26 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Expert

No matter what kind of business you're in, you are an expert in something. One powerful way to grow your business is to become known for what you do best. Because experts are the go-to people for services and products, establishing yourself as an expert gives you an edge over the competition, generates interest from prospects and builds loyalty with clients.

Following are strategies that you can use to elevate your expert status.

Establish the Foundation

Own It: First, believe you are an expert. Second, claim it. Get over any fears that you don't have all the answers because nobody does. Give yourself the title of "Promotional Products Expert" or "Marketing Specialist." When you believe it, others will too.

Leverage Credentials: If you have any special education or certifications, such as MAS or CAS, you are already an expert. Make your credentials known.

Develop Skills: Make it your quest to continue learning about the promotional industry, as well as about the industries to which you sell. Stay on top of news and trends, read books, attend trade events and continue to hone your skills.

Subscribe: Read all relevant news, trade journals and related information for your industry so you're always in the know.

Promote: Write a bio that describes your expertise and publish it on your Web site, business cards and anywhere where you have the opportunity to showcase your experience.

Create Local Visibility

Networking: Get to know other people in your community and build relationships. Consider joining your local chamber of commerce, Business Networking International (BNI) or other networking-focused organizations.

Trade Associations: Take a leadership role in your local association, and watch your visibility grow.

Volunteer: Donate your time and expertise to a worthy cause. Not only will you derive satisfaction from a good deed, but you can gain valuable exposure and contacts.

Lead Meetings: Form a local group or association and conduct regular meetings to generate new clients. Promote your group through Craigslist.org, Meetup.com and community calendars.

Lead Change: If you see a need for activism in the industry, get involved in making those positive changes.

Leverage Products and Services

Consulting/Coaching: Consultants are naturally viewed as experts. Provide one-on-one or group coaching services.

Write a Book: Becoming an author solidifies your status as an expert and gives you credibility with the media. A book is one of the best business cards you can have.

Develop Information Products: E-books, special reports, workbooks, booklets, tele-seminars and videos can provide opportunities to showcase your expertise. Give them away for marketing purposes or turn them into valuable revenue streams.

Teach: Teach classes about your subject at local colleges, adult learning centers or online. You can also host workshops at your place of business or a rented meeting room.

Speak: Whether you speak for free or for a fee, speakers are considered experts. Start locally, and then look for national opportunities.

Span the Globe

Pump up Your Web Site: Make sure your Web site reflects your expert platform. Commit to developing the proper content along with an online-marketing strategy (search engine optimization, pay-per-click ads, etc.).

Publish Articles: Write for trade newsletters, newspapers and magazines for instant expert status. Take it a step further and syndicate your own column.

Get Quoted: The media relies on experts to add credibility to their stories. Work on building a publicity strategy in order to get quoted in local and national news. Try sites like HelpAReporterOut.com, where you can choose your area of expertise and answer questions for countless media outlets.

Publish a Newsletter: Covering news for your industry builds credibility and an audience. An electronic newsletter can be an affordable and effective tool for experts. Fill it with marketing tips, and send it to all your clients.

Form Strategic Alliances: Develop partnerships with others who complement what you do and who can help you expand your reach.

Survey: Conduct relevant surveys for your industry and publish the results in your newsletter, on your Web site or through other trade publications.

Write Papers: Write and publish technical papers covering topics related to your industry.

Form a Group: Host an online group through Yahoo, Google, CollectiveX or another group site and develop a visible leadership role.

Host a Show: Local radio and television stations could be the launching ground for your new show. The Internet also provides an excellent venue for hosting shows. Search Google for "Internet radio" to find dozens of hosting options — typically for a fee.

Social Networking: Create profiles on MySpace.com, LinkedIn.com, FastPitchNetworking.com, Facebook.com, Twitter.com and any other social networking sites that appeal to your target audience. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with others, participate in groups and spread the word about what you do.

Blog: Build an audience and get your voice heard by hosting an interesting or controversial blog.

Stephanie Chandler is a small-business expert and the author of “From Entrepreneur to Infoprenuer: Make Money with Books, E-Books and Information Products.” She is the founder of www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs and www.ProPublishingServices.com, a custom-writing business specializing in electronic newsletters and copywriting.