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Let's talk expert status!
Most of us want to be seen, treated - and paid! - as a go-to expert in our field. We want to be individuals (and brands) who are consulted, listened to and valued.
But how do you project expertise when you don't have a lot of experience or reputation? Won't people think you're too big for your boots??
I'll let you in on a little secret:
The biggest first step in elevating your brand is simply to decide that you want to be taken more seriously.
You are awesome at what you're doing, and with your unique skillset and approach, you deserve to be recognised 🦄.
But then nagging introvert doubt kicks in and you remember that douche on LinkedIn who loudly proclaimed himself a leading expert...
...to all of his six followers 🤨.
Oh, how we roll our eyes at people like that 😅.
And you're right. Expert status is something conferred upon you by others.
For it to be believable, you can't just give it to yourself.
But there's a really simple, really effective way around this.
Instead of calling yourself an expert, call yourself a specialist. Nobody can deny that you're specialising in your work.
But in everything but name, you act like an expert:
Execute projects to the best of your ability
Communicate your approach, reasoning and progress clearly and often
Always look for improvement
Make insightful suggestions
Give advice freely
Have opinions and be prepared to defend them
Think big, but pay attention to detail
Charge accordingly
You're probably doing most of these things already. From now on, just do them more confidently. As if someone handed you the best ever power outfit.
No need to pretend to be something you're not. Just trust your skills and believe in your approach.
If you can act like an expert, people will see you as an expert.
And soon, you'll start to believe them, too.
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