How to be seen as an expert

If you are are new to your business or just looking for a way to gain visibility, then being seen as an expert in your field is an invaluable way to earn trust, gain respect and increase attention to your business.

Before I tackle the "how" to be seen as an expert, I have to first say this very, very important thing: You can not be seen as an expert if you are not already an expert. This is not about lying about your qualifications, tricking people into believing you know what you are doing or stealing from true experts to make it look like your own material.

This is about promoting the amazing gifts, talents and experiences you currently have so potential clients benefit from your knowledge and becomes aware of the services you provide. No trickery, lying or fabricating allowed.

Below are some tips for being seen as an expert in your field.

1. Write for an online magazine, blog or other site where people come to read quality articles filled with solid content. Sites likeEzine Articles, Self Growth and Women on Business are great places to be seen by a wide variety of people looking for information on your industry.

2. Speak to local organizations or civic groups. There are tons of groups, like Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs, that need speakers for their weekly meetings. You can get a list of social clubs from your local library. Send a quick email and/or postcard with a list of presentation topics on which you can speak for 10-20 minutes.

3. Provide answers to questions on LinkedIn Answers. People ask questions on a special section of LinkedIn and anyone can answer those questions. If your answer is selected as the best solution to the question, then you receive a point. The more points you have, the more you appear to be an expert on that topic.

4. Publish white papers, ebooks, podcasts, ezines and videos full of great content that provides a solution to a problem facing your ideal client.

Incorporating just one of these tips into your marketing plan will greatly increase your visibility and help you be seen as an expert in your field.