On Being an Expert – Which Direction Are You Facing?
Since the definition of being an expert doesn’t say anything about knowing everything, how do you know if you’re an expert, or not?
In part one, Andrea said her favorite definition of being an expert was being someone who knows a little more about something than everyone else in the room.
I agree. Expert status is relative.
This is HUGE, folks. Particularly in terms of determining your target market. Whatever you do, there is a group of people who would consider you to be an expert. Yes you. Who you are – what you know – right now: an expert.
For all of us, for any given topic or activity, there are people ahead of us on the path, and people behind us on the path. There are always people who know more or are more skilled than we are. And there are always people who know less or are less skilled than we are.
You are an expert to those behind you. You are a member of the target market for those ahead of you on the path. So, when it comes to you being an expert, it depends on which direction you’re facing.
Turn to those on the path behind you and you’ll find people who’ll value you and what you have to offer. You’ll be able to help them solve problems with your knowledge and experience and they’ll pay you for it.
And it’s not that those ahead of you on the path don’t value you – they do, but for different reasons. To them, you are someone for whom they can solve problems with their knowledge and experience and you’ll likely be happy to pay them for it.
The bonus, if you’re facing the right group, is confidence. So, even if you’re just starting out, you can start out with confidence if you choose the right group to market your products or services to.
Remember – you don’t have to be (and really can’t be) the expert for everybody. But for your right people? You can be a hero.
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November 19, 2009
at 2:25 pm
That's a really good outlook, Suzanne. I've recently started teaching poetry, with a bit of trepidation – I mean, there's so much I don't know! – but a recent experience showed me that I CAN lead others in that topic, even if there are a lot of other people out there who could do more.
November 27, 2009
at 10:23 pm
Great way of defining expert. I think we all have some expertise in each one of us if we are willing to uncover it and speak about it. We all like to voice our beliefs!
Thanks Suzanne!
Deb
December 3, 2009
at 12:04 am
I think definition of being an expert is not someone who knows a little more about something than everyone else, but someone who knows much more about something than others.
January 24, 2010
at 9:52 pm
It is absolutely correct that you don't have to be an expert to everybody. You can't cater to everyone in the world. There will always be people out there who would say that you do not know what you are talking about. You just have to deal with that in your everyday life.
-Kai
March 4, 2010
at 3:48 pm
A true expert is someone who a) made all the mistakes and b) actually helps you avoid them….