As a new business owner, I’m working hard to define the niche that will help me make an actual living. As a writer, I could venture down a multitude of paths that lead to income. Here’s a sampling of what pavements I’ve been pounding.

• Corporate copywriting and marketing: This involves writing brochures, marketing emails, flyers, tools for salespeople. It’s lucrative, but I don’t really know how to get into the major markets.
  Income potential A+
  Beth’s interest in putting forth the effort C-
• Association copywriting and marketing: Focusing on writing material such as conference brochures, new member letters, monthly eNewsletters for professional associations. This market is not quite as lucrative as the corporate arena, but it’s an area I know and love.
  Income potential B
  Beth’s interest in putting forth the effort A
• Copywriting for vendors in the association arena: specializing in writing material that will help vendors who market to associations. I did this daily with my former company, and it makes sense for me to continue. Plus I get to keep working in the association area.
  Income potential B+
  Beth’s interest for putting forth the effort A
• Freelance journalism: Writing articles and columns for magazines, newspapers, etc. Throughout the years, I’ve always moonlighted (moonlit?) as a journalist on the side, my last gig being a food critic for Philadelphia Style magazine. Mmmm. I just hate to see my Master’s in journalism go completely to waste.
  Income potential D+
  Beth’s interest in putting forth the effort B+
• Blogging: Umm. This. I’m having a blast documenting my new business ups and downs. But how do I figure out how to make a living this way?
  Income potential D+
  Beth’s interest in putting forth the effort A+
• Technical writing: Involves writing software manuals, technical documents, etc. I actually like the work, but it doesn’t pay much.
  Income potential C-
  Beth’s interest in putting forth the effort C+