The Expert Series: Part 2
“The Expertise Gap”
Last week I started my “Expert Series” to discuss the topic of what it takes to claim the title “Expert”. You can click here to read the first post “Just ‘Cuz You Can Swing a Hammer”
My business helps experts position themselves in the spotlight. I get so many questions around the topic of claiming the title “expert” that I felt inspired to open a discussion on it and share some tips in this blog series.
Note: If you really want to go into the topic of claiming your expertise and using it to attract free publicity and new clients, then be part of my exclusive Mastermind Program that starts soon…
Today’s Topic:
In the first post, I explained that expertise was a combination of knowledge and experience.
In this post, you’ll gain an understanding of how it’s important to know the difference between what you know and what your target market/ ideal audience DOESN’T know and how to use that to position yourself as an obvious expert.
Meet The Bookies: 2 Publishing Experts
My friend Marcela Landres worked at Simon and Schuster for many years as a book editor; now she’s a freelance editorial consultant.
Marcela Landres directly mentors authors and creative writers in the publishing process.
Her expertise is clearly defined so it’s easy for her clients to know what they can get from her.
- Understanding the world of big New York publishing houses
- Picking the right literary agent
- Pitching editors
- Tapping into opportunities at writers conferences and workshops
- Opportunities in the Latino market
My friend Sophfronia Scott also works with aspiring authors, but in a completely different realm. She’s not necessarily looking for the Creative Writing crowd as much as the business crowd who wants to publish a credibility boosting, lead generating book.
(Sophfronia herself is an incredibly gifted creative writer, it’s just that this arm of her business focuses on the business author).
Her clients are looking for quick and easy solutions:
- How to create a book that serves as a lead generation tool for their businesses
- How to get a book published quickly and easily
- Publishing for the non-writer types
- Marketing a non-fiction business book
Because Marcela and Sophfronia are both crystal clear on who their ideal client is and what that person wants, positioning their expertise is easy. They each expertly serve different sectors of the publishing market, and because of that can confidently claim a niche in the industry.
Take another look at the Expertise Gap diagram and see where you fit in.
When you understand what knowledge your target market lacks and how you can bridge that gap, you come in at a huge advantage. Back it up with knowledge and experience and you’ve got what it takes to call yourself an expert.
And for those of you who still grapple with claiming your expertise, remember someone will ALWAYS know more than you. It’s all about how you position yourself!
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