Across industries, countless new opportunities open up to those who have established themselves as trusted professionals within their chosen space. Promotions, speaking engagements, and contracts with big companies are all on the line. If you’re still building your reputation in a competitive niche, it can be difficult to see all these chances pass you by, but that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for those same opportunities next year if you put in the work. If you’re ready to advance your career, here are just some ways you can establish yourself as the next expert in your niche.
Say Yes
Even if you don’t feel like an expert yet, say yes to everything that comes your way. Don’t overload your schedule at the cost of your health, but putting yourself out there is crucial to gaining more lucrative opportunities. If the event, conference, or other opportunity being slid your way makes you nervous, it’s probably a good thing! Besides, there’s no reason why you can’t do some more research to fill in the gaps in any missing knowledge. Remember, if you didn’t have anything to offer, you wouldn’t have been asked. If no one’s inviting you to the table, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for those opportunities instead. Even if you’re told no, you can still make a good impression and be remembered for the next time something becomes available.
Create Content
There are so many ways people digest information that you’re bound to find an area you enjoy creating in. A blog can be a good way to keep all your content organized and easily presented as part of your portfolio. A podcast is a great option if you enjoy public speaking. You can then invite guests to your show, or offer to guest on other shows and connect with an even greater audience. Don’t be afraid to get creative. People want to trust and bond with you as a person, so posting a silly picture from your Bahamas cruise can earn you some genuine interaction. No matter how you choose to post content, be consistent. People get used to a creator’s output schedule and may move on to someone more reliable if you miss deadlines too often.
Network
Interacting with others in your industry is a great way to get your name out there. If you’re just starting out, network even as you’re studying and climbing the ladder. You never know where those people will be in a few years. Yes, some will lose your business card or leave the industry altogether, but someone else might be in charge of programming or recruiting at a company you’re enthusiastic about. A short and simple lunch conversation can turn into huge opportunities down the road, all because someone remembers you as pleasant and hard-working.
Post Often
Most industries have an online presence, so you should as well. Keep in mind that etiquette and content expectations for posting on LinkedIn will be different than those for Instagram, so curate your feed accordingly. You can automate things like posting, following, messaging, and even comments, but make sure you’re not coming across as a corporate robot. To really make people trust your expertise, you need to be approachable.
Be Generous
When it comes to brainstorming ideas for content, whether its a talk at a conference, a blog, or a social media post, consider what your audience needs and how you can give it to them. By offering genuine, helpful content, you’ll get readers coming back again and again. When your tips and tricks prove useful, you’ll get more specialized questions, and this is when you can pitch your more customized offerings, such as consultations and training sessions.
No matter your goals, establishing yourself as an expert can help grow your career across any industry. When you take the time to cultivate a genuine, knowledgeable reputation, then important people, companies, and more will all be heading to you before you know it.
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