10 steps to turn your talent and experience into expert status.
No matter your profession or industry, being an expert will help you raise your credibility in the marketplace and build your business. Whether you’re an accountant, attorney or a consultant, when you position yourself as an expert, you’ll find prospects will be calling you because they know and trust that you will get the job done.
These 10 steps show you how social media can help build your expert brand.
Build the Foundation
1. Analyze your expertise// What industry and/or service area do you have the most expertise in? What type of clients can you help the most? What encourages clients to buy your products or services? Where are they located?
2. Succinctly position yourself// Write a quick positioning statement, such as, “I work with (insert type of clients) to help them (with these kinds of problems) by providing them with (insert service you perform).”
3. Create a killer online profile// Make sure that you include your credentials, articles written, presentations and links to your website. Also don’t forget to include important keywords, as they’ll help increase your online search rankings.
4. Identify your tools// Determine which social media sites best reach your target audience and create an account for each one. Is it LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Flickr? Or, perhaps a blog would be the best vehicle to reach your target audience. If you’re not sure, check out the social media vehicles your most coveted clients and competitors participate in.
Build Your Network
5. Connect, connect, connect// Look past your business contact database to include association lists, alumni groups, charitable groups, etc. Since the average business person has about 150-175 contacts in their working network, you might want to target this as your goal.
Promote Your Expertise
6. Get published online// White papers, e-books or articles are some of the most trustworthy sources of information. Authoring this kind of content can help you build your expert brand. You also might want to consider writing a blog.
7. Become a voice of the industry// Share information about “must attend” conferences/seminars, articles written by colleagues or links to stories about your profession/industry (don’t forget to add your own commentary and insights).
8. Be active// It takes consistent, on-going efforts to accomplish your goal of being recognized as an expert. Mark your calendar to post something daily or weekly.
9. Be humble// Remember, blatant self promotion is a frowned upon. We suggest the “Rule of 10.” Post 10 comments in support of or to promote other business, contacts or friends for every single comment that you post about yourself or your business.
10. Link back// Interlink to your website, blog and other social media sites. It will not only help increase your rankings, but will help readers to further engage.
Amy Hoppenrath is principal of AccelerAction, the only agency in Kansas City dedicated to fueling successful professional services firms by creating powerful branding messages, developing strategic lead generation campaigns and driving business development programs. www.AccelerAction.com
