Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
The arrival of the Internet has drastically changed the way we do business. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to differentiate yourself — to stand out among your competitors and to be known as an expert in your area. Why is it so important? The answer is simple. People simply want to deal with someone who is credible and knows his subject well, and the only way to earn that confidence is to be an "expert" in your area.
The arrival of social media has made it much easier to be known as an expert in your field. You can market yourself, your products and services, and at the same time, stay in close contact with your clients and customers, while also networking with new people.
Here are two ways in which this can be done:
- Using social media to promote a product, service, skill, expertise, etc, referred to as social media marketing.
- Using it as a medium to network with new clients and develop active relationships or social media networking.
The bottom line is this: you are looking to build a "relationship" — a level of trust between you and your customers or visitors to your site.
To become an "expert" in your respective field, use social media in the following ways:
- Create a positive brand image. Make sure that you are seen as somebody who is knowledgeable and well informed. Develop your personal brand by establishing a reputation in your niche. Always be sure to present yourself in a way that ensures that you will be perceived by people in the right way.
- Join various social networks. Create your own profile page on all networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc, or any networking site that is relevant to your industry or niche. Be sure to regularly post content on these sites.
- Participate in online forums and discussions. You can answer questions posted by other users, spread information about your work, as well as discuss topics associated with your field.
- Create your own blog and website. Blogging is one of the simplest ways to share information on things you want to talk about. By posting quality content on your blog, you can not only demonstrate your knowledge but also have rightful ownership over it.
- Maintain and grow your network. Again, sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are excellent places to connect with people working in your area of expertise.
Conclusion
With the help of social media, you can create a unique identity, distinguish yourself from everyone else, and promote yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ThoseinMedia
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Great article! And oh so true, if you cannot be a subject matter expert it's very hard to differentiate yourself based on personality or whatever other metric one chooses. But try not to be a one-trick pony;-D
Posted by Virginia Corbett
Thanks for the article. Your practical tips regarding social media should be a benefit to many technical writers.
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ThoseinMedia
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Can't agree more, in fact it was my New Year’s resolution to start writing a blog which I'm now doing on a weekly basis.
Posted by Anthony O'Neill
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Freelance Editing Network
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
This is definitely something I need to be doing. But when it comes down to it, I have trouble deciding which way to position myself, as I have equally strong interests and backgrounds in the visual arts and spirituality/self-help fields. I also consider myself as much a copywriter as a copyeditor. Any tips for us "experts" in multiple areas?
Posted by Chris Zook
Great tips, very powerful tools especially for any writer who wants to get his/her word out. Thank you.
Thanks for the positive feedback Carlos. The topic of social media covers a lot of territory, but one of the important points is that you are indeed building your brand by forming a "relationship" with your target audience. I have many means of information further on this topic on my website, and will be publishing my third book about social media sometime later this year. I also have a weekly radio show on Thursday nights, as well. I look forward to hearing again from you in the future and welcome any comments you may have.
Best of luck to you!
Marco
Anthony, thanks for taking the time and proving feedback. Blog writing is a great way for people to get to know you and what you are about. It allows you to be seen as "real", and really connect deeper with your audience. Best of luck with your blog. Please check back via my website and let me know your progress.
Marco
Timothy, I greatly appreciate your comments. Everywhere you turn these days you hear something else about social media – so much that I have a book coming out later in the year which will go into much more detail. However, this article does provide you with the basics in where to start in order to help you to become seen as an "expert".
Most of my blogs, articles, books, etc. are written from a basic, practical point of view. I hope you continue to provide additional feedback in the future.
Thanks again.
Marco
Hi Chris. Thanks for your comments. Sounds like you have quite a few things going on, in fact, it's necessary to have a few"tricks" in your bag when trying to get your name out there. Do as much as you can handle, in allowing a set amount of time to keep your information current. To start out, try not to go in too many directions. Choose those social media tools that you feel comfortable using, and then build your brand through a blog, articles, etc. The important thing to remember is that all methods must come full circle – and complement and connect with one another. One method alone will not work. Be sure to keep me posted on which direction you take. Best of luck with all of your endeavors.
Marco
Thanks Virginia for taking a moment to pause a comment. You used the word "differentiate", which is indeed something that is so critical to standing out among the masses. It's difficult to find new ways to stand out, but not impossible. Build your brand by continuing to answer posts. Sure, social media has made getting your name out there easier, however, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon, it gets harder to know who really is an "expert" and who is not. This is where building a network and a following will help establish you as someone who provides information of value, and grow from there.
Thanks again for your comment. Hope you continue to do so in the future.
Marco
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Professional Writers
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Thanks for your post – it is always novel to be the first commenter . . .
In my two former industries, SME status and recognition were proffered, and while grateful, I still dislike the term expert. More knowledgeable than some of some subjects, nonetheless even in my areas of interest there are many who know more.
Yesterday and today for example, a mother in Brazil read my blog and responded to me. Calling her kids "Tweeps" she said she refers to the subject inherent in my blog every day: The Golden Rule.
Did I invent it? No? Do I live up to 100%? Again, no. But I do espouse it and urge others to do the same — this and related subjects can always be found in my blog "Honesty Today, Hope for Tomorrow."
Again in closing, thanks for your post.
Sincerely
John Fox
SLC, UT — USA
Helping others, seeking work
Posted by John Fox – The Golden Rule Guy
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Books and Writers
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
The article is more about techniques to be 'seen' as a subject matter expert rather than gaining and delivering actual expertise. The social media field itself is rife with self-proclaimed experts who are nothing of the sort.
Posted by Gordon Williams
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ForbesWoman
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
I couldn't agree more. I find myself researching all the time with information so readily available. It makes face to face meetings more effective as well. Great information, glad to participate in the discussion
Posted by Lori Sica
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ThoseinMedia
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
It used to be if you wanted to become a subject matter expert you write a book. Now you have to write the book and then do all of the things that's mentioned in this article. I found that doing podcasts and distributing them is also a great way to become a subject matter expert.
Posted by Audrey Bell-Kearney
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Social Media For The Clueless
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Your article is concise and to the point. Social Media in general, and LinkedIn particularly, offers an excellent way to position yourself as a subject matter expert. I think one of the Top Three reasons people using LinkedIn say they are disappointed with the results is that they fail to participate in discussion groups. After all, the word "LinkedIin" is really both a noun and a verb. Seen as a verb, to "LinkIn" is the process of dynamically sustaining and growing connections and communications across important peer and prospect groups. Let me know if you'd like to know my other two "top three reasons' for LinkedIn disappointment.
Posted by Walt Kuenstler
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ThoseinMedia
Discussion: Using Social Media to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Subject matter expert means more than self promotion or publishing. Credentials are necessary.
Like the adage:
Everyone can have an opinion, but to be a consultant, you'll need to have results.
Posted by Elizabeth Grattan
Great article but in my opinion there can be some major ways to use blogs and social media to become a recognized expert. These include choosing a niche as specific as possible, immediately start publishing the content which is original, setting up social media channels and making it easy to follow them, relevant keywords phrases needs to be researched and writing blogs on them and being aggressive in relationship building.