Positioning yourself as the expert in your field can eliminate competition and reap endless rewards. But the task of actually becoming recognized as an expert can be somewhat daunting. Knowing what steps to take and where to focus your efforts doesn’t come easily.

Bob Sommers, host of The Recognized Expert Marketing Show, is our featured guest in this Episode of The Small Business Trends Radio. Before moving his family to Hawaii, Bob owned and operated the largest customer service training company in the country.

By positioning his company as the premier customer service training provider, he was able to generate more money in a day, than he earned in an entire year as a full time engineer.

Here’s a sampling of topics from the show:

• Do one thing only — and do it very well. Target your market down to a very small niche, become the expert at it and eliminate competition by doing so. It’s better to be a big fish in a small pond than it is to be a big fish in an endless ocean. For example, if your field is gardening, narrow it down and become the expert on azaleas.

• Take action steps — to position yourself as an expert by writing a book or creating an ebook; publishing useful articles online that contain tips and advice for readers; speaking publicly; making television and radio appearances and blogging. Writing a blog can increase your status as an expert in your field if you provide useful information, tips and actionable advice for readers. They will begin to view you as a “go to” source of information.

• If you are the expert — you will not have to say it because people will be saying it for you.

Bob has much more advice to offer from his personal experiences and explains why it is so important to choose a niche within your field to become seen as an expert. You can learn more by clicking the red and yellow player below and listening to Bob’s full interview.

Listen Now:

 How To Become A Recognized Expert [30:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Posted by Staci Wood | | Permalink

1. It makes perfect sense to carve out a niche - if not just for the simple fact that there will be very little competition out there as a result. And blogging is the best way to begin creating your online presence as an expert. A specialized blog will build loyal readers and visitors interested in the subject matter. Just make sure that you are always giving them something useful. Solve a problem, offer a solution, etc.

   Comment by Chris — 4/30/2008 @ 8:15 pm

2. Having a specialized market is definitely a way to seperate yourself from the average joe. It is interesting to hear that you will be able to make more money if you are considered an expert. I had never thought of the value of being an expert but obviously it must have it’s benefits.

   Comment by Amanda — 5/2/2008 @ 9:58 am

3. It’s amazing to me, but I see niche businesses around my area thriving. You wouldn’t think that there would be such a demand for specialized services, but amazingly enough, there is. It works and once the recognition kicks in for it, the business takes off.

   Comment by Allen — 5/2/2008 @ 11:25 am

4. Thought provoking topic. I will listen several times to this podcast as a “jump start” for my career path. I will write an annual blog report later on this month. I am waiting for the confirmation o my registration at Recognized Expert site.

   Comment by Martin Lindeskog — 5/5/2008 @ 10:13 pm

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