So, you want to do something in the outdoor world. Maybe it’s design, writing, community building, or marketing. But you’re worried: if I pick a niche, will I limit myself?
Here’s the truth: getting specific helps people understand what you do. That’s not limiting—that’s clarifying. Think of it like choosing a trail to explore. You can always take a detour later, but you’ve got to start somewhere.
When I focused on helping outdoor organizations and small businesses, things clicked. I knew the language. I cared about their missions. And even though I’ve taken on projects outside that niche, most of my best work has come from owning it.
That doesn’t mean you have to commit to one narrow box forever. What it means is leading with a strength, a focus, or a specialty that gives people a reason to choose you. If your message is too broad, it can feel like you’re trying to talk to everyone—and end up reaching no one.
I started with the things I had experience in and the communities I already knew. I had worked for an association that served RV parks and campgrounds. I knew those businesses, I knew the language they used, and I genuinely liked the people. That was a huge head start.
So I leaned in. I joined Facebook groups where campground owners were active. I reconnected with old colleagues on LinkedIn. I offered support where it made sense. No sleazy pitches, just, “Hey, I understand your world. If you ever need XYZ, I’d love to help.”
That didn’t mean I turned away from other work. It meant I had a recognizable “in.” A place where I was seen as an expert. That opened doors.
Not everyone has a background in the industry they want to work in, and that’s okay. Here are some questions to help you carve out your own niche:
Sometimes your niche isn’t a group of people; it’s a type of work. Maybe you’re great at simplifying complex ideas into visuals. Maybe you shine when you’re organizing messy info into clear systems. That’s a niche too.
You are allowed to evolve. Picking a niche now doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever. As you grow, your niche might shift. You might find yourself getting curious about adjacent areas, or realizing your strengths are in higher demand somewhere else. That’s normal.
I’ve found that the more I share about my work in outdoor and small biz spaces, the more people from other industries reach out. Not because I marketed to them, but because I showed up with clarity and consistency. Your niche doesn’t repel people—it helps them understand you.
If you’re feeling stuck, try this exercise:
Then, test it. Update your LinkedIn. Rewrite your bio. Tell a few people what you do and who you help. See how it feels. Adjust if needed. You’re not etching it in stone.
Think of picking your path like choosing your trailhead. It doesn’t mean you can’t explore other routes down the line. But it gives you direction, momentum, and clarity—and that’s what helps you actually start walking.
Take a deep breath. Pick something you care about. You can always reroute later.
Next up: Build Your Basecamp — how to build the relationships and communication skills that keep your career grounded and growing.
Hello[at]RebeccaLeighDesigns[dot]com
