Become The Go - To Expert In Your Industry
Wouldn't it be nice to be the go-to expert in your industry? In order to achieve this rather lucrative status, you need to learn how to become a subject matter expert (SME). You'll first need some experience and some knowledge under your belt, but the advice in this blog post will provide tools for honing those skills. If you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way towards becoming an industry leader who is respected and sought after by job seekers.
Be sure not to neglect these next few steps when trying to become an expert SME.
1. Learn more about your industry.
The first and, perhaps, most obvious step to becoming the go-to expert in your industry is learning more about it. What are the trends? What are the current issues? How will those issues be resolved? If you already work in the field that has a bearing on this information, then you're ahead of the game! If not, then find ways to stay in touch with what's happening. Follow key people on Twitter and other social media platforms. Read industry magazines and journals on a regular basis. Keep up with what's happening by reading blogs from within your industry. These people probably have insights that you may not have considered yet. What's more, they're often willing to share these insights.
2. Learn more about the current technology in your industry.
Another way to become an industry leader is to keep up with the latest technology that's out there. Books, magazines and journals are a great way to start but, if possible, attend seminars and workshops where new technology is being discussed and demonstrated first-hand, by experts in the field. This will help you develop a good idea of how this new technology works and how it might be applied in your business, even if it still seems farfetched at this point.
3. Become a published author.
Another way to stand out from the crowd is to publish an industry-related book. Writing helps you clarify your thoughts, after all, and it's difficult to be an expert on a subject if you don't understand it well enough to write about it. It's a great way to establish your credibility in the field, too. An added bonus: once you've written a book, people will be quick to ask for your opinion on other industry-related matters (and any time you get recognition for something that you've done is good for your career).
4. Deliver presentations at seminars and conferences.
As we mentioned above, it's best to keep up with the latest technology in your industry. If you attend seminars and conferences, though, you'll be able to deliver presentations about this technology at these events. That way, job seekers will be able to see how knowledgeable you are, and they'll know that they're in good hands if they allow you to handle their career search.
5. Write a blog on topics within your field of expertise.
Blogs are another great way to remain up-to-date. You'll need to have a topic that ties into your industry, of course, and it might require you to stay on top of new technology as you write. But if you're able to create an interesting blog, then it's sure to attract readers who will learn just as much from your words as you will from theirs. Either way, all this activity will help move you towards becoming the go-to expert in your industry.
6. Get involved in networking.
Networking can take many forms, but it's important to remember that you're not just trying to be the person who knows everything about your industry – you're also looking for opportunities to help others in your field gain new skills and knowledge, or improve their current ones. Therefore, being a good networker involves keeping up with the latest technology, new developments in your industry and industry experts. Additionally, it means getting involved by volunteering on company boards or other non-profit organizations (such as the local chamber of commerce or business association), and assisting fellow members by answering questions on LinkedIn.
7. Offer to give career coaching.
As a final thought, it's important to remember that being the go-to expert in your industry is not your ultimate goal. Instead, it's about providing a service to others who are looking for help in their career search. Therefore, if you're able to offer career coaching services, then do so! It shows potential clients that you are knowledgeable about what they're going through and can help them improve their situation. Be sure to keep up with current trends in your industry and be informed of best practices when it comes to helping job seekers make the most of the current job market.
If you're able to utilize these tips, you'll be well on your way towards becoming the go-to expert in your industry. It's a goal that takes time to achieve, but will be worth it when you're finally considered the industry leader. If you need help staying on track for this goal, then contact us for career coaching services today!
Resources:
http://www.gottaketchum.com/marketing-planning/how-become-go-expert-industry/comment-page-1/#comment-208749 (http://www.gottaketchum.com/marketing-planning/how-become-go-expert-industry/comment-page-1/#comment-208749)
http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/tips-to-become-an-industryexpert#2 (http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/tips-to-becomeanindus...)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/clutterfreejourney/?p=7633 (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/clutterfreejourney/?p=7633)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeladano/2013/01/30/8-tips-to-become-a-goexpertin-your-field/#28a4e62b16d1 (http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeladano/2013/01/30/8-tips-to...)
https://www.linkedin.com (https://www.linkedin.com/)
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http://www.fastcompany.com (http://www.
Conclusion
In this post, we've talked about some ways that you can become a go-to expert in your industry. If you're able to make use of these tips, then you'll be on your way towards achieving this goal. You can start by keeping up with the latest technology in the field, attending seminars, writing an industry-related book and offering career coaching services. Of course, these are just a few of the many things you could do to reach this goal. If you need help in order to become a go-to expert in your industry or career, then contact us for career coaching services today!
By Mike Ladao - Author of "Job Search for Dummies.