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Should you call yourself an Expert?

By
Education & Training with the Positive MOM

Yes! … and Nooooo!

 

What is an Expert?

Copy-pasted from TheFreeDictionary.com

ex·pert     n.  A person with a high degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain subject. 

Read more at Wikipedia.

It’s really NOT like being a rocket scientist! It shouldn’t be that intimidating.

 

Are you an Expert?

Be honest!

  1. Are you more knowledgeable than many in your field?
  2. Do you have more experience than many in your field?
  3. Could many past and current clients attest of your skills?
  4. Do other professionals in your field refer to you?
  5. Have you “been there, done that”?
  6. Do you find yourself giving advice to others in your profession?
  7. Do you know your audience, market and market trends?
  8. Do you know the answer to most problems that may arise in your field?
  9. Are you innovative and resourceful?
  10. Do you have credentials and a proven track of success?


branding yourself as an expert. bad idea?Well, I think you will find out that, like Seth Godin says: “Everyone is an expert about something” and that you ARE an Expert whether you market yourself as such or not.

Isn’t that bragging?

I’m sure you’ve seen under qualified competitors get the job you deserve because they were boastful and not afraid of “tooting their own horn”.  A little confidence goes a long way. When expressed, that is.  If you don’t list your credentials and highlight your experience, no one will ever know. Your customers can’t read minds!

And yes, your awards and designations do communicate how committed you are to your profession.

 

Does it make sense?

Branding yourself as an expert is kind of nice! People trust experts, listen to experts and follow their advice.  You create a name that sells for itself. 

When does it work?

A brand is a promise and your prospects want to know that you are qualified to deliver what you promise.  The question is…What do you promise? This is the defining element.  This factor will determine why all the “bragging” will work for one and won’t for others. “It’s not what you can do, but how you can help them!”

It works when you establish how your competencies will work for your prospects and when you focus on benefits and not features.

It works when you tell them how your know-how will add value to their business, their lifestyle, their pocket...

It works when you translate everything into terms of “what this means to you is…”

 

Is it THAT simple?

‘Course not!  After communicating your proficiency, you have to actually deliver. Backing up perception with action is what really pays the bills.  It’s why you see many are number one on Google and number “where is their name?” on the sales reports. Poor follow up and poor performance.

 

Does it have to be “Expert”?

Some prefer “Leader” or “Specialist”. Some even call themselves “smart”.  Some are "the best" or have an “Ask (insert name)” website. The truth about the word Expert is that is derived from Latin that means “Experienced”.  You could have been the smartest in your class, gone to Medical School and specialized in a particular area…if you never practiced…would you be the Expert?

 

So…should I?

Yes!  If you have what it takes and will continue to reinvent yourself to live up to the title.

No!  If you are afraid you won’t be able to perform under Expert’s pressure.

 

But one thing I’m sure of, you should let your prospects (and even your competitors) know what you bring to the table and how your uniqueness works towards delivering your brand’s promise.  If you are not able to tell others how wonderful you are at what you do, then, who is? 

 

Best,

Your Branding Expert 

For more information, connect with me:

My WebsitePositive Mommies Network | E-mail | Facebook | Twitter

About the Author:

Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, blogging/social media/web design instructor, and marketing/branding strategist. Her company, Designed 2 Impress, is dedicated to assisting individuals and small businesses in creating successful and consistent brand and achieve their marketing goals.

Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!

This article is intended to educate and it constitutes the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez and Designed 2 Impress. Any full or partial reproduction or duplication without the author’s express written consent is strictly prohibited and will be considered copyright infringement.

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About the Author: Elayna Fernandez is a proud mother, Success & Empowerment Guide, author and speaker, founder of the Positive Mommies Network, dedicated to creating/upgrading personal and coporate brands and marketing effectively on the Web.

Thank you for taking the time to reading my post. Have a powerful day!

This article is the sole intellectual property of Elayna Fernandez. Copyright Designed 2 Impress, Inc.

 

Comments (94)

Home Loan Search.Online
Home Loan Search Online - Newnan, GA

I think a lot of people use the term expert or specialist as a marketing tool and nothing more. I've seen way too many experts lately and I wonder how many are experienced enough to warrant such a title.

Aug 18, 2009 02:12 AM
Andrew McGrath
Donovan Group Realty - Santa Ana, CA

Elayna,

This by far the most interesting question I have seen posted here on ActiveRain. My initial reaction was that I would be hard pressed to call myself an expert as I am always learning more from each experience and the experience of others.

The responses that rang most true to me were David Childress: Let me define you after I see your results. If someone refers to me as an expert after working with me, so be it

& Rene Fabre: I am an explorer, here's where I've gone, this is what I did, this is what happened... I am here to share my story.

Great topic and excellent responses!

--Andrew

Aug 18, 2009 03:49 AM
Yvette Gardner
Keller Williams Realty, Spartanburg, SC - Spartanburg, SC

Elayna,  This is a very thought provoking post.  I think the word expert is overused, especially in Real Estate.  People want to know what you can do for them, not what you know.  Thanks for your post.

Aug 18, 2009 03:55 AM
Shannon Stanbro
Stanbro Real Estate llc - Lakewood, CO
5280mod.com

My father always defined an "expert" as an unknown drip.

Consumers don't want to hear about how swell you think you are...they want proof that they will benefit the most by using your services over the hundreds or thousands of other "swell" Realtors they can find in your market.

 

Aug 18, 2009 05:33 AM
Brad Calef
Coco Plum Realtors - Key Colony Beach, FL

When you are the best at what you do, it should be fearless to advertise that fact.  Tell everyone what you do and suceed! 

 

Very nice arranged!

Aug 18, 2009 07:45 AM
Barbara Tretola
RAC Real Estate Associates, Inc. - Massapequa Park, NY

I just joined Keeping Current MATTERS so that I would always have up to date info in order to be an expert on local conditions in the market.

Aug 18, 2009 10:44 AM
Anonymous
Egide Thein

I have met many experts. Some held what they promised, some did not. At least you can forgive the ones who did not advertise their expertise too much. Your excellent post, however short it is, is a complete summary of all what matters. I have highlighted what in my own experience, might make an "expert" on separating hype from reality. Here is that wonderful excerpt:

" It works when you establish how your competencies will work for your prospects and when you focus on benefits and not features.

It works when you tell them how your know-how will add value to their business, their lifestyle, their pocket...

It works when you translate everything into terms of "what this means to you is..."

Engineers build features, sales people sell benefits. Both may be experts. You recognize an expert when you see his or her work.

Aug 18, 2009 02:26 PM
#81
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

 

Roland – I agree. Results are first and foremost the indicator of expertise.

 

Christine – Thank you for your comment. I agree 100%.

 

Pat – One thing that an Expert needs to stay away from is giving medical, legal, or tax advice unless they are indeed a doctor, lawyer or accountant.  Real Estate (Short Sales and Foreclosures, especially) is a field that involves contracts that are legally binding and, therefore, one should be careful on what “advice” you are giving.  Great point. Thank you!

 

Rich – why thank youuuu!

 

Allison – Those are interesting statistics.  A lot of people tell me I should get a license…sometimes I think about it.  I appreciate your time to comment. I hope you come back to my blog and enjoy more posts to come. Thank you A+ J

 

Toula – great to “see” you again.  I hope you brand yourself as one ASAP.  Keep me updated.

 

You’re right. The Expert test is not easily “winged”.  You have to definitely deliver!

 

Andrew – Thank you for your comments. I am really grateful for such wonderful replies, for sure!

 

Yvette and Dennis – oh yeah, benefits speak louder than words J

 

Shannon – Bragging and bluffing are really different concepts.  Real Estate is not a gamble.  Thank you for sharing your father’s wisdom. I quote my father a lot, as well.

 

Brad – I love that word “fearless”. I own the domain name “boldandfearless.com”  I’m not playing! LOL

 

Barbara – I love it. How can everyone sign up to it? Thanks for sharing!

 

Egide - Thank you so much for your wonderful comments!  Engineers are definitely feature Experts.  That is a great clarification. I agree with you, of course, results don't lie! (another domain name I own, LOL)

 

Aug 18, 2009 03:22 PM
Jenny Durling
L.A. Property Solutions - Los Angeles, CA
For Los Angeles real estate help 213-215-4758

From the points you make, I qualify as an Expert like many others here. Somehow I'm still not comfortable telling people that. I suppose I'd rather just show them!

Aug 18, 2009 04:25 PM
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

This is cool, I can tell there are a lot of experts responding to your blog. I like Specialist.  It all in the delivery.  I had a friend who ended up with the listing, who told the client, I am a better agent,  She has big balls and she got the listing.  It's all in the attitude and then on delivering.

Steve

Aug 20, 2009 05:13 PM
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

Jenny: I'm so glad you own and work the title. It works!

Steven: I agree. The attitude and confidence say it all.  I didn't see Specialist on your AR title. Add it soon :)

Aug 21, 2009 01:01 PM
Joseph "Cathan" Potter
Coldwell Banker - Sebastopol, CA

Thank you for the encouragement.  Your post was wonderful, and also the most well formatted and easy to read I have come across.

Aug 22, 2009 04:49 AM
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

Joseph...now that's an awesome compliment. Thank you! :)

Aug 22, 2009 05:01 AM
Mark Velasco
West Shores Realty - Whittier, CA
Top Producing Broker Associate

Elayna, I think that many so called "experts" are not experts at all. I think that expert means that you are one of the best in that field. Too many Realtors claim this titile.

Aug 23, 2009 10:09 AM
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

You're right. Let's get to the rescue, Mark. :)

Aug 23, 2009 11:30 AM
Mike Henderson
Your complete source for buying HUD homes - Littleton, CO
HUD Home Hub - 303-949-5848

Great post.  I'm an expert in a couple of areas.  I'm trying to figure out how to brand myself that way.

Aug 24, 2009 05:01 PM
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

Mike, beautiful bride! What areas in specific? Maybe you could blend all of them into just one category.  It can be challenging, but it is brilliant once it's done. :)

Aug 24, 2009 05:07 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Elayna, This is one expertly written post by an outstanding expert. Your format is beautiful, easy to read and easy on the eyes. Not to mention really great content.

Aug 26, 2009 04:02 PM
Elayna Fernandez
the Positive MOM - Fort Worth, TX
BE Positive and You'll BE Powerful!

I am so thrilled with your feedback, Margaret. It is a huge compliment, which I appreciate greatly.  I can't wait to get your book in the mail.  I hope it's only the first of many you will write and I will read :)

Aug 26, 2009 04:56 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Thank you for this great information. I will be sure to share with others.

Mar 08, 2011 10:49 PM