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Experts make more money in their niches than non-experts do. Funny thing is, you may be an expert at several things already. The problem is, no one but you and those closest to you realize, recognize or acknowledge it. If that’s the case, you’re currently not an expert who’s “making more money.”

The two questions are;

1. How do you become an expert if you’re not one already?
2. How do you become recognized as one so you can start earning what you’re really worth?

If you want to secure expert status, follow these time-tested principles. Don’t do something stupid like trying to reinvent the wheel. You’ll lose too much time in the process.

• Add to your existing knowledge base: In plain English, be willing to expand your “internal” database, adding more facts, figures, arguments for and against different methods and approaches to doing “ABC and XYZ.” Continuous education is what it takes to stay on top of the changes in your niche. Your education must continue to expand and new information becomes available. Even if the information is outright false, be aware of its existence. If you want to be an expert, you must learn to invest in yourself.
• Develop a networking style: Build strong connections with other people in your field. That doesn’t mean you have to be at every networking event out there. Lots of people do it these days directly from their laptop. I have friends and invites throughout the US and Europe. Amazingly enough, I’ve been networking with these people for the last 13 years. The easiest way to do this is to seek out people in your niche and be willing to help those less knowledgeable. You also need to learn how to promote yourself to others. If you are not sure how to do this, there are lots of courses and information out there to help you.
• Continue to practice: Being a real expert means you’re practicing what you preach and adding time-tested experience to your ledger. If you know something others don’t know, the best way to prove it is to show them the results of your efforts on an ongoing basis. Some people may think you’re arrogant when you product results and put them on display. This comes with the territory once you’re recognized on any given area. Usually, it’s the people who have the least to show for their efforts who will have a problem with this. The balance of self-promotion means treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of who they may be. If they’re a scumbag, you don’t have to necessarily let them know you know it!
• Develop presentation skills: Learn to use whatever technologies are available to you to present your expertise to others. This may include your website, PowerPoint, e-mail, snail mail, audios, videos, writing, drawing, public speaking, social media, etc. Become a man or woman with a message!
• Develop the habit of sharing: As an expert, do your best to share your knowledge and experience with others. If you know something that can help someone else, be willing to share it. By helping others you in turn help yourself. It won’t take long for people to recognize your abilities and when the time comes that they need someone with your expertise, they’ll be knocking on your door.

Does doing all the above mean you’ll be referred to as an expert?

The answer to that is – it depends how well you do it!

What’s important is – you now have a blueprint you can use to get started. Many people with talent and skill flounder for years because they’re too scattered. They end up doing things here and there with the hopes of something sticking. That’s a lottery-type of mentality and more often than not, ends with failure and disappointment.

Once you understand the process, you’ll be ready to take the next step and make measurable progress.