Are You Claiming Your Expertise?
How bold are your claims?
I spent some time with one of my groups reviewing web pages recently. And we were struck by how different the claims about their expertise were.
One member is doing a joint venture with a partner who had given her some copy in which he claimed to be:
“THE #1 leading expert in …”
Now this is a pretty bold claim. And he’s good but he’s not exactly a household name. But it became even more interesting was when we came round to looking at the site for another member of the group. She really IS the leading expert in her field. She has decades of experience, an incredible presence and she created a cutting edge technique that she now promotes online. Yet she was making much more modest claims about her expertise, just describing herself as a “specialist”.
So why is this?
I think in part it’s a gender thing. Women – in general – tend to be much more modest about what they say and what space they claim as theirs. I’m not talking about everyone of course but even when I go to offline networking events, it’s the men who tend to shout up about how great they are and the women who are waiting until they have ‘enough’ experience to start to promote themselves.
So, it’s about confidence?
Well, partly. It’s hard to claim your expertise without confidence. But it’s more than that…
Claim your space
Put a stake in the ground. Even if you’re not entirely confident inside then I want you to get really clear about the what you do and the value you add in your field. You don’t have to be an expert in everything. You don’t have to do what everyone else does. But in your area, your microcosm of knowledge – you are the go-to person. The enthusiast. the person who loves to talk and learn about everything new.
And that’s when you know. When you really feel it inside. Become the leading expert in your area. Own your expertise. No matter how small your area is. Be the go-to person. And then make sure you shout about it loud and clear.
So how do I become an expert?
Just start by taking an objective look at what you say about yourself right now. How can you turn that into a much bolder statement?
What would it take to make you THE leading expert in your field?
And what’s stopping you making those claims – is it lack of expertise or lack of balls?
I’d love you to leave a comment and tell me more about where you’re the expert, and what’s stopping you claiming your space…
And if you’re struggling to claim your expertise – or you’re struggling to make a good income from it then go over to my Get Momentum Programme. It’s designed to help new entrepreneurs focus on what’s important so that you can turn your idea into a great business, and design the right mix of products and programmes to get that income you want flowing in. I can’t wait to help you find out how you can become the expert you always wanted to be. And until then, make sure you’re signed up for updates from me.
 |
|
Hello,
Great article. This is a very interesting, and I am sure, a controversial subject!
This is part of what I call the Projector Effect. A projector takes a little image and makes it look bigger and better than it really is. That’s what entrepreneurs need to do. Project a large professional image, even when they may not be there yet. Then become that. I’m not saying to mislead people. But, like you said, to stake your claim. Project what you will be then become it. Here is a link to a blog I wrote on the subject if you are interested http://bit.ly/t6XY9o
Justin recently posted… 25 To Thrive: The Leadership Cap
Good one Justin – I like that. I don’t know if you ever saw (or read) The Gruffalo? It’s about a small mouse with a big shadow…
Cathy
cathyp recently posted… You know enough. It’s time for implementation
Hi Cathy, my god thank you so much for this article! Yes this is so ME, I’ve been strugglng naming my position…there are many women I speak to that are feelng this as well, so I thank you for my aha moment when it comes to just being a specialist…I am ,The 1 leading Expert in my field…” I’ve been told but Its not until now that I am claiming it. Please I would love to join this conversation in January. Luisa Otero, Todays Relationship Expert on Emotional Abuse.
YES! So great to see you putting that stake in the ground Luisa. Can’t wait to have you on our call
Cathy
cathyp recently posted… Guide To Starting A Business
I might just have to join in the call in January Cathy. I do need help in being the go-to person. How do you turn an idea into a great business?
VeehCirra recently posted… Most Inspiring Popular Story at Alltop 2011
I can see that you love to write Veeh – there will be something you can do with that I am sure. Connect over on facebook and let’s talk more?
Cathy
cathyp recently posted… Entrepreneur Test
Cathy~
I am grateful for your ‘follow’ on Twitter.
Thank you for your point blank commentary re: Claiming Expertise.
One’s beliefs determine one’s perceptions…which determine one’s outcomes.
Self-talk is either creative or reactive.
You nailed it – Lack of expertise or lack of balls.
When we shed the inner critic and get out of our own way it becomes easy
to thrive and help others….
It is, afterall, about living a vibrant and authentic life ‘being’ what makes us tick.
Namaste,
~jsk CWC, ND, PhD
The Mad Swede recently posted… Vega Sport Performance System
The Mad Swede – I love that! So right – we only have one life so let’s live it like we mean it.
Thanks for coming over to comment and say hello.
Cathy
cathyp recently posted… Speaking
Hi Cathy
I know it’s an old conversation but here’s my two cents worth.
Personally I’d lean towards an understated specialist over a self proclaimed number 1 expert any day. Here’s why…
Unless it can be quantified or backed up in some way, claims about being number one or THE leading expert can be somewhat subjective, especially for those of us working in the knowledge economy. If it’s a claim someone can honestly make, that’s well and good but if it’s just being made as a marketing spin I think potential clients can pick it a mile off.
In the examples you give above, I’d argue that the specialist is probably the more confident one. I expect she’s comfortable enough with her reputation and experience that she doesn’t need to dress it up as much as someone less experienced or less sure of themselves.
To answer your question – “what’s stopping you making those claims?” – in my case it’s the respect I have for others in my field, yourself included. I’ll happily consider myself equal to leading experts in the field but I’d struggle to name anyone as ‘the’ leading expert, let alone call myself that. There is also my preference for introversion but that’s another story.
Brett Jarman recently posted… Self-employment is overrated!