Get Instant Credibility!
What credentials do you need to succeed in your field—a college degree or a PhD? What if you don’t have either? Writing a book brings instant credibility. But that takes time. Plus, credibility is also built through regular, intelligent online marketing. You can gain credibility right now by reading voraciously and recommending what you’ve read to others. (Who knew that all those high school book reports would pay off?) Here’s how to leverage your reading:
1. Define your expertise. In this age of branding and niche marketing, you can’t afford to be a generalist. Choose a specialty. If you’re a life coach, figure out what part of a person’s life you coach. Maybe you do career transitions or goal setting. Great—that’s your niche. Remember, the best niches stir your passion and serve a greater purpose. In addition, a great niche will be something you’re curious about. Don’t choose something that leaves you saying, “Been there, done that.” Follow your passion.
2. Ask, “What information will help my customers?” Make a list. Read everything central to your field—that’s an absolute must. But you also need to choose topics tangential to but important for your field. Say you’re an etiquette expert who specializes in helping teenaged boys. Yes, you’ll read about etiquette. But you’ll also want to read about the cognitive and social development of teenage boys—so you’ll know how to talk to them! As a writing coach, I often read in the field of positive psychology. Why? Positive Psychologists research the strengths and behaviors that help us to thrive. Their work teaches me what behaviors that make people more efficient, productive, and happy.
3. Read. Read what the experts are writing. Read what the experts are reading (check their blogs and bibliographies for lists). You’ll do some of this reading at the library—checking recent books and periodicals. You will also need to devote time each day to online reading. Read all of the major newspapers. Read any professional journals that might support your work. Read blogs and newsletters by your colleagues and competitors. View and listen to online lectures by the important thinkers in your field. And read anything else that strikes you as important or groundbreaking. You’ll certainly be able to find something in it that supports your clients.
4. Write about what you’re reading. One of the surefire ways of establishing your credibility is to tell others about what you’re reading. Yeah, talking about it might impress the clerk at the grocery store and your mother—but better to write it down. Here are some places you can review books:
5. Establish a schedule. As a writing coach, I know that writing does not happen without putting your butt in the chair and doing the work. Establishing credibility through daily reading and writing can only happen if you do the work. You must create a schedule. For the past ten years, I’ve read several books a week. As I’ve become more adept at social marketing, I’ve learned to broadcast what I’ve learned in a variety of scheduled ways. At the beginning of each day, I read online newspapers and post something on Twitter. Once a week, I update my Facebook Visual Bookshelf—usually on Friday afternoons, as the week is winding down. Once a week, I recommend a book or a resource on my blog in a regular feature called, “The Right Now! Coach Reads.” Twice a year—spring and winter—I create and publish a book review e-zine. Though some of this may look spontaneous, none of it is. It happens because I schedule it.
Credibility does not happen overnight. But you can hasten the process by daily reading and reporting on information and trends in your field. Before long, your colleagues and customers will be looking to you for your expertise!
About The Author:
Right Now! Coach Rochelle Melander supports people in writing to transform their lives and businesses. If you’re ready to establish credibility, make more money, and market your work by writing a book, blog, or Web site, get your free subscription to her Write Now! Tips Ezine at http://www.rightnowcoach.com
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