Becoming an Expert in Your Niche
There are over 1 billion websites online and each one is trying to get the attention of consumers so how do you go about getting the attention of your target audience and then keep that attention?
By putting out credible information and establishing yourself as an authoritative voice in your industry. Have something valuable to say and then know how to communicate your message to your followers.
In any industry, most perform at an average rate while a small few are poor and others outstanding. Psychology has done numerous studies on how to become the very best that you can be and the answer isn’t by having natural talent or ability!
Top Performance Requires Extensive Practice
Most people that might be considered to be ordinary in their efforts can easily become extraordinary in almost any field with a little bit of time, effort, and determination. You will find yourself more successful when you focus on what and how you can improve rather than obsessing over whether or not you are talented enough to take on the task.
Always Keep Improving
Almost all industries change and they change rapidly. You may be an expert now but that doesn’t mean that you will be an expert a year from now if you don’t continuously focus on learning new things and expanding your horizons. Many senior managers actually don’t look for years of experience anymore when hiring, years of experience doesn’t mean as much as it used to. Hiring managers are looking for employees that are hungry and focused on self-improvement.
If you are working on your own venture, keeping your skills fresh will help deliver value to your customers and keep them coming back for more. Many of us stop improving as we get older and sit back on our laurels but its those of us that don’t can easily jump ahead of the pack.
Being Deliberate
Every action in life should be deliberate or it’s a waste of your time. Even if you are outside having a snowball fight with your kids, be deliberate and intentional in your actions. If you only halfheartedly practice and try to become an expert in your field, is it really worth the effort? Why would you want to do anything in half measures?
Challenge yourself to be better by performing at a slightly higher level each time. Set goals and then smash through them, even if they seem unattainable or out of reach. Because you won’t know what you can really accomplish until you try.
Set Specific and Measurable Goals
No matter what you are working towards, setting goals is how you will get to the end zone. We all have a unique path to walk in life and different passions so don’t ever measure yourself against what others are doing with their lives. Find your passion, set specific and measureable goals, and then practice, practice, practice until you are an expert! Remember that small steps that can be achieved within short periods of time will help you stick to the path and prevent discouragement.
Gather Feedback
Measure your progress towards your goals by receiving feedback on your progress. And don’t just ask your Mom and Dad how you are doing because they may not be entirely honest with you. Aim for frequent, specific, and accurate feedback from reputable sources. Sometimes you will get feedback from the people around you and other times it will come from your environment. If you are teaching something to others, you will likely get immediate feedback about your performance after teaching.
After gathering your feedback, act on it. And keep acting on it. And share your knowledge with others that want to learn. Use social media, create a blog, write a book, host webinars, develop an app or a game… there are so many ways to share what you have learned with others and to establish yourself as an expert.
Thanks for reading!