In challenging economic conditions, it is usually tempting to pursue a different niche market.

In many cases, there could be sound business reasons for adding a new niche to your existing market or markets.

Whether changing niche markets or adding a new niche, the same considerations of selecting your original niche or niches apply.

Should you decide to pursue a new niche, instead of looking at criteria such as location or type of home, why not consider the specific interests of your clients?

As a starting point, here is a list of niche markets from A to Z. 

Obviously this list is not complete...it is intended as a starting point.

Start by taking as broad a perspective as you possibly can.

For example, consider all athletes of any age and experience as well as everyone who has any kind of relationship with these people.

As you research a potential niche, you an narrow the niche to a more narrow focus, such as professional athletes or athletic trainers.

Athletes: what a broad range—from weekend warriors to seriously committed amateurs and the pros. Don't forget the multitude of coaches, trainers and miscellaneous other hangers on.

Boaters:These clients need water accessible properties. They would also like easy access to routes to navigable rivers, lakes and oceans.

Cooks: Once again a broad range, from executive chefs to owner/chefs and the multitude of others involved in the restaurant industry.

Doctors: Part of the absolutely huge number of other people involved in the health-care industry.

Educators: administrators, faculty, instructors, lecturers, support staff, teachers, teachers, and so on from all of the public, private, not-for-profit and non-government organizations.

First-time home owners: how many homes do typical home-owners buy in your market? This is a critical group to feed your client pipeline.

Gardening Enthusiasts: For many people the outside of their homes are just as important as the inside. This group offers huge networking potential.

Home-based business owners: Although often difficult to find, this a huge group. Studies show that approximately 75% of the adult population is either already running a home-based business or thinking of starting one.

Independent business owners: Essentially this group includes all of those millions of people who are self-employed, run their own businesses, or both.

Knowledge-workers: These are the researchers, writers, librarians, archivists and similar people who generate, distribute and store the information and knowledge that continues to grow and develop in today's world.

Lawyers: Another broad range of people..from judges and senior partners to students and support staff.

Motorcyclists: you tell me...what are the special needs of this group? And what qualifications do you need to serve them?

Number crunchers: accountants, bookkeepers, financial planners and their support staff.

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Another huge group with a broad range of interests...from astrology to local issues, from mapping to zoology. What do you love about the out doors?

Pet-Lovers: Different pets have different needs. What special knowledge do you have that will help pet-owners?

Quilters & Other Artisans or Hobbyists: Starting with the people who actual produce the works of art or craft, think about their suppliers, customers or simply fans who appreciate their works.

Religious Organizations: As long as you maintain the organization's goals and purposes as top priority, these groups represent ideal opportunities to meet new people.

Skiers: In addition to ski chalets, these people need easy access to routes to ski country.

Travel Professionals: These are the people who help us get to where we want to go...by land, sea or air. Remember that airlines, railroads and the seemingly recovering auto industry all have huge organizations behind the pilots captains and crews.

Urban renewal buyers and developers: As physical communities continue to age, more and more people will be looking for properties to renovate or simply raise and rebuild. A growing market.

Virtual Communities: There is no end to today's online communities. But if you want to connect with them, don't even think of going there without your own website.

Widows and Widowers: As the baby boomers continue to age this group will continue to increase

Xceptional People: Not everyone fits neatly into a clearly labeled category. Don't let these potential clients fall through the cracks...once you figure out how to attract them as clients they can be a rich source of new business.

Young Families: Like first-time home-buyers these clients have a huge lifetime value.

Zoologists: It takes a large number of people to look after zoos and their animals. If you love animals, this might be a good niche group to investigate.

Okay...now it's your turn: Which of these categories are the best niche markets for you?

What categories have I missed that are good niche markets for you?

To learn more about niche markets, see Target Markets.