 BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT COLUMNISTS |
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EDWINA FRAZIER AND ADELE FOSTER
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SISTERS IN BUSINESS, ''CREATING EXPERT STATUS'', WEEK OF JUNE 10-16, 2010
by ADELE FOSTER AND EDWINA FRAZIER
The Wilmington Journal
Originally posted 6/9/2010
What makes an expert an expert? Usually it's the perception that this person has in-depth knowledge and/or experience on a topic. Remember ''Bubba'' from Forrest Gump? He was a self-proclaimed shrimp expert. The audience was given about a 3 minute spiel on the gazillion ways shrimp could be prepared. We didn't doubt that Bubba had personally prepared and eaten every version of shrimp he was describing... coconut shrimp, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp....
So, what do you have personal experience and knowledge of? Are you the ''go to'' person for something? What is it? That's a sure sign that in the eyes of those that know you you're the expert on that topic. Crea-ting expert status as a marketing advantage for your speaking career can be as simple as creating a small book or pamphlet of ''Quick Tips'' with a catchy name that can be easily printed up as a soft glossy covered, stapled in the middle product that becomes an instant revenue stream for you when you go on speaking events. Even if you're not a speaker you can use your product to increase business and create instant expert status because you not only know what you're talking about - you've written The Book on it! Other ways to create expert status
·Start your own internet radio talk show
·Create a weekly or daily blog
·Write articles for newspapers or magazines
·Another great way to become an expert is to create your own YouTube TV Network Show
·Last but not least--Network your way to expert status!
Expert's Corner
Adrian McClusky penned an article entitled: Creating Expert Status - Learn How To Network. He says despite what you may have heart, there are times when it is WHO you know that counts. To create expert status and all the benefits that go with it you'll need some help from others along the way. Adrian asserts that while you might not be the kind of person who goes out of their way to put your dignity aside and shamelessly promote your business, to not promote yourself and your business would be shameful. It makes you more visible and gives you instant creditability. So who do you want to get to know? The best place to start is with the ''gurus'' in your niche. Join other social networking sites, leave positive comments at their blogs or if possible attend live events where they are a guest speaker and introduce yourself. Networking is tremendously beneficial for you and them. But make sure you let them know who you are.
Always include your website address when leaving a comment on a blog or social networking site. If you're advanced enough to do podcasts, why not invite them to be a guest. You can do some incredibly useful networking off line as well. Take the time to join local business associations, then get involved and work the crowd. Others will get to know and recognize you which leads to extra exposure.
Adele Foster: foster4119@yahoo.com
Edwina Frazier: ef3835@yahoo.com
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