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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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great commentary from a guy living the dream. A few more thoughts:
1. Build solutions, not widgets
2. Live real time in the social media space
3. Remember names and faces
4. Promote others more than yourself
5. Leverage your local flavor in person & online
Thanks Y’all.
Thanks Jeff! Glad you enjoyed it.
Love your additions too! I’ll share those soon with the world!
Rock on – and hope to see you soon!
Phil:
Thanks for this post. Some of this is a little familiar to me, but you really provided some great content here. I especially like your suggestion to keep the end in mind. I know a lot of us out there (especially someone like me who dabbles in a little bit of everything) might be too modest to consider themselves an expert at something. But it is comforting to read how this is possible with some work and resourcefulness.
Hi Phil .. I’d add
- add content to your blog everyday (pain, but it gets you in the habit of writing and you get your name out there .. if you do below)
- find like minded bloggers that you like, stick around watch and learn from their commenters, then comment relevantly to their post that day, – they will come across to you and reciprocate
It may take time .. but we have to work to succeeed – I comment on others’ blogs that have no relevancy to my topic – but I like the people – you need a community to get going ..
Thanks – Hilary Melton-Butcher
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