How to Be Creative & Make Yourself an Expert in Your Field

Offering your services as a speaker is one way to market yourself as an expert.

Becoming an expert in your field isn't as hard as it may initially seem. Although it will require diligence and perseverance, the rewards of being considered "an expert" far outweigh temporary inconveniences. If you have a thirst for knowledge, are committed to invest the time required, and are willing to use the creative resources at your disposal, soon you will be well on your way to being an expert in your field.

Instructions

Prepare Diligently

1. Read every book, blog and article that you can find on your chosen industry. The more information you gain, the more knowledgeable you become.

2. If you do not have a degree in your industry, consider going back to school.

3. Apply for all necessary licenses and certifications in your industry.

4. Read biographies of people who became experts in your industry so you can learn the inside story. You can learn from their mistakes and build on their successes.

5. Find local experts in your industry and ask them to mentor you.

6. Join professional associations for your industry. Attend monthly meetings, seminars, luncheons, etc., where information will be shared.

7. Practice to the point of perfection. According to Malcolm Gladwell, in "Outliers: The Story of Success," what elevates the experts and superstars is the 10,000 hour rule. If you practice, or study, anything for 10,000 hours, you will become an expert in this area.

8. If you do not have good communication skills, invest in classes, or online tools, to improve both your verbal and written communication.

Market Creatively

1. Offer to speak at small gatherings, like neighborhood associations meetings, or nursing homes.

2. When there are conventions and conferences in your city, offer to set up and staff booths on your subject matter.

3. As you become a more polished speaker, offer your services at larger events as either a speaker or member of a panel. Bloomberg Businessweek states that when you do this, "you automatically, by perception alone, become a trusted authority." Also, you've already joined several professional associations: ask to speak at some of their functions.

4. Patrick Schwerdtfeger of the National Business Organization suggests that you, "contribute to blogs or forums, or start a blog of your own."

5. Contact local TV and radio stations, and offer to do segments on their shows. For example, if you're in the medical industry, offer free medical tips; if you're a lawyer, give free legal advice. Contact local newspapers and magazines, and offer to write free industry-related articles for them.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a record of everything that you've done: blogs, speaking engagements, etc., and add this information to your biography. Remember that the public's perception of an expert is usually based on how much public exposure the individual has received. Also, although you are starting out offering your services for free, once you build a credible resume you'll begin to receive monetary offers.

References

• Outliers: The Story of Success; Malcolm Gladwell; 2008
• Bloomberg Businessweek: Become an Expert in Your Field; 2010
• National Business Organization: Become A Recognized Expert In Your Field; Patrick Schwerdtfeger; 2007