I would think if you can prove value to the client as an Authority it would work to your advantage. This thread here http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ng-client.html shows how one person got results by being an Authority, yet he never mentions the word in his first post.

The single best way I can think of for someone new to come in off the street and establish authority is to publish a book on Amazon.
Easy to do and will set you apart from EVERY other person trying to sell online services.

The wow factor is off the charts.