How to Own Your Expertise (Even If You're the \"New Kid\" in the Niche)

Listen, the world isn't going to send you a certificate that says "Congratulations, you're now an expert!"

You don't need anyone's permission to claim your expertise.

You decide. 

You declare it. 

You own it.

Every "expert" you see out there? They started as a nobody.

The only difference between them and you is that they started calling themselves an expert before anyone else did.

So, first rule: Stop waiting for permission. Give it to yourself.

You want to be seen as an expert? Start solving problems. Loudly!

Find out what keeps your audience awake at night. 

What are they are complaining about? What's making them bang their heads against the wall?

Then, show up with answers. Not theory. Not fluff. Real, actionable solutions.

Write about it, talk about it, make videos, and answer questions in forums, groups, and comments.

The more you solve, the more you're seen. The more you're seen, the more you're trusted.

Experts are problem-solvers, not pontificators.

People don't trust robots. They trust humans, especially humans who've been where they are.

So, tell your story.

Why are you in this field? What did you struggle with? What did you learn the hard way?

Don't be afraid to show your scars. People relate to scars. They respect scars.

The more real you are, the more people believe you can help them.

Here's a secret: You don't need to have written the book.

You need to have read it and be able to explain it better than anyone else.

Reference the giants in your field. Quote them. Interview them. Review their books.

Stand on their shoulders and shout your message.

Pretty soon, people will see you up there and assume you belong.

Experts don't hide. They show up. Over and over and over.

Write blog posts. Send emails. Record podcasts. Host webinars.

Get your name and your ideas out there until people can't ignore you.

Consistency beats brilliance every time.

You don't have to be the smartest. You have to show up more.

Here's where most "new" experts screw up: They price themselves like amateurs.

Please don't do it!

If you want to be seen as the authority, act like it. Charge like it.

People don't value what's cheap. They value what's rare, what's bold, what's confident.

And nothing says "I know my stuff" like a price tag that makes people sit up straight.

You want to be an expert in a new field?

Act like one.

Talk like one.

Solve problems like one.

Charge like one.

And for the love of all that's holy, stop waiting for someone to anoint you.

The only person who needs to believe you're an expert is you.

The rest of the world will catch up.

Now go out there and own your space!