Personal Branding through Global Networking
How can I position myself as an expert in my field?
Now that I am ready to position myself as an expert what steps should I take? Are there certain things that I should try to accomplish in order to establish myself as an expert in my field? How can I build my rapport with others as an expert in the industry?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cambridge Who's Who on -
Narrow your area of expertise. Do not attempt to become an expert in several unrelated areas. Instead, discover your strengths, focus your skill set and find a niche market in which you can easily become a valuable and trusted resource.
Develop your image. Compile relevant information about yourself and your business for easy reference. Present yourself in the best possible way and learn how to use technology to your advantage. You can create your own website to act as your online press kit. Include your Cambridge Who’s Who biographical profile, your resume or CV, company history, press releases, company newsletter, testimonials, articles you have written and a letter describing your willingness to serve as a media contact, public speaker or consultant.
Make contacts. Join membership organizations and attend professional events and conferences and in order to network with others and make new contacts. Be sure to develop relationships with those within and outside of your industry. The more people that know who you are and what you do, the more likely you will be recognized as an expert in your field. Seek out mentors who you can learn from and promote yourself to those who need your skills. If others would like to learn more about you or your company after your initial meeting, direct them to your online press kit.
Be prepared. When interacting with new and potential contacts, take notes in order to prepare for follow-up conversations. Avoid hard sales pitches. Look instead for opportunities where you can share your insight and offer advice. Keep current in your field by reading industry publications, pursuing advanced degrees and obtaining professional certifications.
Write about your area(s) of expertise. Sharing your knowledge with others is extremely important in positioning yourself as an expert. Writing and/or contributing to articles will make your name known, build your reputation and show people why they need an expert in your field. Blogs are an easy way to write about your expertise and promote yourself. They are also a great way to chronicle your educational and professional background. Discuss your experiences at seminars, enrichment courses, networking functions, speaking engagements, conferences, etc. People who are looking for advice may come across your blog and find the experiences that you have had in your field to be interesting and enlightening. You should also consider publishing an industry reference book that is filled with useful and insightful information.
Accept invitations to speak. Once you have authored or been referenced in a significant number of educational articles, you should begin receiving invitations to speak. If they do not come your way, be proactive and look for potential opportunities to share your knowledge with others. Addressing a group of your peers at an industry conference or a similar professional setting can greatly increase your credibility.
Be published in an expert resource publication. Nothing brings you expert status faster than having your name listed in print as an expert in your industry. Find out if you are qualified to be listed as an expert in Cambridge Who’s Who Publishing’s Top 101 Industry Experts publication by emailing premierservices@cambridgewhoswho.com.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa Parker on -
In addition to the many certification opportunities available in a particular career field, the overall provision of services and the value to the consumer of the product provided will greatly enhance success. A satisfied customer can't help but discuss their overall experience in dealing with your company. The level of customer service received, the quality of the product, and the results obtained from the use of your service or product will have a greater impact than simple advertising. In the end, client satisfaction combined with networking will produce results.
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