Starting a Small Home Business

9 Ways to Become an Expert Without Writing a Book

March 12th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized — Small Home Business Author

It used to be that you had to publish a book to be an expert. Some people will still have you believe this, but with the advent of vanity presses, merely having a book is not the same expert blessing that it used to be.

You have a business. You want more publicity. Such is the plight of the modern entrepreneur. It seems like Jill Competitor is getting on the news all the time, and she doesn’t even know that much! How in the heck can SHE be an expert??

Actually, anyone can be an expert. ANYONE! This is, at the same time, great news and awful news. It’s great because it means YOU can be an expert too! And it’s awful because it means even Jill Competitor can be an expert.

Every entrepreneur should become an expert. It will help you get more publicity, which brings in more clients/customers, and it makes you feel good to boot! But how do you become an expert? There’s no such thing as expert school!

1. Speak in front of an audience.

Every chance you get, teach a class, give a speech or make a presentation. Not only will it help you polish your skills, but people will respect your knowledge. If you are uncomfortable speaking in front of a group, join Toastmasters or a public speaking class. There’s nothing like actually doing it to cure your stage fright! (In fact, community theatre can be a good way to get used to being in front of an audience, because you’re saying scripted lines and you’re not by yourself.)

Host workshops in your space, at Chamber of Commerce and networking events, and for your local adult education project.

2. Write articles for publication.

Pick out some magazines in your industry that you enjoy. Write a letter to the editor telling her how much you love Such And Such Magazine and ask for the writer’s guidelines and editorial calendar. The guidelines will tell you how to write your article, and the calendar will tell you what to write it about. Write an article sharing knowledge, a how-to, list of tips, or another format that works for you. Try writing for local publications first, such as your local business journal, sports weekly, etc. Once you have a “clip” (published article), you can write articles for larger magazines/papers and include a photocopy of your previous work.

You may decide to be willing to write for free, in exchange for your business URL in the bio.

3. Write articles for online article directories.

Write 500-word articles that answer frequently asked questions around your business. Whether that’s how to pick scrumptious veggies at the market or how to properly execute a cartwheel, write an article and submit it to eZine Articles. When you submit, you’re agreeing that ezine/e-newsletter publishers can use the article for free, as long as they properly attribute it to you. In addition, you can add your URL to the author resource box and get people clicking over to your website. Not only is it a good way to gain expert status, but it increases your website’s Google ranking as well!

4. Become a publisher

Write your own ezine about your industry! Place a sign-up box on your website, as well a sign-up sheet in your place of business. Then weekly or biweekly, send out news and tips for your readers! If you are in need of content, search eZine Articles for well-written articles. There are plenty of free mailing list providers out there, as well as good paid ones.

5. Write a blog

Not everyone wants to sign up for an ezine. They’d rather subscribe via RSS to a blog. Get a free account on WordPress, or pay for one on Typepad and write away! Post at least twice a week with lists, tips, tricks and more. Make sure you’re posting quality content and your readers come back for more!

6. Subscribe to Help A Reporter Out.

Go sign up for Peter Shankman’s ezine Help A Reporter Out. It comes to your inbox 3 times per day bursting with reporters seeking sources. You might only see a query that applies to you a couple times a week, but it’s worth it if you get coverage! Everyone from small-time bloggers to glossy magazine reporters seek sources there.

7. Get a social media life.

Join Twitter and tweet away with others in your industry and looking for your services. Post videos to YouTube. (Buy an inexpensive webcam and record directly into your computer). Get a Facebook page to promote yourself and your business. Get on LinkedIn and network with collegues. (I have decided to business with people I’ve met on LinkedIn!) There are a million different opportunities out there, but those are the big ones.

8. Offer free advice.

Go onto LinkedIn Answers, Yahoo! Answers, or the Needs & Haves email list and give away free advice. People will remember you for it, and as long as you respond intelligently, you’ll be seen as an expert.

9. Stay up-to-date and live what you preach

Every industry evolves. If you are in web design, for example, you can’t make the same websites now that you made in 1998. (or even 2005!) If you are a graphic designer, take a look at innovative design books at the bookstore. If you are a personal trainer telling everyone that you can help them get in shape for swimsuit season, make sure you yourself are in that shape! All of your expert efforts will be wasted if you aren’t up-to-date and practicing what you preach.

Andi Enns is a cutting-edge Public Relations & Marketing Campaign Strategist specializing in small businesses, nonprofits and individuals. She lives in Kansas City, but works with organizations nation-wide. Visit her website at http://andienns.com/ or her blog http://andienns.wordpress.com/