I see two ways of going about this post, the first being about a content creator around the topic of polymathy. The second being the polymathic approach to content creation, which gives me that omnichannel ability while being a solopreneur.
Both topics are key to this "Journey to Polymathy" newsletter post, and I figured it would be wise to touch on them both.
Why "Polymath" as a Niche? (or Meta-Niche)
I grew up discovering my multidisciplinary lifestyle quite naturally. Whether it was my entrepreneurial ventures, my 6 roles at once at my place of employment, or my love for my hero Leonardo Da Vinci.
When it came time to create my personal brand, the idea of being someone of many trades was already in my mind. I didn't see PolyInnovator, as just one topic, or my sub-niche.
Rather it was the foundation for all of the phases/sub-niches to come over the course of my life. Hence the idea of a "Meta-Niche", and encompassing it all like an umbrella.
How does it relate to Content Creation?
As a content creator you need to be everywhere. I don't care what people say about niching down, or focus on one platform. That is only true for a short window in your creator journey.
Yes you do need to get better, and learn the platforms. Making a 100 posts will do that, so the quicker you make a 100 videos, blogs, or podcasts (whichever). Then the quicker you'll level up. However there is another stage of content creator, and that is the expansion stage. Where you go from just making blogs, to then making the other two kinds of content. Then you have all three under your belt, and you start making microcontent to share across all platforms.
This takes the form of an octopus like approach, an omnichannel mindset, and really a polymathic skillset at this point.
What is a polymath?
Someone with 3 or more expert level knowledge, and a insatiable curiosity. A simple definition, but suitable for this post today. Here is a deeper look, if you so choose:
Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator
What is a Polymath Content Creator?
When you first start out on your multidisciplinary life, then you would be considered something like a jack of all trades or multipotentialite.
As you get better and better at a few areas, then you might become more of a generalist level. Then eventually when your knowledge areas get deep enough, that of a specialist in each one, then you would be considered a polymath.
Therefore I think it is a good analogy for a polymath content creator. When you first start creating, you are akin to a jack of all trades. Putting your hands in as many cookie jars (platforms) as possible, so that you can get the feeling of each place. You find what works for you, and perhaps the content type that works for you. From there you focus down a bit more, maybe in a few topics or one, but in a few platforms at least.
After you gain the experience from both the wide reaching exploration, and the deeper putting in the reps stage, then you spread back out. Having more confidence, and more importantly SKILLS to back it up.
Where do I go from here?
While Polymathy is not going away, and in fact far from it. I'm only doubling down on this newsletter for example.
There will be a shift, from just Polymathy as my main niche, to the idea of "Knowledge Management for Polymaths".
One common issue I've seen across the board, is the difficulty of organizing one's polymathic lifestyle. No matter how far along the person is, and so I created a system called the PIOS for people like us. Now it will certainly work for anyone, even specialists, but I made it with Polymaths in mind.
Adaptable to new interests, structured enough to keep you disciplined, and really just a modern approach to knowledge management.
Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator
