In a world of instant connectivity and global platforms, it has never been easier for people to take control of their own success and drive it forward. From freelancers with a big idea to large businesses employing staff and startup businesses; anyone with passion and drive now has access to the tools that can create success. But, for many businesses, success is often measured by how knowledgeable and experienced they are perceived to be. This is why it is now super-important to be considered an expert in your field if you want your business to stand out from the competition.
So, how do you go about crafting a credible reputation as someone who really knows what you are talking about?
Knowing your Field of Expertise
That’s right, actually knowing your stuff is key. There are no shortcuts with getting to this point. You just really have to get out there, learn it, experience it, and know it. If you want your potential clients or customers to believe you, then it is essential that you understand what you’re talking about.
Study all aspects of your field, follow your competition, learn what works and what doesn’t work in your industry and apply it to real-world situations. Stay up to date with industry trends so that you can speak with confidence.
Find your niche
Learning everything about your industry can be an overwhelming task, so narrow it down by finding your niche. Working with a smaller group of potential sales leads might sound counterproductive to business, but it actually enables you to cater to your audience in a much more effective way.
Think of it this way—you could spread yourself thin by marketing to everyone and everything, or you could condense your efforts into targeting a select group that you know is more likely to respond to your campaign.
Produce Relevant Content to Get Found
Once you have identified your niche, appeal to the relevant audience by creating content targeted directly at problems they might be experiencing. By offering up advice or tips on how to deal with specific issues, you will establish yourself as someone who is able to help.
You could set up a masterclass, like PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu, who shares his poker-playing skills to reinforce his standing in the poker community. Or you could write a book, like former The Apprentice star Richard Woods, who has written several bestsellers since his stint on the show and is now considered a digital marketing guru.
Become a Speaker in Your Field of Expertise
There is no better way to get people to listen to you than by getting a microphone and standing on a stage in front of a captive audience. Find out about networking events near you and ask for the opportunity to speak about a subject that you know a lot about.
Make sure that you address a problem within the industry and how you go about solving it. You will be surprised by how many leads this can generate for your business!
Build associations
A great way to take your game to the next level is by surrounding yourself with people who are more successful than you. Build relationships with leaders in your field and network with them as often as you can. Demonstrate trust to your customers by featuring their endorsements of your business on your website and marketing materials—with their permission, of course!
But you don’t have to focus only on established leaders. Find out the ones to watch in your field and work with them to help them achieve their goals. By mentoring someone, you will, in turn, get a better understanding of where you fit into the industry.
So, there you have it. Do you have what it takes to push yourself to the next level?