When Your Perfect Niche Won't Pay the Bills

I recently met Robert, a seasoned healthcare marketer who found himself at a crossroads. After 15+ years leading strategy for major hospitals and agencies, a non-compete lawsuit forced him to completely rebuild.

His story highlights a crucial reality about starting over:

Sometimes the path to specialization requires temporary generalization.

Here's what Robert's journey is teaching us about building an AI consultancy from scratch:

1. Perfect niches don't pay bills

While healthcare & higher ed are his sweet spots, Robert's taking on broader education/training projects. Why? They're building his AI implementation expertise and keeping the lights on.

2. Every project is a learning lab

Those "off-niche" projects? They're providing invaluable lessons about AI assessment and integration across different verticals - making him ultimately better at serving his core markets.

3. Client Success Stories are currency

In the emerging world of AI consulting, proof points matter more than perfect positioning. Each successful project, regardless of industry, builds credibility in this rapidly evolving space.

4. Foundation-building takes time

While Robert's vision is clear - helping healthcare organizations leverage AI - he's embracing that the path there isn't always a straight line.

The key lesson?

In the early days, stay focused on the destination while being flexible about the journey.