Imagine ... you want to become a real expert in your particular niche. You are fully aware that there are many ways on how you can achieve this goal. However, you are wondering which strategy would be the most effective for you. I was curious to find out what other global experts had to say in this regard. Find out more about their personal experience and what they recommend.
A lot has been said on how to position yourself as an expert. It’s not just about corporate branding anymore but PERSONAL branding, too. There are many options available nowadays: writing a best-selling book, being featured in world-known publications, running your own TV-Show, having a popular YouTube channel, having an impeccable online presence across several platforms, running a podcast show etc.
How to position yourself as an expert the most effective way?
The question is: What approach is the most effective and powerful strategy on how to position yourself as an expert? I wanted to find out what advice some well-known professionals had to say in this regard. But let me first show you the result of a Twitter poll that I did some years ago.
Let’s see what the experts have to say …
Sam Hurley, # 1 Most Influential Digital Authority in the world, Director at www.Optim-eyez.com, UK
In order to stand out in today’s world you NEED an online presence — there’s just no doubt about it. You could be achieving remarkable feats but without a few social profiles and a website, who’s going to know? Sure, you could write a book or be featured on TV…but how is the word going to spread without links back to your properties? I have come across people without social profiles and it’s the most frustrating experience when you go to tag them in a post but realise there’s nothing to tag! In fact, it puts me off posting altogether. From my own experience — the most effective technique to becoming ‘known’ is a harmonious blend of influential blogging, personal branding and constant social media.
Patricia Rossi, Etiquette Expert, Book Author, Professional Speaker, http://www.PatriciaRossi.com, USA
Shortcut to be a respected, trusted and memorable expert is social media and also having excellent listening skills. Social media enabled me to meet people I would have never had the opportunity to meet, and also brought me face to face with them. We are all a global brand now. Business leaders under 30 that aren’t on social media are thought to be in the witness protection program, business leaders over 30 that haven’t adapted and evolved their brand to social media are thought to be tech dinosaurs. Listen and adapting to the advice of successful business leaders is a shortcut to success. I listened to a well-seasoned TV professional and landed a national weekly spot on a syndicated TV show. I also listened to another leader who shared with me how to land a book deal with an agent. I did that too, all while wondering if I were making the right steps. “Everyday Etiquette” is now in it’s 8th printing, because I listened and adapted to the right advice. The same with my speaking and coaching business. I heard the pitfalls and professional triumphs of my mentors and adjusted my business plan to their advice. Another way that really has worked well, is to make sure when you are interviewed, do it by phone so you can build a relationship and become the publications go-to source. If you just email in your questions, they only get a two dimensional relationship. I wish each and everyone of you beautiful success, as we all can make the world a better place with the lessons of love, kindness, perseverance, and gratitude. Thank you Karin for inviting me to be a part of your series. I cherish our business and personal friendship.
Keith Keller, Twitter Marketing Expert, http://www.TinyURL.com/TwitterPodcasts, Australia
The overwhelming evidence now points to video as the most effective way to get your message out. Videos and having a published book. But honestly who has time for that? I still think having a published book is the best way to build authority, but personally I prefer podcasting. I am sure this is affecting my chances of technically being considered a thought leader but it’s absolutely essential to me that I am authentic to my values. Ultimately, that is what matters most of all..
Olga Andrienko, Head of Social Media at www.SEMrush.com, USA
My best advice would be to start with something small. Connect with individuals in your industry by reaching out to people of the same professional level as you. Once you are comfortable, start aiming to the higher level. Build a following on Twitter by being engaging and helpful. Let’s say you’re a real estate agent in Berlin. Reach out to people seeking for help via twitter. Use your main keyword in your native language with a question mark and geolocation filter. Spend time on providing knowledge for free.
There’s simply no better way to build yourself up as a thought leader than through content. I’ve written for many publications and this has definitely made a significant impact on my career. Start with pitching to small but quality media.
There’s simply no better way to build yourself up as a thought leader than through content. I’ve written for many publications and this has definitely made a significant impact on my career. Start with pitching to small but quality media.
Shital Kakkar-Mehra, Business Etiquette Expert, Book Author, www.isceip.com, India
In my opinion, the best way to promote yourself as an expert is to write a book in your niche area of expertise. Whether you are a trainer, a coach or a professor, a book offers you a chance to increase your area of influence by moving to another medium i.e. the written word. It helps you reach a wider audience across the world, which your work may not be able to. Interestingly, a book increases your online visibility — interactions with the media/bloggers during the launch and sales are predominantly via websites. Lastly, it’s the best training resource and business card!
Steve Yanor, Managing Director, http://www.SkyAlphabet.com, Canada
Press releases are dead. B2B Social Media is the best way to promote yourself as an expert. Using a combination of long-form content (1500+ words) posted on LinkedIn, Medium and Wikipedia but disseminated steadily through Twitter works very well. Building an audience — organically or otherwise — with the right people is key to message penetration and uptake. Authenticity and relevance are critical to forming the right impression, so discussing important issues as they occur (and not after the fact) is a proven method to establish credibility.The first person to establish a position on a particular subject owns the anchor.
Neal Schaffer,Recognized leader in the world of business social media, Speaker, Author, http://www.maximizeyoursocial.com, USA
By far the most effective and powerful way to promote yourself as an expert is to create content which showcases your expertise. It doesn’t necessarily need to be in the form of a book as it could be via blogging, videos, et. al., but content creation is what separates the experts from everyone else.
I would like to use the opportunity to THANK every participating contributor for this blog post, I highly appreciate your precious time and input! May many of my readers find true inspiration to become experts in their very own niche too!
I would like to use the opportunity to THANK every participating contributor for this blog post, I highly appreciate your precious time and input! May many of my readers find true inspiration to become experts in their very own niche too!
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