I consider Niche Marketing or Market Segmentation a key element to any business and/or business plan. Failure to analayze your target market into specific niches or market segments will inevitably mean that you end up marketing and promoting your product in less than the most efficient manner.
For those who have a business and how are not familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of niche marketing should look to get some basic education on the subject even if they are looking to hire a consultant to work with. I follow leaders and Stephen Pierce is a world leader in internet marketing and business strategies. Take a look at http://www.winningintheniche.com/ which is an excellent resource to give one a solid foundation on the benefit of niche marketing.
Stephen C Campbell