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How do you position yourself as an expert & gain trust?

by BrandonLB
32 replies
This is an area I struggle with. I never feel confident to offer my knowledge, so I'm looking for resources, and knowledgeable people offering advice on how to position yourself as an expert.

For instance, I made an earlier post about me being in the learn guitar niche. I'm not a formally trained musician, so I'm always hesitant to create products since I can't use that as a credential.

I'm interested in learning the psychology behind how people trust another online. How important are credentials and so forth.

Any good leaders in this topic?

Thanks for the help!
#expert #gain #position #trust
  • Profile picture of the author TeKn1qu3z
    Best way is with proof, testimonials, being well known, and a long time in the business
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    • Profile picture of the author dbong
      Originally Posted by TeKn1qu3z View Post

      Best way is with proof, testimonials, being well known, and a long time in the business
      As mentioned here, proof of your abilities is always the way to go.

      How about you create a video or two of you playing songs on guitar that are extremely difficult to play? Impress your users with your guitar skills.

      Testimonials would also be extremely helpful but it might be hard since you haven't had any customers yet.
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  • Profile picture of the author ahakimi
    My opinion and way of thinking; don't ever let the lack of "credentials" stop you from becoming a success. This is a trap that a lot of people fall into, and all it takes is one close friend asking;

    "Well what kind of credentials do you have to do something like this, what makes you qualified?"

    You must qualify yourself. If you have something valuable to offer (f*** credentials) and can present it in a creative and killer way, you'll be a hit. Remember, it's all about getting people results.

    There are tons of "qualified" people with credentials, who don't have the skills you may have (internet marketing, selling, business, etc). But the key is to have an entrepreneur mindset, get your creative juices flowing and show everyone what you have to offer. Your lack of confidence you have, that's a personal growth issue that needs to be addressed and conquered within yourself.

    Obviously having credentials would only help you. But don't let the lack of them stop you from constantly moving forward and taking action.

    Just my thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    Well if you have learned to play the guitar from scratch, then you're an expert in that

    Just use that as your marketing angle and you'll do much better since more people will be able to identify themselves with you. Focus on marketing to people who have zero experience and you'll do really well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Many people have done it by surrounding themselves with those who are known experts in the area.

    They write a book. The content is studies and interviews with founders of successful companies, for instance. Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers. Jim Collins, Good To Great. There are plenty of others.

    You can also do it with audio/hangout interviews.

    You do not have to know it all yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edward W Smith
    Study the websites of people you think are experts in various fields and copy the things they have. For instance look at their background info and see what they list, look at their testimonials, look at their types of products and so on. If you have better known competitors in your field, sign up for their emails, etc, follow them in the social media, etc, all the while looking for clues as to what they are doing to establish themselves as experts. OK, good luck, Edward Smith.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    This is an area I struggle with. I never feel confident to offer my knowledge, so I'm looking for resources, and knowledgeable people offering advice on how to position yourself as an expert.

    For instance, I made an earlier post about me being in the learn guitar niche. I'm not a formally trained musician, so I'm always hesitant to create products since I can't use that as a credential.

    I'm interested in learning the psychology behind how people trust another online. How important are credentials and so forth.

    Any good leaders in this topic?

    Thanks for the help!
    Doesn't matter if you're formally trained. Can you play the guitar? Can you play well? Make videos of you playing. Show people that you walk the walk.

    You don't have to be trained to be an expert at something. You just have to be good at it.

    Do you really think anybody cared if Jimi Hendrix was formally trained or not? I don't even know if he was, nor do I care. Just listen to that man play.

    Don't get all hung up on credentials. If you're good, show people you're good. I know people with music degrees who can't play a lick worth spit.

    Stop worrying and just do.
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  • Profile picture of the author troymarkz
    a blog
    Q&A emails
    respont to my subscriber questions
    webinars
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Maggs
    I think your problem is "fear" it's all down to how you perceive yourself...maybe you have low self esteem and have had your confidence sucked from you. I see this so much, it's like people construct an invisible ceiling that they cannot progress beyond. Deep inside you know how good you are, you just have to believe it yourself and until you do "ACT" like it. Be positive, make plans and put the worry aside.
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  • Profile picture of the author youvana
    People will trust you and respect you if you earn their trust, it's all about relationships."Don't sweat the small stuff" just focus on "being you" and deliver the best that you can, how could you fail then?
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  • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
    Watch these three videos. He is using the techniques on you as he is teaching them to you. http://convertbook.frankkern.com/makesalesfast/
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay norestin
    Banned
    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    This is an area I struggle with. I never feel confident to offer my knowledge, so I'm looking for resources, and knowledgeable people offering advice on how to position yourself as an expert.

    For instance, I made an earlier post about me being in the learn guitar niche. I'm not a formally trained musician, so I'm always hesitant to create products since I can't use that as a credential.

    I'm interested in learning the psychology behind how people trust another online. How important are credentials and so forth.

    Any good leaders in this topic?

    Thanks for the help!

    BE AN EXPERT THEN YOU WILL GAIN TRUST...
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    • Profile picture of the author Vid Yo
      Originally Posted by Jay norestin View Post

      BE AN EXPERT THEN YOU WILL GAIN TRUST...
      I actually agree with all the other ways people have mentioned, but I like this one the most...

      The nice thing about this particular way is that if you are an expert, you shouldn't have to think about positioning or worry if you're trusted.
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  • Profile picture of the author beasty513
    Take a look at what others leaders in your market are doing and take
    away techniques/ideas that are useful to your efforts..

    Always be willing to help..
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  • Profile picture of the author carcin0genic
    Your problem boils down to mindset buddy.

    You can quite obviously learn what you need in order to teach people.

    That's all you need. Having knowledge that others don't, which they also need, automatically makes you an authority in that person's eyes.

    Bolster your mindset reading books like "Think and Grow Rich" and listening to people like Sam Crowley, Les Brown, and Elliot Hulse.

    The faster you believe in yourself and focus on how much you DO know compared to others as opposed to things that you aren't, the faster you will just get out there and find the people who NEED what YOU have

    Hope That Helps

    -Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author D3t0x
    How different are you from all the other experts in that field? Show proof to your audience. Many guitar players these days learned how to play music through free online lessons. Those who are really good stand out. I guess if your audience see your uniqueness you'll stand out as well. Fear is normal, but it can be overcome. There are risks in many of the things we undertake. If you don't take the risk, you'll stay in that position maybe forever. There is growth when you take risks. Seek wisdom of course, from other players and experts in the same field. You'll learn a lot from them, even from experts in other fields. The best of luck to you man!
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  • Profile picture of the author Samuel Adams
    So long as you actually know how to do the thing you are trying to teach others, then you are an expert. You just have to prove it to those people that you know what you're talking about. Especially for art or music related niches, saying, "I'm self taught" is very impressive, especially if the results you can produce are equivalent or better than what someone who went to college can do. People will say, "Wow! He's so naturally gifted and yet he wants to train me." Of course, they will want to be part of what you are offering, whether it's private music lessons or an info product. Just believe in your own talent and ability and go forward. Creating a video of yourself or offering a live demonstration on a webcam seminar for potential clients could be one way you can establish the fact you know what you're talking about. Hope you get success with your idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Completely different niche, but I talk about how I went from being a nobody in my field to becoming a recognized expert in a very short period of time.

    Step back a bit and think of yourself as a businessperson first, and you may be able to draw some inspiration from my experience.

    The thread I am referring to is the first link in my sig, 7 posts from the top.

    Good luck! With creativity, you can do this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Les Blythe
    As has been mentioned here already, it is just mindset that is holding you back.

    Think of it this way - you either can or can't play guitar. Assuming you can, then you are streets ahead of someone who can't - therefore you have knowledge that you can pass on.

    Important - you don't have to be that much more knowledgeable than the next person to help them, by definition, you know more than they do.

    Consider letting them try you for free initially or at least use a "pay what it's worth model" - in other words, try you and pay what they think it's worth.

    Once you've gained your initial confidence, you won't have a problem
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  • Profile picture of the author Marco Moeschter
    It all comes down to providing valuable content on a consistent base which will help people solve their problems. If you do that than people will start to see you as an authority. Help people first before you ever start to pitch anything in their face and you will also built a relationship because they now know where to go to when they have a problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mostafa82
    my friend, if you know something that others don't know that makes you an expert and as long as you have more knowledge from others that what makes you an expert on your field. I hope my words was helpful.
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  • Profile picture of the author andrewkar
    Hey,

    Read this thread, read everything... (it's pure gold). Especially learn from APs posts and his confidence in his writing.

    I'll list some of the ways I develop MY credibility BEFORE I introduce myself to a Prospect (not yet a client).

    The #1 method is to be a book Author (I have 2 books that are linked to Barnes & Noble and Amazon). Instant Credibility, I am the Authority figure immediately. Clients will not debate you. I jokingly say "I wrote a few books on this subject, just Google Me or go to B&N, Amazon, etc..."

    There is currently a WSO on WF right now: "The Amazon System-How to Write 1 Book per day" You're a fool not to buy it. It can make you Millions over your career. Seriously. Try getting a check for $25,000 to $100,000+ from a client withOUT being an Author.

    You're losing so much money if you don't have a book. Not only do you lose money, but the Sale is 10x harder without a book. I have NOTHING to do with this WSO. I did buy it because I want to create another quick (11) books so I can say I've written over a dozen books.
    My average client pays me a $10,000 set-up fee and $1,497 per month. Minimum contract is 12 months. Approx $30,000 first year.

    I do a lot of "Infrastructure" work first. Most here would probably not like it.

    I develop a comprehensive marketing plan. USP, train sales staff, train secretaries to answer incoming calls, write copy for Yellow Pages, direct mail, set up AWeber, autoresponders, build new site/blog or update their current site, Animoto video marketing, Google Local, Vertical Directories, Press Releases, 1 on 1 coaching, group teleseminars, SEO, etc...

    My best client pays me over $10,000 per month, set-up fee was $25,000.

    My smallest client paid me $3,000 upfront and $497 per month.

    You don't need many clients at $1,500 to make a decent living.

    It's a lot easier than most people think it is.
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...thly-fees.html

    P.S Just don't do what AP did! Don't ask what, just read it.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    Somehow my initial post didnt show up but here is a brief summary of it.

    You may want to look at this from a medical perspective.

    If you visit a doctor that knows what he is doing you would know if he knows his onion from the checkup, discussions, examination and others especially when there is q likehood that you have been seeing a doctor all your life.

    The same applies with any niche you find yourself.

    If you are looking to hire a web designer and there are a dozen proposals on your table you won't have trouble shortlisting your candidate from mere looking at what they brought.

    And after a brief discussion with the shortlisted candidate will bring out the best among them.

    And how would you know they are good, their interactions, portfolios, suggestions and above all knowledge.

    If you really know your onion and most people will be able to deduce from mere interactions with you unless if they refuse to use their initiatives and common sense.

    In essence, hone your skills and try to cover and provide solution to the most common issues people have within your niche.

    Your company website, reviews and others will also speak for you. Also, provide the most incredible offers it doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be cheap.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."

      You don't have to be perfect or the very best. Even if you know just some of the things in the niche, you can focus on those things as you continue to learn. Compared with the average person or newbie coming into the niche, to them you will seem like an expert because you have a web site and some great content.

      You can gain trust in several ways:

      1. Be consistent in your persona. Stay true to your voice and personality that you project.
      2. Keep your promises. If you say you're going to send a newsletter once a week, do it. If you say you're going to send emails every other day, do it. If you say you're going to send a freebie every Friday, do it.
      3. Stay focused. Develop a mission statement for your business and then stay on track. You can always expand into other niches, but in the beginning, just do one thing, do it well, and stay focused on it at all times.
      4. Get social proof. Ask others to comment and give you feedback on your thoughts, content, web site, treatment of your customers, basically anything you do in your business. Remind your audience how much they are liking your products/service/customer care. Don't be shy about tooting your own horn . . . not to the point of bragging, but of reminding your audience that others are really enjoying being your customers. If you don't talk up your business, you're not promoting it properly.
      5. Address all customer concerns, issues, complaints immediately. Get them resolved to the satisfaction of the customer. You critics can become your greatest defenders if they see that you really do care about them.
      6. Treat every prospect as an individual. Call him by name in your correspondence. Let the prospect know that you value your relationship.
      7. Over deliver. Yes, I know, the phrase is trite and over used but the idea is that you want your business to rise to the top of the niche because you value the customer and want him/her to stay with you. Always be thinking of little easy ways that you can give extra value that less caring business owners wouldn't take the time to do.

      There are a lot of other ways to build trust but these will get you started.

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author felisitie
    I think authority comes from creating valuable content. One of the best ways to gain authority is through email marketing. Create a book or video and start giving it away to people after they have given you their email addresses and then start building a relationship with them by sending then valuable content in emails that way your list will begin to trust you and see you as an authority.

    If you need to know know feel free to ask.
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  • Profile picture of the author sudo rank
    It takes time and patience IMHO you certainly can't buy authority.

    On the internet you basically need to get a blog, post frequentl and be available on social media to answer questions.

    Like I said though, it takes a good while for people to begin to see your name and think "XYZ Expert" - I think once you start to see people talking about you on social media / forums is probably when you know you have made it.

    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    This is an area I struggle with. I never feel confident to offer my knowledge, so I'm looking for resources, and knowledgeable people offering advice on how to position yourself as an expert.

    For instance, I made an earlier post about me being in the learn guitar niche. I'm not a formally trained musician, so I'm always hesitant to create products since I can't use that as a credential.

    I'm interested in learning the psychology behind how people trust another online. How important are credentials and so forth.

    Any good leaders in this topic?

    Thanks for the help!
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  • Profile picture of the author Carl Donovan
    One of the time-tested ways of becoming a known expert in any field is to associate yourself with known experts in the field. Do you have a blog? Or some other way of identifying yourself with your demographic?

    Find someone to interview who is an expert in guitar technique. Spend half an hour interviewing them, post it on your site. BAM. You are now in league with them.

    Create a series of interviews with experts and you become an expert yourself.

    Lather, rinse, repeat.

    Carl
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    If you are a real expert, you have to prove to the public that your knowledge is really helpful by giving trustworthy information to your readers.

    If you want to become an expert, you have to keep studying and learning.

    If you are not an expert yet, don't pretend to be one with the intention to make money because you won't beat the competition. Even if you do, if you are merely repeating what has already been said, you will have to keep refunding your dissatisfied customers.

    You can be an adviser and write reviews about the products created by experts in your niche, and sell their products as an affiliate.






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  • Profile picture of the author Les Blythe
    Thanks to Steve for this excellent point.

    Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

    Remind your audience how much they are liking your products/service/customer care. Don't be shy about tooting your own horn . . . not to the point of bragging, but of reminding your audience that others are really enjoying being your customers. If you don't talk up your business, you're not promoting it properly.
    Steve
    It relates back to the question in the original post from BrandonLB and comes from the fact that you do a good job (regardless of qualifications) and are recognized for doing so.

    Once you've built that confidence we talked about, it has a number of effects on you as an individual:
    1. Your self-belief increases
    2. You feel happier with yourself and more content
    3. You feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction
    4. You're more comfortable promoting yourself in general
    5. You're more comfortable promoting yourself specifically for what you're worth financially (as opposed to what you're prepared to accept)
    As regards point 5 - when starting out, you may well have to accept a lower rate than you ultimately expect as you have to build your credibility, recognition and reputation amongst your peers. That said, your ultimate goal should always be to get to the best rate possible for your work.


    Assuming you can actually do what you set out to do (teach guitar in this case) all of the above should be a natural process of personal development.


    Finally, the top Internet Marketers (depending on how you actually measure that - usually earnings of course) are not normally shy people There goes that confidence thing again!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
    Originally Posted by BrandonLB View Post

    This is an area I struggle with. I never feel confident to offer my knowledge, so I'm looking for resources, and knowledgeable people offering advice on how to position yourself as an expert.

    For instance, I made an earlier post about me being in the learn guitar niche. I'm not a formally trained musician, so I'm always hesitant to create products since I can't use that as a credential.

    I'm interested in learning the psychology behind how people trust another online. How important are credentials and so forth.

    Any good leaders in this topic?

    Thanks for the help!
    Where's the OP on this...?

    Brandon... imho CONFIDENCE is as important as anything, and if you apply it in association with the very useful advice in the rest of the replies you're had, you're all set.
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  • Profile picture of the author AaronHarris
    Start by sharing what you can share. Whatever you learn, be of great help. This can establish your image as someone who shares the knowledge that you have. Always extend your arms to others as this will solidify you as an EXPERT and will give you enough credentials to be regarded as a guru or an expert.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gavin Stephenson
    Stop trying an expert and learn over time

    For now Use the US Vs Them model frank kern talks about

    As in US vs the GURU's etc.

    Meaning you're are not trying to be something that you're not in your marketing
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