The Power (and Challenge) of Being Multifaceted in Business
I’ve always loved teaching piano and theory—so much so that it’s been my full-time job in my own teaching studio for over 25 years. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just teaching piano; I was helping students with composition, recording, and even setting up their own home studios. Naturally, this got me thinking: Could I branch out my services beyond lessons?
You might think this should have been the first blog in this series—the moment I decided to launch Up Tempo Publishing. But this post belongs right here: at the point where I started to see both the opportunities and the challenges of expanding my business.
The Appeal of Being Multifaceted
One of the best things about running your own business is the freedom to explore multiple passions. In my case, piano and theory lessons can include the exploration of composing, publishing, recording, and studio work as well. These skills complement each other and allow me to provide a richer educational experience for those of my students who are interested. Many entrepreneurs and creatives find themselves in the same boat—offering multiple services not just because they can, but because they’re passionate about the new services they wish to provide, and it makes business sense.
From a business perspective, being multifaceted can be a smart move. It creates more opportunities, diversifies income, and helps keep things fresh and exciting. But there’s a catch: Marketing multiple ideas to the same audience is incredibly difficult.
The Marketing Challenge: Clarity vs. Complexity
While having multiple skills and services opens doors, many marketing experts warn against trying to sell too many things at once. And honestly, they’re not entirely wrong. The challenge isn’t that people can’t understand multiple ideas—it’s that advertising and communication thrive on simplicity.
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all bombarded with choices, and businesses have only seconds to grab attention. If a message is too complex, it gets lost.
So, how do you take advantage of running a multifaceted business without making it harder to market? Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and possible strategies for positioning multiple services under one brand without confusing customers.
Why Being Multifaceted Can Work
Even though niche marketing is often recommended, there are undeniable benefits to offering multiple, complementary services:
1. More Revenue Streams
The more ways you can help people, the more opportunities you have to generate income.
- A music teacher who also composes and publishes educational resources has multiple ways to earn.
- A web designer who also offers branding services can work with clients beyond just websites.
By diversifying, you create financial stability and open more doors.
2. Increased Value for Customers
Offering complementary services enhances the customer experience.
- If I teach piano and create educational books, I can offer resources tailored to my students’ needs.
- A fitness coach who also provides nutrition guidance helps clients reach their goals more holistically.
Customers appreciate businesses that make their lives easier by offering value-added services.
3. Professional Growth and Business Longevity
Industries evolve. Having multiple skills makes you more adaptable.
- If one aspect of your business slows down, another may pick up.
- Learning and applying new skills keeps your business dynamic and competitive.
But if being multifaceted creates more opportunities, why do so many experts caution against it?
The Marketing Hurdle: Why Selling Multiple Services is Hard
1. People Are Overloaded With Information
Customers decide within seconds if something interests them. If a message isn’t clear and focused, they move on.
2. Each Service Appeals to a Different Audience
- Someone looking for piano lessons might not care about buying sheet music.
- A business owner looking for branding might not need social media management.
3. Marketing Thrives on Simplicity
If your messaging is scattered, people won’t engage. That’s why successful businesses with multiple services use strategies to keep their marketing clear and effective.
How to Market a Multifaceted Business Successfully
If you want to offer multiple services without overwhelming your audience, consider these strategies:
1. Separate Services Into Sub-Brands or Categories
Rather than marketing everything under one umbrella, create distinct divisions.
- My teaching studio, Bach to Basics Music, and my publishing company, Up Tempo Publishing, are connected but separate.
- Each has its own branding, messaging and website, making it easier for customers to understand what I offer.
2. Use Different Marketing Channels for Each Service
Not every service needs to be promoted in the same place.
- My piano lessons and publishing company operate as two divisions under Bach to Basics Inc.
- This allows targeted marketing while still allowing cross-promotion where it makes sense.
3. Guide Customers From One Service to Another
Rather than trying to sell everything at once, introduce services naturally.
- A student taking piano lessons might later become interested in my published music books.
- A web designer can start by offering websites and later introduce branding services.
4. Keep the Core Brand Identity Consistent
Even with multiple services, your brand should feel unified.
- Whether I’m marketing lessons or music resources, the tone, visuals, and values remain consistent.
- This keeps customers from feeling like they’re dealing with completely separate businesses.
5. Don’t Overload Marketing Messages
Focus on one service per ad, landing page, or campaign.
- If I’m running an ad for piano lessons, I don’t cram in information about publishing.
- If I’m promoting music resources, I target those specifically interested in that.
This prevents customer confusion and makes it easier for them to take action.
The Reality: How This Plays Out in My Business
Once people engage with one service, they often discover my other offerings naturally.
- Students who start with piano lessons often explore composition, recording, and music production.
- The business benefits from multiple income streams, and students benefit from a more enriching experience.
This shows that a multifaceted approach can work—as long as services are introduced strategically rather than all at once.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Balance Between Opportunity and Clarity
Being multifaceted is an advantage—it creates new opportunities, diversifies income, and provides more value to customers. However, marketing multiple services at once presents challenges:
- People need clarity, not confusion.
- Each service appeals to a different audience.
- Marketing platforms favour short, simple messages.
The key isn’t to limit yourself—it’s to position your services strategically so they work together, not against each other.
- Separate different services.
- Use targeted marketing channels.
- Guide customers naturally from one service to another.
- Keep branding consistent.
- Simplify messaging to avoid overwhelming customers.
It’s a balancing act, and I’m still experimenting to see what works best. But if I can get it right, being multifaceted won’t just be a challenge—it’ll be one of my biggest strengths.
