multidimensional nature of the real game and your position "ing" is key. Spiritual warfare terminology... ❤ don't sleep on the message 😴 or the messenger.
I became a enterprenour and I got trapped in a niche. It took me some years to move to next big things. Now I realize that I better to understand in a more variant fronts.
what area are you working in? i have the feeling i am not interesting to other businesses if i am not the best option (specialist) - companies hire for defined tasks so i dont know how being a generalist helps there as it implies that you might not be good enough for this certain task, but great at multiple things.
wow my first time watching your videos, eye opening. I used to think that if i graduated college and stuck with one path id be making more money but im so glad i tried multiple things after graduating. I learned so much and its been helpful on my journey
I felt that I was doing something wrong by picking up multiple skills and not just sticking to one in Marketing. I am a marketing generalist (most jobs are for marketing specialists). This video atleast makes me comfortable that I am not alone or on a wrong path.
International autodidact polymath- niche down adverse by nature- feeling much better about letting my interests/pursuits grow. develop and share the core tenants/results/earned insights. I love identifying the overlap, amplifying and of course, helping others. Creator here- always have been and know there is no other option. Stagnation is (a sad) death. Best, *A.
This makes me happy because I am an artist who will happily do a commission for a person in the style they want, I am not precious I just want them to be happy and I write poetry and children’s stories and illustrate them and was wondering if I had too many interests but not enough mastery in one. I wasn’t able to follow my career passions until now but they make me so happy I would like to share them online and see if I can build up an interested audience.
I was feeling lost and sad for most of my life because I wasn't good enough in one specific thing. I was always a girl of multiple hobbies and this video just opened my eyes. I see now it was my biggest advantage. Thank you for that Also it's worth mentioning that you can't be the best in one thing forever. Even if you are at the moment, there will always be someone who beats you sooner or later. Now I see it doesn't make sense at all.
Another great video. Thanks for sharing, and being a living example of what you talk about... you are inspiring me on my journey to accept I have always been a renaissance man, and a generalist, and now, within the digital realm, I can find the success possible from my uniqueness.
Spot on. Good content..70% of the time until he goes tangent for online content and marketing, understand that's his business. But mostly good content. Glad I came across you. Keep up!
This. I click away from “content” and toward blogs with real people who aren’t constantly peddling BetterHelp and their VPN. Internal commercials- I immediately skip.
Thank you Dan! Until now I felt bad that I was't able to focus on one thing and I my business suferred as I always felt I am not focused on one specific thing. What a relief! ❤
THANK YOU Dan. I feel like I was meant to find this video. I've been struggling my whole life with anxious thoughts that I'm too much of a jack of all trades, but master of none. Every time I get put onto a singular track like when I went to college majoring in Biology, and then Sociology, and then Environmental Studies, I always feel like I get boxed in and I can feel the immense weight of the opportunity cost crushing me more and more until I just lose interest and drift around to other things. I have a very diverse set of interests like traveling, fitness, e-Commerce, self-improvement, EDM, and politics, but never figured out how all of these connect. I've been told my whole life to just become a specialist in one thing, but I always got the feeling that the opportunity cost was too high and that there would always be someone who could outcompete me so I could never just focus on one thing. However, this video has given me a fresh perspective. You have no idea how much confidence this video has given me. 🙏
I’m sure you covered this but in one of your other videos you said the niche should be about you. Meaning it will cover all interests you have. That way if your interests change you won’t lose so much of your supporters because they are there to support you and not one thing that you do. It’s also a good way for endless content that’s not repetitive.
Dan Koe for president?? Lol I cannot believe you give us this stuff for free sometimes! Your book is also one of the best I've read in 15 years as an entrepreneur! About to be going on biz number three, and these concepts have me exiting the second one, not as a failure, but in a smart way. I let the first one dissolve into the second one, and your concepts also had me thinking differently about a better way to treat the actual business itself as an asset this second time around, so I can capitalize on all of its value. Glad to be in this renaissance at the same time as a brilliant mind like yours! 🙌
Communities will change the world in this digital renaissance. Your content dan, as the work of so many other creators, will evolve human consciousness. Can ya'll imagine a world full of creators, working together on a massive vision? How would it look like?
I recently started my RUclips channel on Finance, AI and Self-development. Alot of the advice on the Internet had me thinking I should niche down, this is the video I needed. Well put together Dan!
Wow this came at the perfect time. Ive been battling wether to niche down or just make myself my niche since im a very multidimensional person with multiple interests. I think this helped, thank you. Thats why im a khameleon. And ill let it reflect in my content.
Great advice Dan just what I needed to hear this morning. I have been struggling with trying to pick a niche out of so many passions I have. I feel just picking one would not be genuine thanks again.💯
Its funny, I spent 7 years to get my dream job and Im 6 years in and my soul has been crushed. Never thought at almost 40 id be researching how to become a creator but Im tired of being an employee😂
acknowledgement is the first step. I worked for an arts organization for over 10 years. I got the dream position I’d always wanted & felt trapped soon afterwards. the structure was too rigid & I had outgrown the toxic work culture. I resigned in 2022 which provided ample time to explore other interests. surprisingly, I’ve been able to secure funding for the majority of my creative projects while I figure out my next career move. it’s had its trying moments, but I’ve never felt more exhilarated. you are your own niche. bet on yourself. your community awaits. you can do it!
Needed this.... have my ideas filed down but no idea how to turn them into content.... this helped mainly with including the messages in the overarching brand.... still gotta figure out how to make the content
I enjoy quite a few hobbies and im currently trying to turn at least some of it into an income source. No sales yet, but, if i keep at it, its bound to happen.
Generalists rise up!!🔥You really are the whole niche. The only time you want to "niche-down" is when you have an idea to Productize. So go be ALL you can be all at once and stop trying to be one thing. You are a multi-passionate creative and that is FANTASTICCCC! Can I get a Yessss!🔥🔥🔥
Couldn’t agree more ! Love what your doing with your content btw !!!
Eva you here. . .oh my.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you. your comment answered my question.
Rising Up! 🌐13:45 Acquiring skills is important, but actively working towards a goal and gaining experience through failure is more valuable, leading to new paths and opportunities in creating a product to sell based on your interests to earn a living on the internet.
Yeees!
You have great energy in your videos, keep going 😊
Being diagnosed as ADHD when I was a child (I'm 58 now) but never learning how to deal with the unique gifts of ADHD has caused me grief for years until recently as I learn more about how my brain is wired and creative I can be when I'm not trying to FIT INTO the society's norms and what my dad says I should be like. I've felt so inadequate and listened to my dad's constant criticisms because I didn't follow the "plan" of working 40 years with 1 company and THEN enjoy life. I did have a carrier until my health suffered from continuing in it.
I've had many interests over the years and went back to school several times over my life for different interests and skills. Mainly because I now love learning! Not because I want to be someone's slave and do a career with that education, but more for the development of skills that are helpful for my life and makes life better for myself and others.
What about the opposite, being diagnosed with it as an adult??
@toddmaek5436 What do you mean? Even though I WAS diagnosed as a child, it's like I'm just finding out now that that's what has caused me grief all these years. So, I guess I'm like any other person who finds out as an adult. I'm still doing a lot of self-examination and thinking back to times and situations that I didn't understand why someone reacted or said something to something I said or did. My whole perspective has changed towards myself and others by doing this intense self reflection on previous experiences to help me understand why I think, act and talk differently and my perception of things are more "outside the box" than the norm.
myself, am autistic at 57. diagnosed at 35 was definitely a gift, though one i wish i was ready for earlier. never viewed my being wired differently as some sort of defect. first thing i wanted upon diagnosis was "how do i best take care of myself and get the most out of it? how do i HARNESS this?"
as for dealing with rest of the world and being 'normal', i view it like being bilingual in place where 5% 'speak autism' while other 95% are neurotypical. [originally from miami fl, so guess how i came up w that]. basically, when i go out from house/family who speak or at least understand my language, i go out the door and 'speak neurotypical' for the day. two or three times a year, just like there would be a day i was all "i don't want to play in spanish today". about as often, "i don't feel like playing normal today". neuros call it Mental Health Day. so why should i not call off and take mine?
being 'normal' might have been a prize in 70s/80s, but it's sure not a prize now. i need neither pharmaceuticals nor sex change. rather than being 'normal like everyone else', the key is to be AHEAD of everyone else. competitive world, player versus player and all that.
whatever your neuro scenario is, there are people vastly worse off than you. there are autistic people who shit themselves and cannot be touched without freaking. i owe it to them to succeed, along with to the people and God who have believed in me when i did not. good luck and God bless
I'm 38 and am exactly the same, but I feel like an impostor because I don't know what thing to pursue or be good at to earn money
As a 62yo Man with a plethora of experiences throughout my colourful life I have reached a point where I want to share my knowledge in the hope it will help others learn from my successes & mistakes. My new favourite word of the year is going to be the “GENERALIST”.
I resonate with a lot of what you’ve said here and can’t thank you enough for the wisdom shared in this video. I know have a clear pathway to follow. Love & Blessings from Western Australia 🇦🇺
I love “plethora”. 😁
Likewise...
More power to you!
Andrew Kirby just released a video on the importance of niching to the point it feels uncomfortable. Crazy how two people I like so much can produce the opposite video at nearly same time.
I know other creators wit opposite philosophies that are successful.
You have to decide if there is an ulterior motive behind the recommendations.
And you have to decide which path might be the right for you.
Eh, I agree with Dan. You, individually, are the best niche. So in a sense, it is super specific, because the niche is the unique combo of things that make up you.
@@wavestation999 And with the widespread access of information people buy from people they like, respect, relate to or aspire to be.
And people pay for curation, structure or implementation.
People are different. I personally like seeing other sides of a creator rather than one niche all the time. It makes it human and over time doesn’t get so boring. But not over doing
I think its a sign that there isnt one right answer. For one creator they got success from niching. For Dan, the opposite.
Out perception of “truth” is based on our life experience, which as an individual only makes up a fraction of reality as a whole.
So you get to choose and see for yourself what truly is the best way to be successful, and its going to uniquely be what works for you. How fun. I am excited for you and wish you the best. 👍
This is worth those 5k- 10k coaching programs & way better, as it is up-to-date and accurate. Big kudos. Wow.
You sound like you love burning money
Coaching is not only getting bunch of information. Coaching is a experience of transformation.
Right on!
@@rayyanytpersonalWtf does that even mean?
I've been a generalist for most of my design career, and been trying to build a specialist business, but have constantly hit a roadblock that is "WTF, do I really want to be churning out just one thing?" -- this goes against my creative nature.
I appreciate Dan championing another way. This resonates with me quite a lot.
Our education system was originally designed to produce factory/ office workers. That made sense in the industrial age, if that's what you wanted to be. Times have changed & we are no longer in the industrial age.
I'm a generalist that has excelled innevery role I've ever been in because I always rise up where I can.
But I'm struggling very hard as a generalist. It's not an easy path. Not just corporations, the world rewards specialists. It makes targeting your customers and solving their problems so much easier.
I wish I knew what to do and envy specialists that got their life figured out.
Nooo. You’re the “go-to” person for a huge market of people who just want their problems solved quickly. They don’t want an award winning video or brochure. They just want products that will be fast, affordable and good. And you can do or direct others to get them there!!
00:01 The rise of the generalist is changing the work landscape
02:07 Being a generalist can provide many advantages in life and work
06:07 Embrace diverse interests for greater impact
08:02 Generalists thrive in the creator economy.
11:53 Skill stacking is like diversifying your portfolio to thrive with multiple interests.
14:04 Generalists thrive by exploring multiple interests
17:37 Embrace a generalist career path to thrive
19:18 Creators thrive by embracing their unique combination of interests and personality
22:46 Identify goals, frame content towards it, attract diverse audience
24:23 Creating engaging content through understanding social media growth
27:46 Create free products to showcase skills or interests and build a portfolio of income sources as a generalist.
29:22 Position and monetize your interests towards beginners.
Recent masters of mental health counseling graduate here. My realization was: why would I work for $30 an hour at an institution when I can make $150 per hour building my own business?’
This translates to all working fields. It’s a no-brainer.
Yes you just have to build a successful and profitable business
It does, except most people underestimate the work that goes into building skills and creating a business with a consistent flow of clients.
All the best on your journey.
No brainer to Us Max,
Around 60-80 % of people will stay in sht job - nagging about their poor fate - instead of - improving and adapting - having better result.
@@wise_lynx Super easy, barely an inconvenience
11 year licensed therapist here. Believe me, you’ll realize that $150 and hour is still not enough and is draining. I’m moving away from direct individual therapy because the work is truly heavy.
Build products and scale the business. Have a plan to move out of individual work.
When I subjected myself to one niche (editing) I felt lost.
I knew it wasn't me because I liked writing/talking about my interests & curiosities.
Such as:
audio engineering
content creation
fatherhood
writing
sports
music
art
If you niche down, you might get views from search- but you might not build a community. For example, I subscribe to a travel channel about a particular country. But I have to skip watching- I don’t want to watch a 20 minute video every day about yet another beach and there is no community or discussion in the comments.
"The world's best niche is you". -
Dan Koe
Gary V just said something very similar
Also being a artistic soul myself I know that you have to open up your mind and pursue a lot of different ideas and not feel trapped or under pressure or you will never get into a flow state. The enemy of creation is putting yourself under pressure to be better than anyone else. Now you’re not having fun, you are watching your back. If you are a generalist you can specialise in a few things without having to be the best in everything and inevitably your interests will show your personality and that’s what makes you unique and interesting
Well said
Dan Koe is my favorite parasocial relationship by far.
Same
Cool.
Renaissance Man definition-
A man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge.
I've been referred to as this because I've done so many things. I think I just keep reaching out to just get as much as I can in knowledge and satisfaction. The thrill of the hunt is powerful to fuel the human experience.
"If you don't create a goal, one will be assigned to you". Good stuff
Absolutely, the shift towards a generalist approach in the creator economy is a fascinating evolution! Embracing diverse skills and interests not only enriches personal growth but also enhances adaptability in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. 🌐
I do think the natural way of our psyche is to be generalists.
Specially as creative minds…
The part of having a “goal” or a “why” behind it all is truly a 💎, it is how it all ties together.
Let’s stop self censuring because it doesn’t fit in our niche!
What a wonderful feeling to get presuppositions validated by someone with experience
This video speaks to me and my soul.. Hence my channel name. I hate the niche down advice, its not me, it stifles my curiosity. I rather learn a little about a lot, of whatever I find interesting. Which can change often and as my mind wanders.. Thank you for this video!
This is some of the most valuable information in the information revolution. I have actually heard of these ideas back in november of 2023 and have been spending a lot of my time creating this channel that I'm commenting from, the videos, and creating an audiobook recording in spanish to improve my language skills.
I never liked the idea of being boxed into one thing. In fact, I've always hated it. I don't want to be known for doing X thing, I want to be known for who I am (which I guess can vary depending on environment and circumstance). I've always been a generalist, and I have a ton of interests. With where I am in my life, I can truly begin building what I truly want and I hope that the audience grows with me because everything is changing, from social dynamics between men and women, to the economy, to even Ai and technology.
It's time for a radical shift, and we can all make it happen. Cheers.
After I read your book the second time, it felt like we were relatives.. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective Dan. A fellow "spiritual" businessman from Uganda
The human body is a generalist having specialized cells in each system to get the work done, the funny part is those cells gets replaced in a cyclical manner. Thank you. My favorite youtube channel from now on. I am a singer song writer and I think this knowledge is gonna help me tremendously.
The Return of The Renaissance Man!
The worst part about self improvement books or videos is that they often hold you back because you spend all of reading or watching when all you really nees to do is use your time on doing what you already know you need to do and quit with the excuses. Eat well and exercise as your body allows.
This!!!
This vid is great! I struggled with singularity and taking off as a generalist. I love creating. Made music, a good company, an education company, a trader, and have kids books on Amazon. I just need to focus.
Dan, you and I believe in the same notion. So far I've watched 100+ videos by business gurus and other RUclipsrs, but none of them match closely to my mindset.
Dan Teachings have travelled with me every where in my car - He’s my mobile personal coach, and I appreciate the profound points & clarity he shares. Cheers from the UK 🤝🏾👍🏾
"Social media is just real life without barriers"
Listening to this and working and this man said “if you don’t have a goal of your own you will be assigned one” BARS!
The ability to merge multiple vectors at will for is the best feeling. To do that professionally in ways others don't is super fulfilling. Takes years of layers leaning into it, but it just gets better and better.
Holy cow this could not be more true. I realized this by accident, working to the top of my profession by leveraging multiple skill sets I am highly sought after at this point in my career. I work at a print shop and do all production solo for multiple shops within my region, while also doing graphic design and content creation. I’m also a photographer and I made a photobook which made me realize I could step away from my career a little bit to focus more on becoming a generalist. As cool as my jobs are (one of my print shops specializes in decals and paint masks for commercial airlines), I am still starved for more diversity. I refuse to spend each weekday in the same office or locked down to a ‘full time’ position ever again. What an awesome video, this really hits
I have several passions - music, broadcasting, gaming - and I've always thought I MUST choose ONE. And if I did say, choose music, I had to wholeheartedly go with it and focus only on that, and if I didn't it proves I really didn't want it. Now this helps me to think differently.
Great message. I am a mediocre generalist but i like it that way. Electrical engineer by training, software engineer by trade, yet I like philosophy, have read Sartre, Camus, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy etc. Know lots of history and current affairs. Not too religious but have read enough of the Bible to understand the message of Christianity. Have listen to a number of buddhist dhama talks. Speak 4 languages and do interpreting on the side. Have a wife. And kids. Not too balanced but i cant just be in any niche.
I grew up as a neuro-divergent when that was not even a thing, and therefore struggled immensely throughout my 20s and 30s. Finally i accepted that i had many different passions and wanted to work in different fields. Being a generalist and accoetinh it - even now in the society i am surrouhded in where the majority are a slave to the system , has been liberating. I thank you for these videos because they are so inspiring and help me on my path to my own growth and financial freedom!
🙏 Dan you’re the only person I listen to at LESS than normal speed.
lol - the info is so concentrated
I am an entrepreneurial generalist. My website even says I'm a generalist. How I found your channel at this point of my game, is pure alignment and confirmation that I'm doing something right. PS, love getting your weekly letter emails. Live long and prosper.
This is me! And there’s always work over 3 decades. If I can’t do something I learn how to do it or hire a specialist. I know enough about everything to do it fairly well and what is possible. Thanks for the boost!!
Entrepreneurs should leverage 'idea stacking' where you combine multiple interests to create a unique value proposition, which is often less saturated and can lead to higher engagement. Always focus on solving specific problems for your audience, which builds trust and authority faster.
10:50 is something I would love to see a more in depth video on. It’s so important and for perfectionists, creatives and really anyone who gets stuck in the learning process. It’s always a great reminder to just start. I know you’ve talked about this before but it never hurts to remind.
Agreed. This part really caught my attention. I'm working on a new writing project, and I've realised I have been spending way too long on research, planning, and brushing up on creative writing skills, than actually writing!
@@dee764 I totally get it. I do the same, I think because I have failed before and don’t want to make the same mistakes and then I find myself overthinking it and then the project never gets done. It’s a rough cycle to break
Content funnel:
#1 💫💫💫Personal Brand - diverse interests
#2 💫💫Platform - 3-4 themes
#3 💫Service - specific needs/niche
I was always “failing” at specializing, at least at a deep level, and hated myself for it. And I always learned very diverse skills extremely easy, on my own. But a lot of those skills have been with the help of specialized experts on high levels, because I was never afraid to knock on doors and ask, and I was almost always welcome. This is an eye opener for me. Because I am a boomer, or supposed to be …
Exactly... Gemini's get this ❤
"Only slaves are expected to perform one task their entire life,"
Damn did I ever feel that.
There will be people who live better than generalists, those that make it to the end of the money game and realize it's not worth playing. Those who then turn around and do what they were born to do, the few who find their purpose will stop playing by the rules of today and help to create the game board of tomorrow.
Thanks Dan. As a specialist in cleaning business I am now at a point where I want to explore and expand on creating avenues and online systems that meet people’s issues.
So it’s so clear to hear sour message
🌺Thank you for this Dan. I knew niching down wasn’t for everyone. I’ve always believed you can have one central theme to your brand and keep expanding with different ideas. This also helps you scale when you’re ready. It also helps you prevent burnout because you aren’t just doing the same topic or niche all the time.
I feel like this video was legit made for me. 2 weeks ago I quit League of Legends I was a Katarina OTP, I was 2nd or 3rd best Katarina on the Server (Grandmaster rank) , 3 months ago I started streaming on twitch, I realized that there are people better than me and it would take so much time and effort to get there that it's not worth it, even though I always had the never give up mentality, I spent 9 years on and off while in school playing that game. Right now, I'm 19. Today I watched your 1m skill stack video, was thinking of watching a lot of tutorials on many skills but that would keep me away from failure because I wouldn't create my own brand and anything of my own (wouldn't practice those skills by doing.) Also, I've realized that all my life I've been very interested in Fitness, Psychology, Nutrition, Gaming, I find it interesting how similar it is to you. While playing a lot of league of legends and going to the gym, I somehow still managed to get really good grades in school especially in math. Even with good grades in school I still decided to not go the traditional route, I had some hope in League of Legends. I quit League because I wanted to pursue some kind of business, which seemed way more profitable with my confidence I generated by becoming exceptional at League. 10 days ago I started consuming copywriting content, have a goal of getting the skills to start working as a copywriter for businesses, so maybe I can finally get good source of income. Building a generalist brand would be something new for me, I feel like I don't have the skills for that yet, I'm delaying it for now. I'm a beginner copywriter haven't made any money yet, my skills need to get improved. I fear having this big goal similar to yours might not get me anywhere because I would get overwhelmed, it's too quick. I'm still working at a 9-5 job, in the future, if I succeed as a copywriter and improve my business knowledge, maybe I'll get there. But I need to reach failure in each skill, my problem is I'm trying to learn so much without actually doing and failing. I fear that I will get overwhelmed and get stuck, but reality will show me. I'm only 19 all the advice you give seems real. 👍
Discovering all of this so fast is very overwhelming in my case, I understand that this process takes years. I'm just not sure exactly where to start, I feel like it's best to stick to copywriting for now and eventually scale (hopefully).
Copywriting work will quickly be devoured by AI in the coming years...
@@RepublicOfWesternCanadaNOW I don't think AI will be capable of entering human minds like skilled copywriters can anytime soon.
@@Alvis_Valaskevics time will tell I suppose
You can create a business with your league of legends skills
I think what he means is that you are your own niche in this fast evolving world of content creation. I'm doing it with my own channel and it does not grow fast but the people that stick through, do it for you and you don't have to stress over sticking with one thing that has the possibility of dying down.
This video is a much needed consolation for a fellow generalist. Thank you, Dan!
So many people feel ashamed of knowing many things but not fully being expert in one, yet precisely generalist is the kind of people who can zoom out of a domain and find true solutions and systems. The future is for generalists.
I've always gone against the "niche grain"... I AM MY NICHE ❤
... now it's just a matter of gathering the courage to put ME out there.
Your video gives some great perspective to think about and digest. Niche down until it hurts has never been a strategy that sat right with me. It just feels wrong, like wearing an ill-fitting suit. Ended up making a lot of notes. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re doing Gods work👏🏽👏🏽
I’ve been in the tutorial hell haha and now I’ve skill stacked. Thank you for creating these videos, I appreciate your time.
Well this was good to hear, I've been struggling to 'niche down' because I'm very much a generalist, just learning everything and anything I need to reach the goal. Your take is pretty much the opposite of what I've been hearing, I'd felt disadvantaged by not being a specialist, now it doesn't seem so bad.
Innerstanding the multiplayer multidimensional nature of the real game and your position "ing" is key.
Spiritual warfare terminology... ❤ don't sleep on the message 😴 or the messenger.
I became a enterprenour and I got trapped in a niche. It took me some years to move to next big things. Now I realize that I better to understand in a more variant fronts.
what area are you working in? i have the feeling i am not interesting to other businesses if i am not the best option (specialist) - companies hire for defined tasks so i dont know how being a generalist helps there as it implies that you might not be good enough for this certain task, but great at multiple things.
@@noisehead I'm in the software developed sector. If you are not interested in other business, it means you already found what you wanna do.
@@ReginaldoKono no i rather meant i am not interesting rather than interested :) as a generalist
@@noisehead Got it!
wow my first time watching your videos, eye opening. I used to think that if i graduated college and stuck with one path id be making more money but im so glad i tried multiple things after graduating. I learned so much and its been helpful on my journey
I felt that I was doing something wrong by picking up multiple skills and not just sticking to one in Marketing.
I am a marketing generalist (most jobs are for marketing specialists).
This video atleast makes me comfortable that I am not alone or on a wrong path.
International autodidact polymath- niche down adverse by nature- feeling much better about letting my interests/pursuits grow. develop and share the core tenants/results/earned insights. I love identifying the overlap, amplifying and of course, helping others. Creator here- always have been and know there is no other option. Stagnation is (a sad) death. Best, *A.
I like your Emily Dickinson writing style
This makes me happy because I am an artist who will happily do a commission for a person in the style they want, I am not precious I just want them to be happy and I write poetry and children’s stories and illustrate them and was wondering if I had too many interests but not enough mastery in one. I wasn’t able to follow my career passions until now but they make me so happy I would like to share them online and see if I can build up an interested audience.
I was feeling lost and sad for most of my life because I wasn't good enough in one specific thing. I was always a girl of multiple hobbies and this video just opened my eyes. I see now it was my biggest advantage. Thank you for that
Also it's worth mentioning that you can't be the best in one thing forever. Even if you are at the moment, there will always be someone who beats you sooner or later. Now I see it doesn't make sense at all.
So finely articulated. Thank you for this masterpiece. Truth has been dropped!
What makes one person a success may be completely different that makes another person success. I am a generalist.
Another great video. Thanks for sharing, and being a living example of what you talk about... you are inspiring me on my journey to accept I have always been a renaissance man, and a generalist, and now, within the digital realm, I can find the success possible from my uniqueness.
Spot on. Good content..70% of the time until he goes tangent for online content and marketing, understand that's his business. But mostly good content. Glad I came across you. Keep up!
We don’t need more content, we need to return to real human interaction.
This. I click away from “content” and toward blogs with real people who aren’t constantly peddling BetterHelp and their VPN. Internal commercials- I immediately skip.
There’s a great quote in Dune about being generalist vs specialist
Dan, this in itself is already a course. A total gem. Definitely a great use of my 30 minutes today. Thanks!!!
GO TEAM GENERALISTS ✊🏻
Thank you Dan! Until now I felt bad that I was't able to focus on one thing and I my business suferred as I always felt I am not focused on one specific thing. What a relief! ❤
I love the way u deep dive into a subject and help us built such a strong foundation
Thank you for bringing out whats in my mind for years
Thank you so much. This particular video of yours Dan was perfectly timed, striking the right chord. A massive thank you!
THANK YOU Dan. I feel like I was meant to find this video. I've been struggling my whole life with anxious thoughts that I'm too much of a jack of all trades, but master of none. Every time I get put onto a singular track like when I went to college majoring in Biology, and then Sociology, and then Environmental Studies, I always feel like I get boxed in and I can feel the immense weight of the opportunity cost crushing me more and more until I just lose interest and drift around to other things. I have a very diverse set of interests like traveling, fitness, e-Commerce, self-improvement, EDM, and politics, but never figured out how all of these connect. I've been told my whole life to just become a specialist in one thing, but I always got the feeling that the opportunity cost was too high and that there would always be someone who could outcompete me so I could never just focus on one thing. However, this video has given me a fresh perspective. You have no idea how much confidence this video has given me. 🙏
I’m sure you covered this but in one of your other videos you said the niche should be about you. Meaning it will cover all interests you have. That way if your interests change you won’t lose so much of your supporters because they are there to support you and not one thing that you do. It’s also a good way for endless content that’s not repetitive.
Dan Koe for president?? Lol I cannot believe you give us this stuff for free sometimes! Your book is also one of the best I've read in 15 years as an entrepreneur! About to be going on biz number three, and these concepts have me exiting the second one, not as a failure, but in a smart way. I let the first one dissolve into the second one, and your concepts also had me thinking differently about a better way to treat the actual business itself as an asset this second time around, so I can capitalize on all of its value. Glad to be in this renaissance at the same time as a brilliant mind like yours! 🙌
Communities will change the world in this digital renaissance.
Your content dan, as the work of so many other creators, will evolve human consciousness.
Can ya'll imagine a world full of creators, working together on a massive vision? How would it look like?
I recently started my RUclips channel on Finance, AI and Self-development. Alot of the advice on the Internet had me thinking I should niche down, this is the video I needed. Well put together Dan!
Niche down- -there are already niched-down channels. Your unique experience and connecting of dots- that is what draws people.
this is a gem 💎
No it’s not be a specialist … your a jackass of all trades
Wow this came at the perfect time. Ive been battling wether to niche down or just make myself my niche since im a very multidimensional person with multiple interests. I think this helped, thank you. Thats why im a khameleon. And ill let it reflect in my content.
Great advice Dan just what I needed to hear this morning. I have been struggling with trying to pick a niche out of so many passions I have. I feel just picking one would not be genuine thanks again.💯
Thank you Dan for your wisdom
Perfect JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO SEE & HEAR thank you 👍🏻🇦🇺
Thank you for the wisdom, Dan
What a great lots of content here..lots of pre-work to focus on. Thanks Dan.
Needed to hear this. I am the ultimate generalist 😂
This is only the beginning. Do it now when it's still easy.
Its funny, I spent 7 years to get my dream job and Im 6 years in and my soul has been crushed. Never thought at almost 40 id be researching how to become a creator but Im tired of being an employee😂
acknowledgement is the first step.
I worked for an arts organization for over 10 years. I got the dream position I’d always wanted & felt trapped soon afterwards. the structure was too rigid & I had outgrown the toxic work culture. I resigned in 2022 which provided ample time to explore other interests. surprisingly, I’ve been able to secure funding for the majority of my creative projects while I figure out my next career move. it’s had its trying moments, but I’ve never felt more exhilarated.
you are your own niche. bet on yourself. your community awaits. you can do it!
Best wishes, Burrito.
Needed this.... have my ideas filed down but no idea how to turn them into content.... this helped mainly with including the messages in the overarching brand.... still gotta figure out how to make the content
Finally! Someone gets it 😂! Thank you 😊💚
I enjoy quite a few hobbies and im currently trying to turn at least some of it into an income source. No sales yet, but, if i keep at it, its bound to happen.
Finally somebody who gets it.
You nailed it down! because every internet guru tells us niche down. I always found it weird.
Thank you for educating us about this. Such wonderful tips and ideas.
Mad value fr, preciate you Dan
This video was top tier, loved it!
spirituality + entrepreneurship = Dan Koe
Gary Vee didn't do it, Alex Hormozi didn't do it, but you persuaded me. I have a page in Obsidian dedicated to Dan Koe.