I’ve never chosen a “niche” for this blog. What I’ve written about has changed so much over the last 6 years that it’s never felt natural to claim one specific topic. Any time I’ve tried to put my blog on an elimination diet & attempt to write about just one thing, all I want to do is write about ALL the other things. The closest I’ve gotten is my tagline, my heart that this space be a place that encourages, equips & inspires.
There’s a lot that falls under those three categories.
Maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling this anxiety lately, that maybe I’m becoming type cast as “the social media girl.” I do love social media, and I really love teaching what I know (it falls under that “equipping” piece). I have no fear when it comes to trying new platforms and it is such a joy to provide encouragement to other writers as they try something for the first time.
But I’m so much more than that.
I started to wonder the other day if I’d ever be asked to speak somewhere about anything that wasn’t social media or internet related. It’s become my “thing” – and I’m so grateful for it. But what if that’s the only thing I’m ever asked to talk about? Will anyone ever ask me to share an encouraging keynote, rather than an informative breakout? What if I’m never invite to share about my desire for women to collaborate instead of compete? It can all start to make you feel like one of those teenage Disney stars who does something wild to prove to the world they can do more than just kids shows.
I know I’m not the only one afraid of being type cast as a certain kind of speaker. Other friends have shared the same concerns with me, and as we processed, we came to this realization:
“We all need an entry point.” – Lisa-Jo Baker
Because aren’t we all good at and passionate about a lot of things? But people need an entry point – that one specific thing they know you’re great at, otherwise they come down with a case of choice paralysis and can’t remember any of the things you’re good at. And what if that entry point is exactly what God plans to use to prepare us for the next thing?
God can use any entry point to get us where He wants us – whether or not it’s where we planned to go.
What people recognize in you as valuable is important because it gives you the opportunity to build relationships. When you build relationships, you build trust. And as you build trust around that “thing” people come to you for all the time, they’ll be open to listening to you share the other passions God has put on your heart.
God has used my entry point of social media to open up some amazing opportunities, and I don’t want to miss what He has for me in it because I’m rushing along to the next thing. Because in the middle of that session on social media, I can encourage. And as I talk about the internet, I can inspire.
Am I maybe a little bit type cast as the “social media girl?” Probably. But until God asks me to do something wild and break into new territory, I think I’ll enjoy this particular entry point, and be grateful while I’m here.
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Q4U: Do you struggle with being identified as the “___” blogger? How do you see God working through that entry point to take you where He wants you to go?
Keri Snyder says
Really glad you shared about this! I have read so much about finding a niche and being focused on a reader and it has been stressing me out! You have such a gift and are such an encouragement to many! Thank you!
Sally says
I’m new to your blog, Crystal, but you’re inspiring. I’ve been “pushed” into a “garden blog”, but that’s not what I set out to do; it’s not what I want to write about all the time. I know conventional wisdom says pick a niche, make it narrow, drill down, go deep. But, in the grand scheme of things, even as much as growing our food is important to us, I have much greater, deeper, Kingdom building ideas–things I wrestle with. That’s what I want to write about. I do struggle with being “type cast”. Writing about growing fruits and vegetables is safe, but I’m ready to break away from “safe”.
cornelia says
Such a great conversation and something I have thought about a lot. I started as a Mom-family columnist for newspapers (remember those!) in 1999. . .and then when I started my blog, I was writermom.org, but then I switched to a website/blog with my name so I could expand as I found myself writing about so much more (adventure, being present, extraordinary ordinary)- . . .not that motherhood is not everything ; ). . . It seems like we have to have a “niche” to start with and then expand from there- I love what you do and your voice!
Box Canyon Ranch says
Crystal,
I think this is such an interesting discussion and topic. I certainly understand the desire to not be type cast as the social media expert or any other expert especially when God gives us so many gifts that we can use…not to mention that ignite our passion and also call us to service. The one thing I would say to you about being localized to one thing is that through that medium if you will, you are able to proclaim the love of God for us and potentially reach people right where they are. I have been in my field for 28 years…I am tired of it….It doesn’t ignite my passion the way other things do and I don’t feel like I can always be a disciple for God and proclaim my love for Jesus….in part I think that has to do with my fear of being rebuked….. BUT the type casting to my field is the thing people know me for..it is why they call me to work with or for them….so what I have come to realize is that I need to make this avenue….my current field of profession my arena for proclaiming my faith, my truth and quit looking for a safe and easy place to do that….like with other believers….because this is where God has me and it is here where I can do His work no matter my fears…because in reality….He has me in His hands anyway and yes I may be rebuked…and God still has me and loves me….
I say all this to you because I know you as the person who taught me how to create graphics for my blog through your free class….I LOVED that class and time together….I came to your blog because of that time together…..I follow ALOT of blogs and my email is littered with newsletter from bloggers….why is this important you may be asking? Because every day I see them and I hit delete most of the time without going much further than the initial page or even the name….BUT….every time I get YOUR email I open it and read it and go to the blog to read your words of encouragement, faith, and discipleship….you are teaching me, shepherding me and loving me as a follower of Christ right there as the social media expert…..
So this was a long way of saying….thank you for putting it all out there and helping me to be as BOLD in my proclamation in my type cast situation.
Leah
Crystal says
Leah, your comment means so much to me. I wasn’t expecting to be encouraged as I wrote this post, but your words are so affirming and full of grace. Thank you!
Jacquelyn says
Such a great example of why community is so important and why the Bible encourages different parts in the same body to collaborate together so we can see (through different perspectives) a bigger picture He’s painting that we might miss if seeing it only through our own eyes—because in the time I’ve read your blog I’ve actually thought of your blog *mainly* as an encouraging women’s blog and that you happen to *also* be good at social media in a side-niche sort of way.
Crystal says
Oh that’s so fun to know, Jacquelyn! I’m so glad you shared that 🙂
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Well you already know how much I love this conversation – and the reminder that “God can use any entry point to get us where He wants us – whether or not it’s where we planned to go.” SUCH a good word. So grateful for you and all the ways you impact my life.
Madeline Osigian says
Amen, sista friend!
Kristin Smith says
I feel you Mary!! I find myself so wanting to just be cast….to be given an opportunity to speak. It is also hard to be in that place where you feel you are called to speak and share your story but the phone isn’t ringing with offers….my biggest struggle is making sure I don’t stay in a place of jealousy where I compare myself to those that are being given the opportunity and wonder what’s wrong with me because I am not. All of it is a struggle and thankfully we can seek to serve the One who has called us even if our path doesn’t look like we had hoped!!
Kris Camealy says
I’m not sure what others identify me as, I haven’t thought that much about it. I was told once that I needed a niche to achieve blogging success, but because I am ornery and a middle child, I immediately ignored that “advice” and decided to keep marching to the beat of the drum I hear in my heart. I don’t know what blogging success is, but I know I don’t give a hoot about it if it means following formulas instead of Jesus. <—apparently you sparked something in me this morning.
Crystal says
Yes and amen! I’m not a middle child, just a stubborn gal who refuses to do things simply because someone else tells me I ‘should.’ 😉 I’m so glad we’re friends. And I see you as the queen of hospitality – you have a natural gift to make others feel welcome and wanted.
Mary Bonner says
I don’t think I’m identified as anything!! And here I asked you a social media question yesterday!! I appreciate you being so honest, helpful and inspiring. Truly I do!
Kris Camealy says
Mary, I would identify you as an encourager and truth teller. I love your heart, my friend. Xxoo
Crystal says
Mary, if we could have coffee for 5 minutes I would be able to tell you all the amazing things you ARE good at! And gal, you ask me anything you want, any time. xoxo