7 Ways To Establish Yourself As An Expert

What do you do when you are just starting out in your chosen career and you want to be seen as an expert in your field but you have just a hair above entry level knowledge? Don’t fret, if you follow these tips you will be well on your way to becoming the one that others will flock to for your expertise.

1. Learn, learn and learn so more. I can’t stress this enough. You can take classes, read up on your subject matter, attend seminars, find a mentor or practice your skills hands on but never stop learning about your business.

2. Share your knowledge. Write well researched articles about your subject matter and post them in online article directories.

3. Build credibility. Post helpful answers to questions relating to your field on discussion groups like Internet.com. Whatever you do, do not self serve with full blown ads soliciting your wares. You should, however, include your web url in your signature.

4. Put yourself out there. Pursue speaking engagements offering to give free seminars and “How To” clinics at local libraries and small businesses. Remember to be prepared and professional. Just as I mentioned in tip #3, do not bombard your listeners with high pressure or endless ads during your speech. Provide quality information that is useful to the group you are presenting to. Have brochures and marketing materials available for them to take if they wish. If you need help in this area I suggest you look into joining your local Toastmasters group. You will not only gain tips and practice in speaking but you will be networking with others.

5. Join a committee in your area of interest and network, network, network. Refer to tips #3 and #4 regarding self serving. There is a Chinese proverb that states “A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.” Listen when others speak, there is much knowledge and experience in their words.

6. Become a resource for media. Offer interviews and articles to local newspapers, town newsletters and radio stations. You never know, you could gain a regular column in your local newspaper providing helpful tips or maybe even a 15 minute spot once a week on a local radio show called “Ask the ____________.” If you can’t break into big time radio or newspapers look into colleges. Some of them have their own radio station.

7. Create a professional looking website with excellent content. Remember, less is more if the content is good.