When Will I Know I Am An Expert?

The last thing an “Expert” will ever call themselves is an “Expert”.  In fact, even the “Experts” will tell you that they learn something every day in the conduct of business through the provision of service or the application of principles.  The key to gaining recognition as an expert is not just knowing the right answer, but also in knowing how to utilize the resources available to obtain the right answer.    An expert can always be relied upon to apply sound judgment, maintain a positive outlook, and strive to persevere in the face of another challenge.                 

“The creative approach to being open minded in the pursuit of knowledge will always leave room for improvement”.    (Lisa’s Wisdom)

“Positioning yourself as an Expert” is the one goal that most professionals strive to achieve.  As a rule, few of us will ever become an expert; at best, the most we can hope to become is a subject matter expert.  This journey for excellence can be challenging, rewarding, even frustrating; and overcoming the competition may seem downright impossible at times. 

The foundation of personal success and recognition as an expert can be found alongside the sincere desire to excel in whatever area of expertise you choose to pursue.  By setting the goal to achieve success and broaden your knowledge base, you are well on your way in building the reputation that will serve to augment the many assets you already possess.                  

The value you portray in the provision of a product, service or other function will ultimately serve to heighten your level of recognition as an expert in your career field.  “Experts” can be found in all walks of life and contrary to popular belief, may not always be those individuals who possess a lengthy list of credentials and educational background on which they base their expertise. 

Some of the most relied upon experts are those who garner their wisdom from the “school of hard knocks”.  A lot can be said for the resident expert who relies upon personal experiences, combined with trial and error in the development of a reliable product, business, or service.  

The word Expert, as defined in Wikipedia®, (The Free Encyclopedia):

An expert is someone widely recognized as a reliable source of technique or skill whose faculty for judging or deciding rightly, justly, or wisely is accorded authority and status by their peers or the public in a specific well distinguished domain.

An expert, more generally, is a person with extensive knowledge or ability in a particular area of study. Experts are called in for advice on their respective subject, but they do not always agree on the particulars of a field of study.

An expert can be, by virtue of training, education, profession, publication or experience, believed to have special knowledge of a subject beyond that of the average person, sufficient that others may officially (and legally) rely upon the individual's opinion. Historically, an expert was referred to as a sage. The individual was usually a profound philosopher distinguished for wisdom and sound judgment.

Experts have a prolonged or intense experience through practice and education in a particular field. In specific fields, the definition of expert is well established by consensus and therefore it is not necessary for an individual to have a professional or academic qualification for them to be accepted as an expert.

Expertise consists of those characteristics, skills and knowledge of a person (that is, expert) or of a system, which distinguish experts from novices and less experienced people.

With a combination of life experience, education, and having a willingness to learn you are already positioning yourself as an expert.  The world of today provides unlimited resources for research and opportunities for networking with colleagues in most any career field from around the globe.  In most cases, any challenge or situation that you find yourself facing has probably been addressed and resolved in some form by others before.  So, one of the most valuable assets that cannot be ignored is networking. 

Challenges – Mention the situations or tasks that seem the most complicated to overcome to those in your industry who have gained your respect.  Many of your colleagues will embrace the opportunity to assist you in overcoming obstacles.  In turn, as you conquer challenges in your pursuit of success; reciprocate and return the favor one day to another colleague in need of assistance.      

Rewards – Share your recognition for excellence and the provision of service with friends, colleagues, and customers.  Accomplishments serve not only to make us proud and confident, but to provide the encouragement we need to engage and conquer new opportunities or challenges. Accomplishments also serve to intrigue prospective clients and will provoke a desire to be on the receiving end of the same quality of service.

Networking – Never underestimate the value of communication. Your level of expertise will be measured in many ways, starting with your approachability and availability to your customers or potential clients.  The quality of the service (or lack thereof), and the overall value or reliability of product you provide will serve to generate the most common form of recognition – “word of mouth”.   

Visibility - Perceptions that will be derived through effective marketing and advertisement of your professional service or area of expertise are priceless.  If the local community is not aware that your service or product is available, then you may not have placed enough time and effort on this project! 

Essentially, you may not know exactly when you become an expert in your particular career field or area of interest.  The best clue may be when others let you know.  The praise and gratitude expressed by your peers, your clients, and your colleagues based on your genuine concern, and sincere approach to providing unprecedented service, or reliable guidance on a particular subject matter will be a good indicator that you are well on your way to positioning yourself as an expert in your field of interest. 

In conclusion, as you embark upon this path with the goal of establishing your reputation as an expert in your field of interest, remember that there is always a bit more to be learned around the next bend.  Times change, people change, strategies change and concepts continue to evolve.  Strive to retain and build upon the knowledge base that will substantiate and sustain your level of proficiency when noted as an “Expert”.