I was on a panel the other night. Generally you get invited to be on a panel to represent a certain area of expertise or a unique demographic. Participating in panels is a great way to get exposure and position yourself as an expert in your field, as well as a great way to expand your network and gain some credibility in your community.
Here is my problem with being an “expert”–no one knows everything. So it can be intimidating to pitch yourself as an expert. The intro text for the event was a little intimidating: “We have lined up a terrific panel of some of the valley’s social media elite.” I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a social media “elite,” but for a night I could look like one, right? I may not be as seasoned in social media as some of my counterparts on the panel (@comcastcares for heavens sake!), but at the end of it all I still have a unique perspective from a unique demographic that is worth sharing.
We all have something worth sharing. So if you’ve been hesitant to get out there and pitch yourself as an expert in your field–you don’t need to know everything. But know enough to share something genuine and unique from your perspective. And don’t think you need to bluff your way through things. If you don’t know something, admit it. No one will ever fault you for that.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at 6:00 pm and is filed under PR Basics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.6 Responses to “Being an ‘Expert’”
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February 24th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
They’re funny things, labels - we often decry them but they do have their place.
I think we shy away from *admitting* to our status - it’s almost seen as being arrogant to say we have certain levels of knowledge. Yet we must have it or else we wouldn’t be held in regard for certain areas.
I think when we’re classed as experts by peers and contemporaries, that has far more sway than self-proclaiming ourselves as experts or gurus.
As you say, I don’t think anyone can really be an expert in something as fast-moving as social media. We can have differing levels of expertise, but true expert?
The fact that you were invited and described in the way you were merely confirms how you’re viewed - and that’s the most important thing.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Thank you for writing this! Honestly this will so help so many people. I think most of us will not consider ourselves an expert at anything, because we don’t know it “all”.
I think of it like motherhood. Sure I have been a mom for the past 14 1/2 years, does it make me an expert? I may be able to give guidance to a new mom, but I am still learning every day! Same thing with any job or hobby.
Again, thanks for sharing this!
February 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I believe participating in panels also requires a certain level of expertise on its own. You might have a lot of things to share, but they could all come to your mind at another day.
Thanks for your article, it was more than just a fine contribution - besides, I can’t miss out Mrs.Rhonda’s comment too!
February 27th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I once heard Gene Simmons (of KISS) say “being great involves being delusional, because if you don’t believe in yourself then no one else will either.” However you decide to convey yourself to the world is how most people are going to perceive you.
Being an expert involves confidence and knowledge. If you can walk the walk then you’re most of the way there.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I love this posting because it points to not just establishing ourselves as experts for panels and such, but in every arena from our blogs and websites to networking luncheons.
I sat with this question: “What am I an expert in?” before I launched my home biz resource site. I wasn’t super-credentialed, I didn’t have years of corporate experience in one particular area (my background is writing/marketing communications), and I am not an expert in anti-aging (my current industry).
HOWEVER, I declared, I am an expert in having my own home business and how to get started, what it takes, what it’s like. I’ve been doing it for 8 years.
So I now work with others who are looking to launch their own home businesses, whatever it may be, because — after all — I am an expert at that!
March 12th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Rachel - I like that you’ve balanced subject matter expertise with willingness to be honest, share insights, and assist others when you put on the ‘expert’ hat. Sometimes it is the person who knows just a little more than you do on a topic that provides the most help on your journey. I encourage others on this path to take a look at the great materials on career tips on branding yourself and networking at http://www.w2wlink.com. Connecting with other women in business on a regular basis helps me to gain the confidence I need when I am presented with an expert role situation. Thanks again!