Tips to Becoming the Go-To Expert

 

What is an expert?  However you define it, Art Hickman is certainly one.  Art spoke to the membership on February 20 about their very successful strategies to communicating a complex message to a variety of audiences.

 

With thirteen years as a marketer for Bradford Health Services, he knows one of the easiest ways to drive prospective clients and customers to your business is to become the expert in your field.  But it's not enough to accrue time.  To be a go-to expert, others have to know about your work and see its value and relevance.  At February's meeting, he offered a variety of common-sense tips that are nevertheless right on target.

 

For example, if you're going to be an expert, focus on one thing.  And don't pretend!  Everyone hates a faker and, despite our best intentions, they're pretty easy to spot.  Always tell the truth.  Corollary to not pretending -- get back with folks if you don't know the answer.  Offer your information to the community without asking for payback -- say, being willing to speak before groups or conducting workshops or training. 

 

Another critical point: You're never done learning.  Saturate yourself in your topic.  Even if you're the go-to guy, so make sure you continue to read, train, network --  whatever it takes to expand your knowledge.  

 

And finally, have fun at what you do!