Comments on: Being Unusual

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:49:30 +0000

Sara: So that means writing ability is the common ability in your area, what are you good at that’s scarce?

Can you quickly attain a superficial understand of complex topics? Can you mentor junior writers? Can you negotiate with clients and suppliers? Can you figure out technical problems with the publishing software you use? Can you smooth over interpersonal conflicts between other staff writers? Can you make the best darn latte east of Seattle? etc, etc, etc.

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:46:15 +0000

Kyle: Sorry, your comments keep ending up in our spam bin (I can’t figure it out). I used to believe EXACTLY that, but I’ve since come to believe that if a company is worth operating you’ll have competition (and, in fact, lack of it is often an excellent reason not to open a business). I suspect growing OUT of a niche would be an excellent way to launch a business, but hiding in the niche didn’t work out very well for me.

By: Sara at On Simplicity

Sara at On Simplicity — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:38:52 +0000

That’s the rub about writing. Everyone in the world is impressed when you can string together readable, cogent thoughts. Everyone except your peers and industry.

Fortunately I’m in a place where my decent writing skills are given way more credit than they deserve. Your point is well taken!

By: squawkfox » Wrecked Wrist, Welcomes, and Links Oh My!

squawkfox » Wrecked Wrist, Welcomes, and Links Oh My! — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:30:28 +0000

[...] For Four Pillars: writes Being Unusual and Dividend [...]

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:53:48 +0000

Hah! Actually I meant Greenstone as in geographically. It’s the new name of the amalgamated area where I’m from (Geraldton, Nakina, Longlac, Beardmore) but I guess that means you’re not from there.

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:18:45 +0000

Andrea: Andrea Greenstone?!?! I took you to the prom!!! Just kidding, I don’t think I’ve ever met any Greenstones…

Guinness416: I imagine the construction industry is a good example of one where there’s a strong demand for skills not typically associated with the industry (such as mentoring and recruitment).

By: guinness416

guinness416 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:31:22 +0000

Your writing example is a good one even if you’re not in a “niche” career. I’m lucky in that my profession is extremely rare over this side of the pond, so we’re in big demand, but my star really rose (with the commensurate kick to salary and bonuses) when I asked to get involved with recruitment and mentorship and proved fairly good at it. Sometimes I wonder why, but it beats dealing with clients a lot of the time, and it’s an extra wee line for the resume if necessary.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:26:46 +0000

This comment has nothing to do with the article really, I just think it’s cool that I’ve been subscribed to your blog and it turns out you’re also from small town Northern Ontario. Makes me curious if we’re from the same area and/or know any of the same people. (Does the name Greenstone mean anything to you?)

By: deepali

deepali — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:29:36 +0000

I have respect for people in my field who are awesome. So, if you’re the awesomest one, then you’re ok hanging out with people who do the same kind of work as you. But if you’re not, then yeah, you’re no big deal.

I picked up some technical skills that I’ve started applying to my field that gives me a slight competitive advantage… the downside is that I have to sell the skills first, since they are not typically used in the field. Luckily for me, I’m also the awesomest.

By: telly

telly — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:09:42 +0000

Lol. Very much so.