Become an Expert in Your Field: Strategically Branding Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert By: Jackie Robinson

If you want to stand out from the competition at work or in your business industry, then you need to be seen as an expert in your field. Having a degree in a certain discipline or work for years in the same industry does not automatically deem you as an expert, however, they are extremely beneficial. You have to strategically brand yourself as such. No one will do this for you.  You have to take deliberate steps and actions to build your reputation as an expert. Just telling people that you’re an expert is not enough.  You need to demonstrate it.
 
Here are a few simple strategies to help you develop yourself as a subject matter expert.
 
Educate Yourself
 
First and foremost, make sure that you’re educated on what you’re doing. If you’re working in the marketing department of a company and you want to be seen as the go-to person on anything related to marketing, then you need to know what you’re talking about. Below are a few things you can do to educate and re-educate yourself, and position yourself as an expert in your field.

• Get a certification. Becoming certified in your profession is a good way to show yourself as an expert.  Getting certified requires a certain level of knowledge because it usually involves a structured process with includes some form or test or exam to test that knowledge. Passing the exam is an indicator that you know your stuff.
• Workshops and conferences. No matter what industry you are in, there will be local and non-local workshops and conferences related to your area of expertise. It is worth the investment to stay abreast of the latest trends, theories and practices in order for you to always be on top of your game. Try to attend at least 2 of these events per year.  Choose carefully to be sure that the content aligns with what you want to learn or expand on in your field. This is an investment that you should receive a return worth much more than your registration fee. But remember, you must actually use the tools you receive in order to reap that return on investment.
• Take an online course or online self-paced program. The traditional way of being educated has changed.  No longer do you have to enroll in a whole 2-year or 4-year degree program.  No longer do you have to commit to showing up to a physical class on specific dates or times. You can take a structured, online class in the comfort of your own home. You can also register for online professional development courses that are self-paced. These programs can be anywhere from 4-weeks to 6 weeks-long and you can complete them at your own pace.

 
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
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• Blog. Bloggers usually focus on one particular area of interest.  This is a subject that they are intimately interested in and know a lot about. A lot of people rely on bloggers to get information so blogging about your profession can show you as a reliable source.
• Write  a book. Authorship is an awesome way to flex your expertise. Think about all of the industry-related information that you have that is relevant, timely, and valuable that you can share in your book.  You can share your experiences and perspective along with your professional acumen.
• Get an article published. Research opportunities to submit articles to magazines (physical or online) that cater to your profession. If you don’t have the time or interest in writing a full book, this would be a fantastic alternative. You will have an opportunity to be amongst other professionals in your industry. The people who read these magazines trust that those featured in the magazine are experts and know what they are talking about.
• Radio Interviews. There are a ton of radio shows out there now, especially internet radio shows.  Research the different shows to determine which ones might be interested in your industry and your expertise.  Find out their process for interview request submissions and submit a request to be a guest on the show.
• Sign up for a TEDX talk. This is an awesome way to get out in front of people who are interested in your profession, area of expertise, interests or passions. There are local chapters in most states.  Attend one first to get a feel for it. If you feel like it’s the right platform for you, apply to give your own talk.
• Show up as an expert. When opportunity presents itself, show up as the professional that you are. Whether you have a speaking engagement, attend a networking event, participate in an open forum, join a group discussion, participate in meetings, you should be prepared to speak the language of your industry with confidence.  If the setting is appropriate and it makes sense, let your level of expertise show in what you contribute to the conversation, how you respond to comments, or what topics you speak about. The depth of your knowledge is also important. What information can you provide that the average person might not know? What can you offer that will enhance someone else’s level of knowledge?

 
People look to experts for the how-to, the tips, the processes, the templates. Motivational quotes are inspiring and very helpful but giving them alone does not show you as an expert.
 
By sharing your knowledge you’ll also build your confidence. Tell me one person that was ever seen as an expert that didn’t believe in themselves and what they were doing. Can you name one? Not likely! With knowledge comes confidence.
 
It’s one thing to talk about what you know, but it’s something else entirely to actually demonstrate it.
 
Be a Great Communicator
 
People have to understand what you can do and why you’re the best one to do it. This means that you have to understand and foresee the questions others may have about your area of business. You also need to be prepared to solve problems and offers solutions based on your expertise. Experts often communicate like consultants.  You have to not only know the right answers or information to give, you have to know the right questions to ask.

• Be proactive. Anticipate the needs of people or problems people might experience. Stay ahead of the game and share information that addresses those needs or problems via blog posts, interviews, webinars, etc.

 

• Communicate to empower. Use your communications skills to teach and empower your coworkers, clients, colleagues, and other audiences. Don’t just talk, ask questions. Communicate in a way that demonstrates a passion for teaching and inspiring others through knowledge. This way, you don’t come off as a “know it all” but rather, a person who is passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.

 
Always Act With Integrity
 
Don’t take credit for things you haven’t done. Name your sources if the information is not yours. Identify the source you got the statistics from or cite the passage or author you might take some information from.  This does not make you less than an expert.  Experts often quote other experts. Remember, we had to do this in high school and college English classes. It’s relevant in business too.
 
There will always be things an expert is not so good at or answers they may not know. No one knows everything, not even a person who is considered an expert. Don’t try to be an expert in areas you are not, yet.  

• Give others credit for a job well done. Wise leaders and the most incredible of experts don’t do everything themselves. They have a talented team around them who have the skills they themselves lack. A great leader and expert will give credit to their team for the work they do to help them do what they do.

 
By following these simple steps you’ll become the person with the answers. People will see you as the expert you are. You will be the source that others call on when it relates to your area of expertise.  What a great way to boost your career or grow your business!!

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