Becoming an Expert and in making that expertise known to others is a key marketing skill.  But this begs the question:  “How do I become an Expert?”  Well, it’s actually simpler than you might think.  Here’s a quick list of 8 specific steps to become an expert at something:

1.     Leverage your legitimate personal experience.  This is also known as “graduating from the school of hard knocks.”  What you’ve learned from direct experience absolutely has real value.2.    Read the top ten books in the field.  In the US alone, 292,037 books are published every year – pick a topic and study like crazy.

3.    Read two years of back issues of the industry journals.  Every occupational field has industry-specific journals and magazines.  Seek them out and pour through them.

4.    Join the trade associations.  Likewise, wherever occupations exist, associations and membership organizations soon follow.  Join up and get active.

5.    Attend the major trade show, convention, or conference. There’s a lot you can learn just by showing up and mingling.  Get started.

6.    Attend an industry leader's seminar.  You’ll learn by being there – not only from the main speaker, but from others who show up too.

7.    Keep a notebook of unanswered questions and get them answered.  Known as the Socratic Method – if it as good enough for Socrates, it’s good enough for us.

8.     Seek out several leaders in the industry and consult with them personally. Seek out experts and learn directly from them.