I was recently a guest on Howie’s Content Corner hosted by Les Fultz. As we were talking he said something that sparked the idea to write about “how to get caught” being an expert. Because that is goal of all of this “content” we are creating: To “get caught” being an expert through the actions that we take so we can find more clients.

Here are few things that crossed my mind as I thought more about this idea of “getting caught” and how you can use it to build your brand:

1. Create a hub for your expertise and ideas. You need a place to keep your stuff. A place to call your own. A place where you can be who you are. Perhaps it’s a blog, community web site, ezine, Pinterest Board or You Tube channel. Whatever “it” is, it’s a place to give your ideas, point of view, thoughts and opinions, tips and resources a place to reside and invite people to for a visit. Tend to your “hub” by keeping things fresh and interesting so visitors want to return again and share it with others.
2. Be Yourself. Seriously. Don’t copycat other people and don’t fabricate a personality. It’s perfectly fine to take inspiration from others, but stay away from sounding and acting like someone else, even your coach or mentor. When you share your point of view and what you stand for, you will naturally stand out because you won’t look or sound like anyone else.
3. Seek the spotlight. Sound self-centered? Not when you look at it like this: If you are the best kept secret, how can you practice your work often enough to retain authentic expert status? Right now, people are searching for your expertise, right? If you don’t step into the spotlight, they can’t see you because you are in the dark. That means they may never find you and get the resolution you provide. That’s not very service-minded, is it?
4. Share the spotlight. Leaders and experts shine the spotlight on others. Even others who do similar work as you. Be seen as the gateway to the best information on your topic.
5. Lighten Up. People are comfortable around people who do good work but don’t take themselves too seriously. Get caught being an expert by sharing various facets of yourself with others. Share your interests and thoughts so you aren’t seen as just a “fact-spitting machine.” People are inspired by others who let them in.
6. Don’t ever cross the finish line. There is not a finish line for expertise. Expertise is a habit and a practice that is ongoing. Nobody was born an expert. Expertise is created. Never stop learning. Get caught being an expert by attending workshops, trade shows, classes, reading book by other experts in your field and so forth.
7. Know where your expertise ends. Nobody knows it all. Stay in your lane and figure out how to get the rest handled either by hiring staff, finding an intern or asking for help. The more you focus on your expertise, the more you’ll learn about it, help others and grow as a person.

 

© 2015 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing