By Jack Perry
No matter what profession or industry you’re in, chances are that you are merely a commodity. That’s right. Your prospects and clients can likely get what you offer from somewhere else. And if you think about it, you can probably get everything you have, within reason, from somewhere else, also. Unfortunately, that’s just the way the unique American market works. As a result, price and convenience are factors in most buying decisions.
However, you can choose to set yourself apart from your competitors by becoming known for a specific expertise within your field or profession. Researchers have established the following steps to achieving expertise status:
1. Novice
2. Advanced Beginner
3. Competent
4. Proficient
5. Expert
Unfortunately, most people never get any further than “competent” status. For whatever reason, they don’t have the desire or motivation to truly become an expert, and they get lost in the crowd. Therefore, you can establish an edge simply by taking the last two steps.
How can you make the jump from competence to expertise? Use the following nine techniques to reach this stature in your profession.
1. Make a Decision to Be an Expert
If you really want to rise to the next level in your career, then you must commit to becoming an expert in your field. Yes, it takes extra effort and perseverance to improve, but the results are worth it. If you’re not sure whether you can devote the time, energy and resources to achieve expert status, then maybe you don’t really want it enough. After all, if becoming an expert were easy, then everyone would be one.
2. Specialize Within Your Chosen Field
The next step to becoming an expert is choosing a niche within your chosen field. While being a generalist is not necessarily a problem, specializing allows you to stand out from the crowd and not be a commodity.
Take time to find a career where you have a passion for opportunity; otherwise you won’t enjoy being a part of it. If your career is in sales, you might find that the best part of your job is listening to the needs of your clients and prospects. In this case, you might decide to become a listening expert, so you can help others in the sales profession enjoy it as much as you do. Whatever specialization you choose, make sure you love it.
3. Find Other Experts
While expertise comes from personal commitment, few people can actually become an expert on their own. You need to identify and communicate with other experts in your field so you can understand exactly what this level of expertise entails. Look in journals, industry publications, and universities to find these experts, and ask your colleagues and peers who they are.
Once you find the experts, ask for their advice and guidance. Keep in mind that these people want to talk and spread the word, and they will likely feel complimented by your request for help. Ask for general advice, what they would do differently, and also how you can help them. Remember, what goes around comes around, so send other people their way in the future. Also ask them to introduce you to other experts, because the people at this level can lead you to more experts who can help you on your journey.
4. Participate in Continued Education
Education comes in many forms, and you want all you can get. School is never out for the professional. Always participate in continuing education by reading, attending classes, going to seminars, and hiring coaches. What you know today won’t be the same information you will need to know tomorrow. So always think about what you already know, what you don’t know, what the experts know, and what you need to know to maintain or sharpen your skill level.
5. Mentor Other People
Everyone knows you can benefit greatly from being mentored by experts, but you might not realize that you can also build your own skills by mentoring others. Just by guiding and advising other people in your industry, you will enhance your own skills and confidence. Mentoring other people also allows you to give back to the system, which is important because other experts have helped you in your journey.
6. Teach Classes
Teaching in a high school or university is mentoring, only on a larger scale. It allows you to spread your views to many people at one time, and provides an open forum for feedback and questions. Plus, teaching indicates to the world that you are an expert in your field.
7. Spread the Word
If you want to become known as an expert, then you need to be a resource on your subject. You can speak publicly, which builds confidence and allows for direct feedback and questions. When you speak publicly, more people can challenge your ideas, which will further your resolve. And you can spread your word throughout the world.
Publishing articles and books provides similar benefits and opportunities as speaking. When you write, you put your information on permanent record and it becomes even more definitive.
8. Challenge Current Thinking
Challenging the current thinking in your field makes for good conversation and helps you stand out from the crowd. Although challenging the norm can be controversial and you won’t always win, you will gain conviction in your thoughts and you will help others understand where you come from. Besides, experts don’t rehash old information or ideas. They bring their own new views to the public. So research new trends in your field, talk to your clients, and conduct your own studies and surveys.
9. Expand Your Sphere of Influence
Experts always stay involved in their industries by joining trade organizations and associations. These involvements give you the opportunity to interact with your peers and other people who are working for the good of the industry. This interaction not only feels good, but it also expands your sphere of influence.
Your Expert Status Awaits
An expert status has many benefits. People will come to you for advice, and customers and prospects will trust your opinions and recommendations, which can lead to new business and referrals. At this level, you can choose the clients you work with and get rid of those you don’t trust, like, or respect. Your circle of influence will expand, and your brand and reputation will be enhanced. Perhaps most important, you will go from just being a source to being the preferred source that everyone has to have.
When you choose to use these nine techniques, you will move from mere competency to proficiency or even expertise. You will put yourself on the cutting edge, which means more choices for earnings, public recognition, and opportunities for helping the world by advancing your personal knowledge.
Expert from The Respect Factor® Series
THE RESPECT FACTOR® is a trademark of Jack Perry in the United States and other countries. Used with permission. ©2009 Jack Perry. All rights reserved.
Comments