Are You the Expert?

I am a huge fan of the Animal Planet program Dog Whisperer.  I love how Caesar can take any dog, and just “fix” her so she does what the owners want.  Caesar has established himself the expert – the dog whisperer! It is a reputation that he worked hard for many years to establish, but what dog-owner would not love to spend a little quality time learning some tricks and tips from him?

It can be exactly the same with what you do.  No matter what your profession, if you can establish yourself as an expert in your field you are going to just be more successful.  Experts or perceived experts always get more business and make more money.  You didn’t think Caesar works his magic on those little pooches for free did you?

So how do you to be the perceived expert?  Well first of all, make sure you know as much as you can about your chosen profession.  Get all the certification and education you can to do what you job well.  Read, read, read, and become the subject matter expert.  Don’t try to sell yourself as the expert if you really are just flying by the seat of your pants!  Be the best you can be!

Next you need to establish your expert status.  Write articles, blogs and newsletters, give seminars, lead groups, do round table events.  Research the kinds of problems your prospective customers have, and then become the solution.  Get yourself in front of people and answer questions and show them that you are their solution.

Establishing your expert status takes time and energy, but it is very rewarding.   Once people know that you have the solutions they need, they will begin to look to you for help.  If you treat people well, and give solid solutions to problems, your reputation will spread and people you don’t know yet will begin to call you.  That is when you know that you have established your reputation as an expert.