4 Ways to Prove You're an Expert

Now is the time to prove you are an expert at what you do. Positioning yourself as an expert is the key to building sales. Experts rarely struggle to generate business even in tough economic times.

So how do you position yourself as an expert? How do you establish the type of credibility that people seek?

The time-tested approach is through education. Many folks in today’s market are turning to education as a means to become an expert in a certain area. An investment in education, particularly during a down swing in the economy, is an excellent option.

However, not everyone can afford education. Going back to school is a serious commitment and certification programs can be very expensive. Let’s face it: few people have the time and the funds required to pursue education.

So if you don’t have the time or the money to get more certifications, what can you do? Here are four ways to build your own credibility and position yourself as an expert:

• Give Presentations: partner with local business associations, leads groups or networking groups and offer your services as a presenter. If you can deliver a polished presentation, your credibility will soar.
• Write a Blog: get your thoughts out into cyberspace. Show the world what you know. People can tune in to see your expertise. But writing is only half the battle for blogging; you must also generate traffic to your blog so people can actually see you. Market your blog to your database, put a link on your email signature or your business card and get the word out.
• Publish Articles: there are lots of ways to get your articles published on-line and in print. If your business targets locals, work with local publications to see if you can provide some content. Note: newspapers are just one avenue; there are a lot of local publications. If your business targets beyond the local community, look to on-line publications that serve your market.
• Make a Video: technology is very inexpensive. For a minimal investment, you can create a video promoting your expertise. Post this video on YouTube and send your database the link. You can also post this video on your website. The video can really build credibility.

These are just some ways to build credibility and position yourself as an expert. Certifications, degrees, titles and credentials are powerful but require time and money. Presentations, blogs, articles and videos require time to do as well, but the cost is minimal.

Position yourself as an expert and watch your business soar.