So you want to be an EXPERT

By Amy Lindgren

In a recent column I discussed the idea of being an expert in one's field.

Assuming you either are or want to be an expert, it's time to face the challenge of becoming known for your expertise. You need to raise your profile.

As a first step, ask yourself what arena you want to play in. Do you want to be known in your department or company for a certain expertise? In your broader network of local or regional colleagues? Perhaps nationally or even internationally?

In all three cases, you will start with the same steps:

1. Choose the area of knowledge or ability in which to specialize (or name the area in which you are already an expert).

2. Identify weak spots in your knowledge or ability; create a plan to strengthen those areas.

3. Identify those who have stronger skills or knowledge in your chosen area; commit to watching them and learning from them.

Next, review the following profile-raising ideas. Check the best ideas for you and assign yourself to accomplish something from the list in each of the next three or four quarters.

Internal expertise

  • Contribute to the company newsletter or start a specialized internal publication on your topic.
  • Start or serve on committees related to your topic.
  • Volunteer to research more deeply in your area and present your findings to other work groups.
  • Initiate monthly or quarterly reports.
  • Write policy manuals or operating procedures for your department.

    Regional expertise

  • Share your expertise by serving on local nonprofit boards or advisory committees for startup companies.
  • Give presentations on your topic to local colleges or business groups.
  • Attend professional association meetings in your field. Contribute to the newsletter, give presentations or start a special interest chapter in your subject area.
  • Write articles or opinion pieces on your topic for the local newspapers.
  • Volunteer to be a source of information on your subject for local reporters and news media.

    National or international expertise

  • Attend national or international conferences and volunteer to present sessions on your topic.
  • Contribute articles or start a column on your topic for industry publications and Web sites.
  • Write or co-write a book on your subject.
  • Start a Web site or newsletter and use the space as a gathering point for various experts in your field.
  • Volunteer to be a source of information for local reporters and news media on your subject.

    If these steps intimidate you or feel totally out of your skill range, don't despair. It just means that you'll have to solve this problem creatively. Perhaps you will partner with a more verbal person. You might hire someone to ghost-write for you or even to market you, as an agent would. Or you might simply commit to learning to present or write better, as part of your process of becoming an expert.

    - Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.

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