8 Ways to Gain Expert Recognition

April 28, 2009

Dare to be Magnificent - 8 Ways to Gain Expert Recognition

No matter what business you are in, it always helps to be seen as an expert. If you were calling someone to fix a drain or sell your house, you would definitely approach the person you believed to be the most credible and reputable in that field.  Why? Because to become an expert takes hard work and experience. It involves study and possessing great skills. It demands high standards of work and ethics. 

So are YOU seen as an expert in your field? Are you ready to put in the hard work to get there? And even after all this effort, are you sure you will you be perceived as an expert by others?  If you feel you’ve earned the mantle of expert but are not recognized as one - or if you are sure you have the right stuff, but don’t know where to begin, here are eight ways to start establishing your reputation. 

1. Publish a series of reports or articles or an ebook
The internet has made publishing much easier. You can now create an ebook that can be downloaded without having to involve a publisher; or you can publish hard copies of your books yourself on self-publishing systems, like LULU (http://www.lulu.com/). A faster way to get your name out there is to publish online articles. There are countless ezine owners always looking for good quality articles and reports for their ezines. Publishing these on shared servers, such as http://www.ezinearticles.com/ or http://www.goarticles.com/ is a great venue for any budding expert. A well-written book or series of articles will quickly establish your reputation as a sought-after expert in your field and will go far to increase your searchability as well!  

2. Publish a newsletter
It is very easy to set up a monthly or weekly newsletter on the web and distribute it to your customers. This is an excellent way to regularly keep your name in front of your prospects as an authority on your subject. You can get a free trial of newsletter softwares at http://www.icontact.com/ and http://www.constantcontact.com/ - as well as http://www.aweber.com/ and countless others. Try them all! Have fun! But remember, with newsletters, sometimes less is more. Be sure to have valuable, Daring content! Mention The Daring in your own ezine, let us know and we’ll be happy to send you a small gift!

 3. Write press releases 
Used correctly these can gain you a lot of positive publicity. Make sure the press release looks like newsworthy information and not like an advertisement.  There are countless avenues for free press release distribution online, but don’t forget the value of good old print media! Choose three or four publications and find out their editor - after sending a few PR’s, don’t be surprised if you strike up unexpected relationships with the editorial staff of your favorite newspapers and magazines. 

4. Create a website
No one in today’s world should be without a website. You can set up a user-friendly site that will appeal to customers and expand the reach of both your reputation and your services. Keep it timely and informative and people will continue to return to your site - you can also increase traffic by writing a cost-free blog on http://www.blogger.com/. Remember to mention your site in your email signature AND all of your online publications and articles as well. If you don’t know how to set up a website, there are plenty of web designers who do. You can find some inexpensive female entrepreneurs who do this for a living at http://www.ivaa.org/. Alternatively, enquire at a college that teaches web design. Some students there might want to build a portfolio.

 5. Join associations
If you are a member of an association it will enhance your credibility. But don’t just be a member; be an active member. This will build your reputation among your peers and lead to useful introductions. Membership can have many benefits, and it will certainly keep you up to date in your field. Remember, introducing yourself to the membership is VITAL. Don’t miss that rare opportunity as a newbie to shake a few hands and say hello to all involved. 

6. Networking 

You can boost your reputation and influence by speaking to the right people. This can be done in person, in your community, or “virtually” anywhere. Online social networks are everywhere. Use these to keep your name in front of your prospects. You can also organize mutually beneficial ventures. You cannot predict what may come from a contact so make as many as you can. 

7. Public Speaking
Even speaking to a local group of people can establish you as an expert in your field and get you referrals that will lead to a wider audience. If you’re not sure you can speak in public, preparation and rehearsal are the keys to success. You can also attend a few meetings at your neighborhood Toastmasters association (see http://www.toastmasters.com/ for local schedules and contacts). This organization exists for the sole purpose of teaching and inspiring public speaking in ALL people, no matter what your skill level is. Finally, wherever you make your speeches, be sure that your presentation is aimed at the right level, follows a sensible sequence and will not sound like a dry monologue. Write your main points on small cards so you are not relying solely on your memory and start in front of a small audience. 

8. Teach workshops or seminars 
Last but not least, if you have knowledge that people would like to tap into, you can pass on your expertise to peers, not just clients. If your presentation is well planned, you will be seen as an authority in your subject. You will also meet people who are likely to recommend you to others. If you are teaching a hot topic you will also be gaining a useful income stream. 

Any of these methods will start building your reputation as an expert. Use them all correctly, and you will gain the sort of reputation that will have potential clients approaching you without having to seek them out.

Dare to Promote Yourself - Promoting Yourself is a State of Mind!

Posted by Francine | Filed Under Blog, Featured Article 

Comments

One Response to “8 Ways to Gain Expert Recognition”

  1. Marilyn Edelson on June 18th, 2009 8:41 am

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