On Being an Expert
I have a theory. I think there are two kinds of “experts”. One is a status you can strive to achieve, and one you’re born into.
Those of us in business online (and offline, too, I’m sure) are pressured to “become the expert” in our fields. Our marketing is designed to portray us as experts, as the “go to” person for what we do. We work hard to plant the seed of that idea in our target market’s mind and even harder to nurture and grow it.
Yet, at the same time, we battle the nay-sayer voice in our heads. The voice assures us we don’t know enough, we’re not good enough, others will see through our bravado (and it is bravado a lot of times…the ol’ “fake it til you make it” routine…) and tells us we’ll be exposed as the frauds we are.
Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines “expert” as:
expert: one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.
Doesn’t say anything about knowing everything
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November 2, 2009
at 6:27 pm
Sound thinking. It's also wise to remember that we get to choose the specific area of our expertise. I like it that when we choose narrowly enough we are the only choice there is. Doubts kind of vanish when you're the only one who offers what you offer in the way you deliver it.
November 4, 2009
at 10:37 pm
That's absolutely true, Tom. What each of us has to offer is uniquely different than what anyone else has to offer because we are uniquely different from each other and we are the ones offering it!
November 2, 2009
at 6:40 pm
My favorite definition of an "expert": Someone who knows a little bit more about something than everybody else in the room.
Kind of takes the pressure off …
Blessings,
Andrea
November 4, 2009
at 10:39 pm
You're exactly right, Andrea. We're each an 'expert' for someone on any number of topics!
November 3, 2009
at 2:47 pm
Wonderful post to read this morning Suzanne! You absoLUTEly are in my head this morning. Thank you! ~Genine
November 4, 2009
at 10:45 pm
Genine! Wonderful to hear from you!
November 4, 2009
at 3:04 pm
I am an advocate that if you know something more than the person you are teaching, then you are an expert to them. One problem is that when we KNOW something, we think that everyone knows it and we keep it to ourselves. In my coaching business I start from the basics with everyone and teach from there. Even experts need refreshment on the basics. That is why musicians practice the scales and rudiments daily.
Great article. Remember, we are all experts in a special way to someone else.
Frank Gasiorowski
"Mr90DayGoals"
http://www.90DayGoals.com
November 24, 2009
at 6:31 am
This really resonates with those of us who are just venturing out on our own in business. With every new client comes the fear that you will not meet their expectation of being the expert that they believe that you should be in order to earn thrir business.
December 21, 2009
at 9:02 am
I start from the basics with everyone and teach from there. Even experts need refreshment on the basics.
November 19, 2010
at 10:25 am
I think as a rule, don't trust anyone who calls themselves an expert. I think it's a title which has to be awarded on someone, not by someone on themselves.
In most walks of life "Dr" or "Professor" gives far more confidence in someone's ability, as they are qualifications which have to be earned.
I'd also add that if someone feels "pressured to become an expert", then they are probably in the wrong job – learning should always be a pleasure.