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No matter what kind of business you're in, you are an expert in
something. One powerful way to grow your business is to become
known for what you do best. Because experts are the go-to people
for services and products, establishing yourself as an expert
gives you an edge over the competition, generates interest from
prospects and builds loyalty with clients.
Following are strategies that you can use to elevate your expert
status.
ESTABLISH THE FOUNDATION
Own it: First, believe you are an expert. Second, claim it. Get
over any fears that you don't have all the answers because
nobody does. Give yourself the title of "XYZ Expert" or "XYZ
Specialist." When you believe it, others will too.
Leverage Credentials: If you have any special education or
certifications, you are already an expert. Make your credentials
known.
Develop Your Skills: Make it your quest to continue learning.
Stay on top of industry news and trends, read books, attend
trade events and continue to hone your skills.
Subscribe: Read all relevant news, trade journals and related
information for your industry so you're always in the know.
Promote: Write a bio that describes your expertise and publish
it on your website, business cards, and anywhere where you have
the opportunity to showcase your experience.
CREATE LOCAL VISIBILITY
Networking: Get to know other people in your community and build
relationships. Consider joining chambers of commerce, Business
Networking International (BNI) or other networking-focused
organizations.
Trade Associations: Take a leadership role in a related trade
association and watch your visibility grow.
Volunteer: Donate your time and expertise to a worthy cause. Not
only will you derive satisfaction from a good deed, but you can
gain valuable exposure and contacts.
Lead Meetings: Form a local group or association and conduct
regular meetings. Promote your group through Craigslist.org,
Meetup.com and community calendars.
Lead Change: If your industry requires some activism, get
involved in making positive changes.
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LEVERAGE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Consulting/Coaching: Consultants are naturally viewed as
experts. Provide one-on-one or group coaching services.
Write a Book: Becoming an author solidifies your status as an
expert and gives you credibility with the media. A book is one
of the best business cards you can have.
Develop Information Products: Ebooks, special reports,
workbooks, booklets, teleseminars and videos can provide
opportunities to showcase your expertise. Give them away for
marketing purposes or turn them into valuable revenue streams.
Teach: Teach classes about your subject at local colleges, adult
learning centers or online. You can also host workshops at your
place of business or a rented meeting room.
Speak: Whether you speak for free or for a fee, speakers are
considered experts. Start locally and then look for national
opportunities.
SPAN THE GLOBE
Pump up Your Website: Make sure your website reflects your
expert platform. Commit to developing the proper content along
with an online marketing strategy (search engine optimization,
pay-per-click ads, etc.).
Publish Articles: Write for trade newsletters, newspapers and
magazines for instant expert status. Take it a step further and
syndicate your own column.
Get Quoted: The media relies on experts to add credibility to
their stories. Work on building a publicity strategy in order to
get quoted in local and national news.
Publish a Newsletter: Covering news for your industry builds
credibility and an audience. An electronic newsletter can be an
affordable and effective tool for experts.
Form Strategic Alliances: Develop partnerships with others who
compliment what you do and who can help you expand your reach.
Survey: Conduct relevant surveys for your industry and publish
the results.
White Papers: Write and publish technical papers covering topics
related to your industry.
Form a Group: Host an online group through Yahoo, Google,
CollectiveX or another group site and develop a visible
leadership role.
Host a Show: Local radio and television stations could be the
launching ground for your new show. The Internet also provides
an excellent venue for hosting show. Search Google for "Internet
radio" to find dozens of hosting options (typically for a fee).
Social Networking: Create profiles on MySpace, LinkedIn.com,
FastPitchNetworking.com, Facebook.com and any other social
networking sites that appeal to your target audience. Take
advantage of opportunities to connect with others, participate
in groups, and spread the word about what you do.
Blog: Build an audience and get your voice heard by hosting an
interesting or controversial blog.
Stephanie Chandler may be contacted at
http://www.BusinessInfoGuide.com
Stephanie Chandler is a small business expert and the author of
FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, E-BOOKS
AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS. She is the founder of
www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for
entrepreneurs and www.ProPublishingServices.com, a custom
writing business specializing in electronic newsletters and
copywriting for websites and brochures. |
