Editor of "The View From The Cabin" newsletter
http://www.online-business-centre.com/lan/newsbiz_blog_perm.htm
No matter what business you are in it always helps to be seen as
an expert. If you were calling someone to fix a drain or sell your
house you would approach the person you saw as most credible
and reputable in that area of expertise. To become an expert
takes hard work and experience. It can involve study or the
honing of practical skills. It demands high standards of work. But
after all this effort will you be perceived as an expert? If you feel
you've earned the mantle of expert but are not recognized as
one, here are eight ways to start establishing your reputation.
Publish a book or series of reports or articles The internet has
made this much easier. You can now create an ebook that can
be downloaded without having to involve a publisher. There are
ezine owners always looking for good quality articles and reports
for their ezines. A well-written book or series of articles will
establish your reputation as an expert in your field. Publish a
newsletter Set one up on the internet and distribute it to your
customers. This is an excellent way to regularly keep your name
in front of your prospects as an authority on your subject.
Write press releases Used correctly these can gain you a lot of
positive publicity. Make sure the press release looks like
newsworthy information and not like an advertisement. Create
a website Set up a user-friendly website that will appeal to
customers and you have expanded the reach of your reputation.
Keep it timely and informative, and people will continue to return
to your site. If you don't know how to set up a website there are
plenty of web designers who do. Alternatively enquire at a college
teaching web design. Some students might want to build a portfolio.
Join associations If you are a member of an association it will
enhance your credibility. But don't just be a member. Be an active
member. This will build your reputation among your peers and
lead to useful introductions. Membership can have many benefits,
and it will certainly keep you up to date in your field. Networking
You can boost your reputation and influence by speaking to the
right people. Keep your name in front of your prospects. Organize
mutually beneficial ventures.
You cannot predict what may come from a contact so make as
many as you can. Public Speaking Even speaking to a local group
of people can establish you as an expert and get you referrals
that may lead to a wider audience. If you are not sure you can
speak in public, preparation and rehearsal are the keys to success.
Make sure your presentation is aimed at the right level, follows
a sensible sequence and will not sound like a dry textbook-like
monologue. Write your main points on small cards so you are
not relying solely on your memory and start in front of a small
audience. Teach workshops or seminars If you have knowledge
that people would like to tap into you can pass on your expertise.
If your presentation is well planned you will be seen as an
authority in your subject. You will also meet people who are
likely to recommend you to others. If you are teaching a hot
topic you will also be gaining a useful income stream. Any of
these methods will start building your reputation as an expert.
Use them all correctly and you will gain the sort of reputation
that will have potential clients approaching you without having
to seek them out.
Tom Taylor
BSc, MSC, PHD (School of Hard Knocks and Real Lessons)
http://online-business-centre.com
Editor of "The View From The Cabin" newsletter
http://www.online-business-centre.com/lan/newsbiz_blog_perm.htm
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