Position Yourself as an Expert

Whether you are building your personal brand or your business brand, positioning yourself as an expert can get you noticed and bring in business. Check out these five ideas:

1. Tell the media. Inform the media of your expertise and how this relates to their audience. Make yourself available to the media for interviews. By taking this proactive approach with reporters, editors and producers, you make their job easier. Instead of tracking down an expert in your field, should an opportunity arise, they will already have your name and call you. It is always cool to see your name in print.

2. Use social media wisely. Expertise is also important for social media tools like Twitter and Facebook. Provide useful information about your industry to your followers/fans. Link to interesting articles that show you are keeping abreast of what’s going on and are willing to share this information. Follow your target market and they will follow you. If you have nothing to say, it’s time to get creative!

3. Join the conversation. Not only may it make sense for you to write a blog, but also find the blogs that are closely related to your line of business and start posting your comments. This is a great way to get your name/brand noticed and reach people who are interested in what you have to offer. For example, if you sell children’s vitamins, start posting comments on blogs written by and for moms.

4. Speak on a panel. Seek out speaking opportunities that allow you to share your expertise. You do have something to say and the right audience will listen. If you are an expert on wellness, find panels that speak to businesses about creating a healthy workplace.  And if you are really motivated, you can organize your own panel discussion, diversify your panel members and invite your target market.

5. Author an article. Publications related to your industry are always looking for experts to provide insight. Publications post their editorial calendars online. The key here is to do your homework ahead of time. See what topics the publications are writing about, when their deadlines are and send them an email pitch about how you can contribute.

There’s an expert in all of us! Go get ‘em!