The Art of a Niche: how I built a successful business at 20

The art of finding a niche is often overlooked. In a world where everyone is searching or chasing for the next big thing, the movie War Dogs reminds us that a niche is like the crumbs of a pie. Everyone wants a slice but nobody wants the crumbs. In this reflection piece, I use the analogy of eating the crumbs as a guiding principle to share the lessons I've learned.

This image is a snapshot into my website where I display the usernames I have for sale!

Backstory

During the Covid lockdown, all I did was play video games since I could not leave the house. In order to pass the time I played consistently, eventually I ventured into streaming where I made a small name for myself. In August 2020, a friend from school introduced me to OGusers, a forum dedicated to buying and selling usernames across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Xbox, etc. Ever since then, I understood the potential value of usernames.

Not long after, I manually created two 3-character usernames for one of the games I played: t6v and w6v. The game's platform, mandates a minimum of three letters for usernames, showcasing the scarcity of such short combinations. It was a time-consuming process to find these availabile usernames, as I tested various 3-letter combinations one by one. After I had collected around 20 usernames, I posted on my Twitter a list of all the usernames I had for sale. Since I had been streaming during this time I had a small following so the Twitter post got some traction. After a few days I made around $60 and felt on top of the world.

Approximately a month later, I took the initiative to launch my own Discord server. This platform allowed members to view my latest usernames as I acquired them, and from here purchase directly from me. The power of word-of-mouth soon kicked in, propelling my business to generate a total of six figures in revenue, which I never thought possible. Currently I am the number one seller and I am immensely gratful to be in the position I'm in. Here are some insights I've learned from finding this niche.

Find Your Niche

Everyone is on the lookout for the next big thing, but your chances of being an early adopter is slim to none. Instead your best bet is to find a niche. For me personally, how I did it was by trying to create a business from something that I was already doing.
To find your niche, start by examining your daily activities. Identify areas of friction or common problems you encounter. For example, think about how to solve a "first world problem". Alternatively, consider creating exclusivity. People often enjoy possessing things that others don't, and you can capitalize on this fact.

Always be available

Always be available. This is likely a major factor contributing to my success. Stay off “do not disturb”; instead, stay online and keep your notifications on, even when you're not actively using the app. Respond promptly when you receive a message on Discord. Even if you're busy with other tasks, leaving the Discord application open will show your status as online, creating the impression that you're ready to engage at any time.
By consistently being available, you establish reliability with your client, assuring them that you will fulfill your promises.
Ego is the enemy. We live in a world where some individuals leave others on 'delivered' to make themselves feel important. This is what will kill your business.

Dealing With New Clients

By always being available, you are ready at a moments notice when someone new is looking to buy a name.
They will message you inquiring about a specific username, and if you are right there ready to reply they will be more confident in dealing with you.
My goal when dealing with a new client, is to befriend them and be kind but professional. Be soft in your responses, and always be quick.
First impressions are crucial. If a first-time customer has a great experience purchasing a username, they are ten times more likely to share their experience with friends, emphasizing the ease and speed of the process. This also builds trust. Instead of telling their friends, "I got the username, but it took a few hours because the seller was slow to respond," they might say, "I got the username and the deal was completed in just five minutes—it was so easy." Consequently, their friends would be more likely to inquire about getting a username from you.

Professionalism

Maintaining professionalism online can be challenging. Since interactions occur virtually, it's possible to inadvertently appear rude or egotistical. Hence, it's crucial to maintain professionalism. After all, you're trying to operate a business and build your reputation as much as possible.

Consistency

Everyone says it, but few act on it. Consistency is truly important. Always respond quickly and maintain professionalism.
Consistency in tracking data is also crucial. For me, this involves monitoring the number of sales I've made, including the date, amount, specific deal, and the individual I interacted with. This is not only useful for keeping track of things, but it also serves as a motivational tool. Not interested in that $5-$10 deal? Check how close you are to achieving your next goal. Tracking has been instrumental for me because it allows me to see the results directly.

Avoid Drama

Another major factor contributing to my success is avoiding drama at all costs. In today's cancel culture, it's crucial to steer clear of negative drama as much as possible.
To avoid drama, I maintain a certain distance from the community. While I am a part of it and hold a significant role, I do not immerse myself entirely. I remain somewhat peripheral, ready to act when someone needs assistance. This approach helps me keep my professional online presence separate from personal online presence, ensuring professionalism.

Patience

An often overlooked factor is patience. Things will take time to happen, including word of mouth. By being patient and holding out for the price you truly want, you can achieve greater success than others in the space.
Being patient and not rushing to sell something when you know eventually someone will buy it for double the price is a very important factor; delayed gratification.

Discounts

The listed price is not my final offer. I'm always open to negotiation with customers. If a username is priced at $185 and a customer deems it too costly, I'm willing to immediately lower the price to $150. The phrase "right now" creates a sense of urgency, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to save $35.
This also portrays you as more considerate and cooperative, further distancing you from the ego.

Exclusivity

Exclusivity is highly valued. Having a unique and exclusive username not only adds to its appeal but also enhances its credibility. For instance, a simple username like "Evan" is perceived as more trustworthy than a generic one like "Evan_342" because of its uniqueness and exclusivity.
When a client buys an exclusive name from me, they are not just buying a username, they are buying a piece of their own personal brand.

Networking

Networking is another crucial factor for success. It's important to approach everyone with a friendly and humble attitude. Let go of any ego—remember, you're not superior to those you're engaging with. Instead, consider yourself as their supporter or even slightly below them. This approach can make you more likable, as it subtly boosts their ego and fosters positive interactions.
Like they say, "your network is your net worth."

Conclusion

These are the lessons I've learned firsthand while establishing my business. From discovering my niche to becoming the leading seller in my community, I've realized that success doesn't always require being the first to catch a trend. Similar to the crumbs of a pie, a niche might seem minor and trivial, but with the right approach, it can lead to significant achievements. By applying the strategies mentioned above, I've gradually transformed my crumbs into a substantial slice of the pie. So, always remember, never disregard the crumbs left on the plate; they might just be the key to satisfying your appetite for success.