How to Become An Expert

Recently a reader posed a question to me I get asked frequently, in various shapes and sizes, and in person, on Twitter, in the comments section, and via e-mail. Anything worth answering more than once is worth writing about here for all of you to read so I can refer to it for later experts.

Here’s the question:

“I’d like to become an expert in <insert topic here>. How do I get started today?”

First, I applaud anyone who is willing to ask for help. You’re already a step ahead of most folks who think they can do it alone. I used to think that was true. It’s not, and I don’t recommend you do it alone.

But that advice doesn’t help you. At least not by itself. So what follows is my best advice. I hope it helps you become an expert in whatever you want to become an expert in.

It’s best if you actually do what you want to become an expert in. Practitioners make the best (and the most authentic) experts, so you need to do what you want to become an expert in.

Start a blog and create a Twitter account. Write every post and every Tweet as though it is the only post anyone will ever read of yours…because it might be! (Recommended reading: How to start a blog for free)

Think about what you want your end to be. Is it a book? A better network? Escape from corporate jobs? Keep that end in mind every time you do anything and
ask the tough question:

"Does what I’m doing right now bring me closer to or further away from my goal?"

If it’s further away, have the discipline to stop doing it…or at least to get done something that does help first. (Recommended reading: Begin with the end in mind)

Tweet often and add value in every Tweet.

Retweet (share what other folks have said) when they add value to you (and when you think they’ll add value to those who follow you).

Share your articles on Twitter and with others not on Twitter.

Guest write some articles for the best blogs once you have 20 on your own blog.

Create a great signature/author resource box that encourages folks to come visit you.

Keep writing articles as often as you can write high quality articles.

Write value added comments on other relevant blogs.

And keep the faith! There are no overnight successes…only undiscovered talent that just found the light!

Now it’s your turn.

What do you recommend folks do to become an expert?

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