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 2nd, 2009 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 2nd, 2009 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 3rd, 2009 2:47 pm
Wonderful post to read this morning Suzanne! You absoLUTEly are in my head this morning. Thank you! ~Genine
November 4th, 2009 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"
www.90DayGoals.com
November 4th, 2009 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 4th, 2009 10:39 pm
You're exactly right, Andrea. We're each an 'expert' for someone on any number of topics!
November 4th, 2009 10:45 pm
Genine! Wonderful to hear from you!
November 24th, 2009 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 21st, 2009 9:02 am
I start from the basics with everyone and teach from there. Even experts need refreshment on the basics.