Grow Your Business by Building Credibility #2

In the first article of this series, I explained how you can build your credibility through blogging. Here are some other ways to enhance your reputation as an expert.

Public Speaking

Speaking to Groups and Associations. Another way of building your credibility as an expert in your field is through public speaking engagements and by teaching workshops and seminars on your field of expertise. To get started, identify a list of networking, professional or trade association groups in your area and contact each one to learn their process for scheduling speakers at their meetings. Have a one-page presentation proposal available that you can email to prospective groups (or refer them to your website) in order to be considered as a speaker on their meeting schedule. Find out if they are interested in learning more about your field of expertise. Be sure that your proposal includes some sort of benefit that the organization members will receive as a result of your presentation such as a “Top Ten Tips”, a complimentary copy of a book you’ve written, or some other “gift” that showcases your expertise and helps them remember you after the speaking engagement is completed.

Once again, avoid a “hard sell” of your services while you are making a presentation; your expertise will sell itself. However, do provide a handout for each attendee with examples of your expertise-at-work (such as a case study that you refer to in your presentation), as well as a business card and company brochure or similar marketing material.

Teaching. Another method of building credibility thru public speaking is teaching. You can offer a short series of seminars/workshops on your topic that your firm sponsors (or co-sponsor with a local chamber or similar organization to keep expenses to a minimum), or contact local vocational and technical schools and/or colleges to offer your services for adult education programs or as an adjunct instructor in the regular courses. Often, community colleges will hire instructors who are currently working in their field of expertise.

Updated Portfolio

Having updated samples and links to your newest work such as case studies, white papers, photography, or other methodologies of documenting your skills and expertise can be vital to your positioning as an expert. Make sure that you keep samples of all the work you do, and that your portfolio is updated frequently. If possible, make it available online so that you can easily provide it to those inquiring about your services.

Publishing

There are a wide variety of opportunities, offline and online, to showcase your expertise thru your writing skills. Review print and electronic publications in your field to locate their submission guidelines, and then follow them carefully to submit articles for publication. Do the same with online article repositories such as eZinearticles.com.

Following these guidelines to build your personal brand, and that of your company, will serve over time to help you grow your business. Your expertise will become obvious to your readers and those you interact with. As your audience grows, so also will the opportunities that come your way for new revenue.