When you think of celebrities with dynamic personal brands, who do you envision in your minds eye? Donald Trump? Oprah Winfrey? Suzie Orman? These are examples of iconic celebrity brands that garner global notoriety and respect. In addition to their celebrity status, they are undoubtedly subject matter experts in their respective fields. If access were granted, would you not welcome real estate advice from Donald Trump or financial guidance from Suzie Orman? Would it not be awesome for an entrepreneur to get advice from Oprah about managing multiple organizations under the umbrella of the Oprah brand? Expert status is not reserved for celebrities alone, you too, can be considered a subject matter, category or industry expert by your boss, colleagues and clients. Expert status....are you perceived as an expert?
The opinions, perspectives and visions of those that create authentic expert status around their personal brand are coveted to say the least. Expert status in a respective field or industry is critical to the demonstration and execution of competitive advantage. Positioning yourself as a subject matter, category or industry expert, in line with your background, experience and education will differentiate you from the competition and enable you to leverage substantially more opportunities across your career or business.
I have worked with clients across a variety of industries in both public and private sectors. I am often amazed by the fact that despite having spent many years in either the same position or industry, that more often than not, most would not consider themselves experts in any capacity. Shockingly, many are incapable of answering questions such as: "What are the latest trends in your industry?" Who are considered the top thought-leaders in your industry?" "What challenges is your industry currently facing?" "What is the latest cutting edge technology driving your industry?" Who are the top three competitors in your industry?" "What professional organizations specific to your industry are you actively involved in?" "Have you attended a networking event specific to your industry in the last three months?" "What is the state of the local market as it relates to the products or services your company sells?" "What is the current competitive environment specific to new entrants in the physical or cyber marketplace?" "What are customers saying about the products or services sold by your company"? "What are your top three recommendations on how to improve or grow your companies business?" "What trade publications do you subscribe to?" "What business oriented books have you read in the last 12 months?" Experts, whether by subject matter, category or industry, are capable of answering such questions and leverage their expertise and personal brands for higher compensation levels and broader career opportunities.
If you are not considered a subject matter, category or industry expert, expert status is within your reach. You do not have to be Donald Trump or Oprah to garner celebrity expert status with your boss, colleagues or clients. Become an expert and let TLT Consulting Services show you the power of your personal brand!
Until next week...
