Last week I found myself thinking about expertise. My thoughts began with my frustration with self-proclaimed experts who are effective marketers that simply package old ideas with flashy packaging and high price tags. However, as often happens my internal questions often converge with the external world to provide me with not only answers but also more questions.
Words For Hire says
@Brad, what a great point Brad. I enjoy your blog and do consider you to be an expert! Again, it goes back to you deliberately practicing in an area for which you clearly have passion. You have amassed a great deal of knowledge which you share with those who will benefit and you keep seeking to learn more. And as you noted it’s better to be honest about what you know and what you don’t. We all have our limitations and people do respect honesty. Thanks for dropping by Brad!
Karen
Brad Shorr says
Karen, thought provoking post. In many cases, expertise is relative. For instance, I am a business blog consultant, and I offer expertise to executives who are just learning about blogs or have limited knowledge. To them, I really am an expert and can help them reach a higher level of understanding. However, in a room full of full time bloggers, I doubt if many would consider me an expert. I think if you’re just honest about what you know (and don’t know), people will know whether you offer them expertise.