My husband recently sent me a blog post entitled the “five lies about social media marketing” and we had a great conversation about being an expert. Many of you know that I struggled for years with being called an expert, as I am guessing many of you might? See, I always feel that there is more I can learn, more I can improve upon, and I said that to him. He said: “That’s what I always say to you when you say I am an IT Finance Expert. There is always more that I can learn.”
He’s right, that is true! My response was: “I think what makes us an expert, is not that we know all the technology (there are just too many out there and upgrades and changes are too fast), but that we have a system, a process, that helps our clients organize, become more effective, and measure results.
I have accepted that I am an expert. I am dedicated to my craft, my profession and my study. I constantly seek to learn, grow and improve in my field. I role model to others what they can do and achieve…THAT is what an EXPERT does.
To consider yourself an expert and not just someone who “likes doing it” and “can do it” ask yourself:
- *do I read industry specific, research based information in the field?
- *do I engage with other experts in my field?
- *do I have a clear system or process I utilize to help my customers internal or external?
- *do I learn continuously in my field?
- *do I practice what I “teach” or “advise others” to do?
- *do I continuously look to improve what I offer?
- *do I find myself thinking “ahead of the trends” in my field?
- *do I have a long term plan versus just thinking about what’s “hot right now”?
- *do I find I more often know the answer the client is asking before they finish?
- *do I know how to find answers quickly that I don’t immediately have the answer?
If you answered yes to these questions then you are most likely an expert. I find many people, like I first did, have difficulty owning “expert”. Here is the thing: No expert knows it all. Experts though are committed to a craft, a study and stay on a path.
What is your expertise?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Really good questions to ask oneself. Since I can answer “yes” to many of them for SoMe and all of them for tutoring, I guess I can officially call myself an expert! You are right… a label is just that. The work and dedication that goes into the right to wear that label or claim that “title” is what is important and many people don’t get that. You do and I believe you always have (and always will). Enjoyed this blog – a great example of EBM in action!
Well I obviously learned from you to OWN my expertise and that can be hard at times as you say. But I answered yes to those questions so I am! I am an expert in the SNCC way – not all things Social Media. I am always open to changing and learning and growing and, actually, to my mind that makes me more of an expert than those resistant to change! But then I learned, and continue to learn, from the best 😉
Louise Edington
Breaking Through Online Frontiers
http://louiseedington.com
This is a great list of questions, whatever our specialty. I also appreciate the self-evaluation you describe in contemplating the word “expert.” When I was in academia and was known for certain specialties, I still had difficulty for the same reasons you described. But I think there is value in being able to claim expertise (is that the same thing as “being an expert”?) and own one’s strengths and abilities. I see myself as an expert in how helping professionals can use reflection and writing for balance, awareness, and better skills. I also consider myself an expert in self-reflection in general, sometimes to a fault!!
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Lots of good points Ann. You also teach quality because you take the time to learn about new things in Socia Media AND you try it out first. After following you for a few months, I notice that I compare other Media “experts” to you. As soon as something new comes along, they are quick to offer it their clients. The quality of their teachings isn’t even close to yours.
I wouldn’t consider myself an expert (yet) in my field (women’s accessories). I answered ‘yes” to about half the questions. I’ve slowed my business right now for personal reasons but I still take the time to continue learning.
Lots of good points Ann. You also teach quality because you take the time to learn about new things in Socia Media AND you try it out first. After following you for a few months, I notice that I compare other Media “experts” to you. As soon as something new comes along, they are quick to offer it their clients. The quality of their teachings isn’t even close to yours.
I wouldn’t consider myself an expert (yet) in my field (women’s accessories). I answered ‘yes” to about half the questions. I’ve slowed my business right now for personal reasons but I still take the time to continue learning.
I really like the criteria you list. Very thorough and accurate. I am a small business IT expert. I think I usually own this, without feeling like I have to know all the answers all the time – nobody does. It’s about knowing what to do next, how to take action, where to find answers, as you say. But, there are those very, very rare days when – I wish I was a florist.
love this post Jeannie!
Amen!
love this post Jeannie!
My expertise is in finding the best solutions for people to enjoy their photos – it is different for different people – sometimes this means it’s not me. I do consider myself an expert (and I have heard people call me that.) As to your list: the first one, I may know way more than the average person wants to or cares to know.
I can’t remember which speaker it was this weekend, but one of them defined an expert as someone who has more knowledge than the person seeking the knowledge. I have a hard time accepting the “expert” hat. When many people viewed me as an autism “expert” I was quick to see all of the things that I didn’t know yet, the people who knew more than me, etc. But to the families that I was helping, to my teams of therapists, etc. I was their expert. Even when I was getting paid to lecture in my old grad school program, I continued to resist the “expert” title. What my mentor said to me then was “you know this better than I do, so you lecture it and I learn.” I’m working hard to earn that level of respect in my new profession. Like June stated, I often compare other social media “experts” to you. Proudly wear that “expert” hat because you’ve earned it!
Experts must prove themselves in the field, otherwise they are just (1) someone with a lot of charisma, (2) a con artist, (3) a phony or (4) someone with lots of “book learning” and no practical experience. I have seen too many people who claimed to be experts, but really had nothing unique or creative to offer. I don’t want to burst your balloon, but there are simply too many people who call themselves a “coach”, but are really just out to make money. I know that negative remarks are inconsistent with your philosophy, but reality is the true test.
Lovely, what you say doesn’t fully make sense. As you READ my list fully, you see that it clearly identifies that if the “coach” is an expert, they have a system, have clear things they “do” with regularity, and they practice what the teach to others. So with that in mind, people who just “call” themselves coaches are not experts based on this post!
Lovely, what you say doesn’t fully make sense. As you READ my list fully, you see that it clearly identifies that if the “coach” is an expert, they have a system, have clear things they “do” with regularity, and they practice what the teach to others. So with that in mind, people who just “call” themselves coaches are not experts based on this post!
Yep – one of my pet peeves – consultants who call themselves coaches because it’s the “cool/hip thing”.
I think your definition is right on. Yes, to me an expert is more than someone who knows more than me about a particular topic. In today’s world, things are changing too fast for someone to be able to be static in their knowledge. A real expert is always learning, expanding and deepening their knowledge. As well as learning about how their knowledge impacts their clients expertise. Because I believe we are all experts in what we’re uniquely expert about. And it’s more about filling in the gaps of our own knowledge. I can’t possibly learn everything about everything – so I seek out experts to shortcut my learning curve.
Oh, also, I can’t stand the “experts” on twitter who dare to call themselves a social media expert but only have 70 people following them.
As I read your questions about being an expert, I definitely recognized you and also recognized my husband. I could answer some of those questions, but only a few, so do not consider myself an expert in the world of auto repair! Knowledgeable — yes; engaged? — yes; caring? — yes; but expert? no. I so agree with what you say about there always being more to learn, no matter who you are or what you do. I know that my husband is constantly educating himself because he has a passion to know and learn. And I appreciate all that you do to provide me and all your other “students” with the information and knowledge we need to have a chance at success, too. I am grateful for all the experts out there that help make this world better for all us non-experts!
Thanks. This is a great list of criteria, and I’m struck by noticing each one is something you DO, rather than something you ARE or some level of achievement you’ve reached. In other words, EXPERTISE is a relative term about being PRACTICAL. If you DO something better than I can, for me you’re more of an expert in that field and I’m grateful to learn from you.
For each of us, there’s always someone faster, better informed, a quicker learner, better trained, more adaptable, better organized, a better model, etc. — all those criteria you describe. That person is an expert for us, and if we open our eyes, we can learn something worthwhile from practically everyone. Similarly, those same criteria make us experts for people less qualified. As you indicate, expertise is also DYNAMIC. Most fields grow constantly, and the expert is one who keeps up with change and anticipates future developments.
My expertise is helping people plan music for a celebration, and providing that music so the celebrants enjoy their festivities.
I don’t think that just because someone knows more than me in a certain area they are then an expert. I think the process of being involved in the industry, actively seeking to develop system or process to show/share/educate others, turning it into business (a career)creates expertise. I have a ton of knowledge in other areas,but that’s fun for me, not my expertise.
Thank you. I see your point, and I agree. It’s the level of involvement in the field that distinguishes an expert. It’s actively contributing leadership and creative work, addressing the “big picture” as well as the details, establishing a reputation as an authority, and receiving recognition from peers and other experts. You’re right, of course, that simply being knowledgeable is not sufficient. Plenty of people know more than I do about many things, and while I’m happy to learn from them, I’d hardly consider every one of them an expert. Sorry my thinking was pretty shallow here, and thanks for calling me on it.
Oh, somehow I missed the “what is your expertise” question. My expertise is helping professionals in the Arts & Entertainment Industry (music, film, visual/fine art, etc.) create prosperous and sustainable businesses which empower happy and fulfilling lives.
Oh my! Love your list!! I’ve encountered more
people claiming “expert” status who barely have any followers, haven’t
published anything original that appears to help people, but proudly
tout their “expert” status. Real social media pros know that it’s a
moving (and expanding) target, stay informed as much as possible and
know that there’s a lot more to consider than how cute your profile
picture is. Very few call themselves “experts,” but I think there’s a lot to be said for not letting the imposters soak up that designation, Ann. Good food for thought!
I also find that imposters get “found” out! Having a friend who likes to set up facebook pages does not make them an expert, just someone who likes to do it! Thank you so much Lori!
While I answered yes to many of your criteria, I would still not consider myself an expert ..I think some of that has to do with self confidence though. I think being an expert can also mean, “I don’t know, but i know how to find out” which goes to your criteria of learning continuously and improving.
Julie Labes: The Fun-Loving, Feisty, Fearless, Frisky, Fierce Over 50 Traveler
This is very applicable to any business. I love the questions. I’ve had issues with that in my life and now I have permission to be the expert and realize I still have more to learn. I’ve always known I have more to learn which has made me think I’m not an expert. Thanks for this!
Julieanne CaseAlways from the heart!Reconnecting you to your essence, joy, vitality, youth.| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | AgeLoc Skin Care | Pharmanex Supplementshttp://thereconnectivehighway.com
We read an article in medical school about what makes someone ‘a genius’ – and it basically boils down to that hard work, persistent hard work dedicated to a topic will make you a ‘genius’. And the same with being an expert, if you are devoted to what you do and work hard at it, you will be an expert. There is a bit of a learning curve though. And yes, continuous education is vital among the other things in your list. All fields are changing rapidly and one has to work to stay current. Thanks for the post! Enjoyed it…
Ann,
It bothers me when people call me their yoga & health guru. I am student first and I am blessed that my passion supports my clients. My life and business is committed to support healthy living and enjoying embodiment….. Maybe I will stop resisting and embrace the fact that I do have a lot to offer in the health and mindful living conversation.
Blessings of health,
chris arcucci
Who says a woman can’t cultivate her super powers in a dress?!
http://www.MindfulLivingArts.com
Thank goodness you are finally owning your expert, divaness! I’ve been saying that about you for years now! After reading your questions, I find that I am on my way and that the new direction I am taking is moving me quickly in the direction of expert, I am proud to say. It is not an overnight trip, I thing you’d agree. But you just wait – I will own that title!
Susan Berland
A Picture’s Worth
http://susan-berland.com
This is an eye opener, its a little easier to accept the label when you put it in this perspective. I am definitely on the path to expert status In several areas of my life. What I love about you Ann is that you have spent the time developing something that others can study and train and continue to learn, we all get better as we teach something and we have you as a terrific coach, teacher, mentor. So glad to be part of your tribe.
Great list, really like the way you explain and differentiate….in an ever changing world of technology always learning and keeping ahead of the game is important, knowing where to find the answers if you don’t know them is critical, and can set you apart from the rest. There is a learning curve, but I believe engaging with others in the field and truly knowing and understanding what your customers need and being able to deliver are game changers….its nice to see I can answer 99% of those as yes. Don’t claim to know it all, as that is impossible, but I can be an expert!
I’m not an expert in my field, but I have learned so much in my first year of business. I’m a lot closer to being an expert now than I was then. I actually can answer yes to a lot of your questions, but not all. I would say that you are the expert in Social Media. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Funny that an expert doesn’t know it all. And a good thing. I think that what makes an expert so appealing, is the knowledge that learning is never done. There is always more to absorb and discover. We can see the expert in others much easier than in ourselves. Precisely because they make it look so easy, while honoring what they believe. I am always a bit shocked when my clients tell me I trust you, and I will do what you say. Flattered yes, thrilled yes and yet, I am still astonished.
Jennifer DucheneThe Home Makeover Mixtress blending lifestyle, laughter and Chic Cocoons™http://LYShome.com
Great article Ann! It comes at the perfect timing when I’m finding myself charging too little for my jewelry designs, but knowing I am worth it. Just today I charged a little more than I was comfortable with for a custom order, she could take it or leave it, but she took it and made payment and is excited.
I think in my opinion from what I have learned along the way about calling myself an expert in coaching is taking responsibility to fully demonstrate that what I teach, is exactly what I do. Sometimes the results don’t happen overnight, but with enough believe and committment to the process of inner healing and taking full responsibility for my own healing is very powerful thing. Sometimes, it’s a little overwhelming because it takes time and when it does, sometimes I feel like a failure. But when I anaylze failure, I realize that I might be judging myself too harshly when I just need to give myself more compassion.
Love it, Ann! Great way to define the “expert” status and yes you are definitely an expert in your field. I’m going to have to track down that other article with the “lies” and read it – that could be fun 🙂 I definitely prefer getting my advice in any subject from an expert that really studies their craft and also realizes there is no way they can know it all… Brandy 🙂
@BrandyMychals the link to the 5 lies is on my post, you can click and go read it!
@BrandyMychals the link to the 5 lies is on my post, you can click and go!
Fantastic Post! I couldn’t agree more with your statement, “I am dedicated to my craft, my profession and my study. I constantly seek to learn, grow and improve in my field.” Perfect definition!
I think a big part of being an expert is really living your services. As you said in your list, do I practice what I teach or advise others to do? This is so important. Over the years, in my industry I met therapist after therapist who was preaching the importance of self-care during the day, but not practicing it in their chaotic private lives.
I find I do better when I live what I teach. I preach “take action” so I make sure I am taking action. I know when I’m not taking enough action because my energy crashes.
Also, having a long-term plan is so important, it helps keep you from getting caught up in the daily drama of every day life.
I love this list and it inspires me to cultivate my expertise even more. I have been in my field for over 35 years, always a learner and yet the longer I am in it (the field of qigong and embodying presence and power) the more I realize how little I know. When I don’t let the dragons of self doubt take over, I realize how exciting it is to explore this infinite field!