Take the Next Big Step! You're the Expert!

Being an expert in your field makes you the go-to person for your industry. Take a minute and list three people whom you consider to be experts. Think about why you ask their advice:

* They know their stuff.
* They are not trying to sell anything.
* They just want to be helpful.
* They can be trusted.

Now apply those four points to yourself:

* What are you considered "best" at?
* Do you believe it is more fulfilling to share knowledge than push sales?
* Is it important to you to help others?
* Would you rather spend time being a resource or doing cold calling?

Four out of four and you are ready to focus on your strengths and become an expert.

Who Knows What You Know?

The most important part about becoming known as an expert, of course, is that you know a lot about whatever it is that you do. That could be health care, public relations, HR, writing - whatever it is, that you have learned from years of schooling or real-world practice, or both. Now you are ready make your expertise available often enough and long enough that others see you and use you as an expert resource.

Get It In Writing

Do not panic because you are not a writer and do not know where to begin. You know everything you need to know about your products and services and what is going on in your industry. It's time to put together your own expert packaging.

* List three areas that represent your strengths.
* List twenty experts in each of these areas. It may seem like a lot but this research will be invaluable in knowing how people seek out the help they need. Learn to do by doing.
* Considering the list you've made, write a personal benefit statement based on how you are similar, better or more unique than the resource people you have compiled.

You have completed the hardest part. Now, put together a booklet that contains information that you can share. Include your industry list of experts. Now add to that an industry contact list. When people seek out your expertise, give them more than they expect. Share your industry list of experts. Wow them with a list of media contacts, newspapers and their contact people. Knowing who writes about your area is the first step in getting your name out there as an expert.

You're the Expert: In Public Speak Up and Speak Out

There is no point in waiting for the public to come to you. Get yourself out there in person. You should already be attending industry conferences, trade shows and user group meetings, and you should make sure to assert yourself as a knowledgeable voice in the community while at those events.

* Formal speaking engagements - Be ready to say yes when asked to speak, whether it is paid or as a volunteer for panels, industry updates or event wrap ups and summaries after annual meetings or events. All of these will help grow your personal brand as an expert. Of course, you never stop networking and sharing your expertise with other attendees. You've got to stand up in order to stand out.
* Consulting: Offering consulting services can help you establish yourself among industry insiders as someone who knows their stuff. Even unpaid coaching for non-profit or community groups establishes your good will and your good name.Conferences and Events: Every industry has conferences, trade shows, and other events at which other experts in the industry gather to share their knowledge. Contribute in a well-thought out, well-prepared manner. Experts never wing it!

You're the Expert: In the Media

As you build your reputation, make sure to follow through with expert media coverage. Newspapers are interested in industry news and you can position yourself as an expert by providing pre-event or post-event summary, highlights and contact information. Journalists and editors will seek you out when they can trust the accuracy of your facts. In turn, this could lead to a guest or regular column and possibly interviews on video, radio and TV. Continually send information to public media and, at the same time, always be an information resource for your own industry publications. Over time your reputation will be your best referral.

You're the Expert: Online

In today's marketplace, you cannot claim to be an expert if you haven't developed an online presence. Whether it`s through an industry Blog, or by publishing articles on your website or with a stand-alone own ezine, you must let the world know who you are, what you do and what problems you can solve. Social networking is revolutionizing online contacts. Make sure you are one of the recognized experts.

You're the Expert: Keep Learning

When you're goal is to be recognized as an expert you need to always keep learning and to constantly share your expertise. Start by focusing on a particular aspect that reflects your expertises. Then, no matter how much you know, realize that content and ideas are always changing. Be ready to broaden your horizons. Move with the changing times. Stay on top of the latest updates and always be prepared to share. You're the expert!

Thanks you for tapping in to, "Take the Next Big Step! You're the Expert!"