You Are An Authority, Yes, You Are
There are many definitions for the word “authority”, but the definition we’re going to discuss in this post is this one from dictionary.com.
an expert on a subject: He is an authority on baseball.
Every person is an authority on any number of things. I truly believe that. You may say, “No, I’m not an expert on anything”, but I bet within 15 minutes of having a conversation with you, I could get you to think of at least 5 things that you could be considered an “expert” or “authority” on. Maybe it’s something really small and minor – maybe you are an expert at dealing with bugs in your garden, for example. You may think you couldn’t possibly be considered an expert because you didn’t get a degree in horticulture (or whatever a degree in garden bugs might be called), but your “experience” in dealing with them makes you an expert. Let’s take a look at one of the definitions of expert now.
possessing special skill or knowledge; trained by practice; skillful or skilled (often fol. by in or at): an expert driver; to be expert at driving a car.
Notice this part – “trained by practice”. The fact that you’ve been doing something repeatedly for a long time can make you an expert without any formal training. Perhaps you are an expert at baking chocolate chip cookies. Maybe you are an expert at multi-tasking. Some of you are probably experts at coaching little league sports. The point is that we all have skills that we’ve acquired over time, and we can attach the labels of “expert” and “authority” to those topics. I am absolutely positive that I could learn all sorts of things from each and every one of you.
So what, you ask? Oh, there is a point to my rambling, trust me. My point is that you can take those skills and teach others. Or you can take those skills and create products based on your expertise of the subject. Those products may be digital (such as informational ebooks, training videos, or software), or they may be physical, such as hand-made organizational gadgets. (I just bought one such hand-made gadget on eBay today from some lady who makes them, so I have first hand experience with that one).
The key, however, is in first recognizing your talents and your expertise, and then in making use of them. In addition, you need to be able to convey to others that you are indeed an authority or expert. You don’t have to present formal credentials. You do need to present information. Write articles that show people how to do something in your niche. Answer questions on social sites related to your niche. Help those who want to learn what you know. Each of these things can help build your reputation as an authority in your field. (Yes, even an expert chocolate chip cookie maker can be useful to others in the world – seriously!)
This won’t be the last time we discuss this topic. It is a critical aspect of your success. We’ll be dealing with it more in the days to come, I promise. For now, I invite you to notice the things you do on a daily basis, and really take note of those things that you do really well. Small or large, pay attention to the things that you are an expert at doing. That’s all for now.
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Posted on May 7th, 2008 by DazzlinDonna
Filed under: Branding
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Great series of articles on authority, Donna!
Hello Donna,
Great words of inspiration! It made me feel so much better. You have presented many valid points, which (I think) many of us do not give enough credit for.
I believe it’s the confidence factor that drives the wedge in between a person’s actual knowledge in a particular subject matter and how formally educated they are on the subject matter. I think most people feel if they have not been formally trained then they do not deserve credit to deem themselves an “expert.” Although, the word itself presents a strong presence. It’s almost as if you’re called an “expert” all heads in the room will turn. Then you are left standing there to answer every, single, solitary question asked of you. Why, well you are the “expert.” Sounds intimidating but it does not have to be. And in most cases, this isn’t so. Most people just appreciate an individual who is educated in the question they have yet to find an answer to. Or simply information they, themselves have not been able to dig up.
In general, be it gardening or repairing your kids bike from time to time, if you know it, you know it! As to where it was derived from is really irrelevant just so as long as the information IS indeed true and relevant.
I think I jabbered enough
Warm Regards,
Raquel G.
Thanks Donna,
This is very true, and a great inspiration!
For those of us who lose sight of our own strengths and wisdom, this is a much needed reminder.
Worthy of lots of social love