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Dex_phoenix

B2B Sales Coach and Fundraising Auctioneer
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
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3 Ways to Become Known for your Expertise in Your Community

Create a simple foundation to make a solid impression as someone whom others would want to refer people to - for business, for knowledge - or whatever might happen.
Written Dec 14, 2007, read 4830 times since then.
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They say that it is not WHAT you know, but WHO you know. Consider for a moment that both may be equally important.

1. Always look to meet interesting people. Whether you are at an in-person event or networking virtually, rather than looking to meet a prospective customer, determine who it is that you want to meet - what you want to learn, and what you want to focus on IN ADVANCE. Although this may sound like a networking tip, it will help set the foundation for who you decide to surround yourself with. If you choose big picture thinkers, for example - you will start finding them wherever you go. It is not unlike buying a red sports car and then seeing them regularly on the road from then on. Set your sights high, and focus on who you need in your world.  No matter how much you know, you need others in your life to champion you, recommend, and collaborate with you.  I always focus on looking for interesting people, because those are the people I find make things happen in the world, and they tend to be more open to new ideas - of which I tend to have.

I invested time and expenses to attend a conference in Minneapolis called www.salesshebang.com more than a year and a half ago where I met my industry counterparts - incredible women who do what I do. We all seemed to hit it off, and we all share our knowledge - because we know that too many people need what it is that we do. It was truly amazing. Many of us have teamed up to put on creative events that get visibility.More than 18 months later, we still have a quarterly conference call. We have supported each other, endorsed each other, and given ideas to each other. This would have never happened if I hadn't originally reached out to my "competitor", Jill Konrath (www.jillkonrath.com) - who has turned out to be a successful, serial author, expert,  and leader in what she does, and a visionary in collaboration.

Through Twitter, I have met some amazing thought leaders - people who I would not have met otherwise, most likely. I enjoy hearing what the people I am not directly connected to (yet) are thinking and tweeting about. I've gained new clients this way.

2. Speak or write - a lot. If you like to talk, begin speaking at all sorts of community events, business events, web TV shows, or grab a video cam and start talking about your passion and your area of expertise. Create guidelines for what it is that you will focus on as a subject matter expert. If, instead, you would really rather leave the talking to others, then begin writing. Write articles, start a blog, and comment on others' blogs. Certain communities, such as Biznik, have a section for members to post articles, so take advantage of that. See what others are writing about and talking about. Be different, and share your passion for the subject.

3. Know your topic. Focus on what it is that others need help with, rather than trying to shape what it is that you think everyone needs onto others. Be flexible, be likeable, and know the topic well.

Become a student of that topic - so instead of thinking that you know everything about it - sign up for Google alerts on the topic , or have a regular monthly research day to learn more about it.

I am cautious of know-it-alls, aren't you? The more powerful questions you can ask of others, the more you will learn and grow - plus others will appreciate your base knowledge and your desire to learn more. Don't be afraid to say, "I hadn't heard of that before - tell me more about it"

4. Champion Others. Tweet, re-tweet, and post good news about those colleagues of yours, strategic partners, prospective customers, and definately with existing clients. If you simply just focused on this one area, your business would grow. I've seen it happen many times - including with my own businesses.

Finally, focus on just a 1 percent improvement each day (or week). Pace yourself, and enjoy the journey. So, in the spirit of asking powerful questions, what are you doing, or will do based on this?

B2B Sales Coach and Fundraising Auctioneer Portsmouth, New Hampshire Lori Richardson

Lori Richardson writes, speaks, and trains on revenue. Find her at www.scoremoresales.com

Check out this published work by Lori Richardson
50 Days to Build Your Sales
Corporate sales coach, author, fundraising auctioneer

Learn more about the author, Lori Richardson.

Comment on this article

  • Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, Teacher and Performer of Improv Santa Cruz, California Carol Skolnick
    Posted by Carol Skolnick, Santa Cruz, California | Mar 20, 2008

    And...comment on each other's Biznik articles. :)

  • Psychotherapist and Dating Coach Seattle, Washington Kate Stewart
    Posted by Kate Stewart, Seattle, Washington | Jul 08, 2008

    Great article! I'm an Existential psychotherapist, and I focus on creating and sustaining meaning in my client's lives, and there's definitely an element of that to what you are writing about, as far as meeting interesting people and helping out other folks who need help with something.

  • Sales Coach, Success Coach, Business Coach Portland, Oregon Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jul 29, 2008

    Lori,

    I love this article, and since I know that you practice what you preach, the impact is even more powerful.

    I like how all of your tips for success apply across the board in business and in life. In coachspeak, much of what you suggest in your Point #1 is what we often call 'setting an intention.'

    Being deliberate and clear about what I desire to feel and take away in each segment of our lives we enter is a great way to increase the likelihood that we get it......as opposed to taking it as it comes and having a come-what-may attitude.

    I also appreciate the great tips on how to become knowledgeable in a specific area, including setting aside a specific day each week or month for that purpose and being open to learn more directly from others.

    Thanks for the great gift of your article, Lori.

    Listen to the NEW Selling With Spirit Radio Hour
  • Executive Coach, Motivating Speaker, Leadership Team Specialist Olympia, Washington Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Aug 07, 2008

    Great article Lori.

    Your tips are well thought out and easy to follow. I appreciate that you emphasize not just educating self on topic but educating self on how you are showing up. Which is in the presence that we all bring to each encounter.

    Sharing your passion for your subject is so important to further you as an expert (different from-know it-all.) And the part on setting aside time each month for focused improvement is a great way to say - spend time reflecting!

    Thanks for sharing your powerful insights.

    Inspiring Action...Shifting Perspective
  • President / CEO Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Diana Bourgeois
    Posted by Diana Bourgeois, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | Dec 03, 2009

    Great article Lori...THank you.

  • Sales Coach, Success Coach, Business Coach Portland, Oregon Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Dec 29, 2009

    I absolutely love this article, Lori! It's brilliant and so in accord with the collaborative go-giver mindset.

    I love the calculated strategy of seeking partnerships with others that are truly win-win.

    I remember reading this article months ago and returning to it, I see it gets better and better. I wish I could rate it again with another HUGE 10!

    Everyone should read this article. In fact, I'm going to use the Biznik Tweet feature to spread the news right now!

    Thank you for your leadership and for offering these pearls of wisdom. I also know you personally and am honored to know that you walk your talk.

    Listen to the NEW Selling With Spirit Radio Hour
  • Internet Sales Consultant Seattle, Washington Howard Howell
    Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Apr 19, 2010

    Lori... Great advice, even two years old, it still applies, which is amazing with the rapid pace of tech change. ...Howard

  • Expat Coach Everett, Washington Margie Banin
    Posted by Margie Banin, Everett, Washington | Apr 21, 2010

    Terrific insights, Lori - thank you for sharing! As Howard says above, great advice which hasn't aged at all.

    And also, after all your tips, I appreciate the final one most of all - it's so tempting to get fired up about something, want to go out there & act on every aspect of it all immediately. And then we overwhelm ourselves. Instead, pacing ourselves & enjoying trying these strategies out really is the best way to go.

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