Create Expert Status For Next Level Success In Your Career

By Annie Jennings

To create expert status for yourself in your field you can get booked in the media as an expert. This creates a competitive edge for you that is tough for your competitors to match. Here are some tips to get you going. First of all, make a list of everything you can talk about that is important to your industry. Next, expand your list to include real word scenarios likely to exist for your target market. So here's an example, if you are a career expert expand your abilities to comment by looking at the subtopics that affect careers such as "how to get a job when everyone else is losing theirs" or "how to stand out in a pile of resumes. Create expansion points or talking points for each of these sub-categories and you are on your way.

Your professional and expert BIO is the first thing you need to create. Pack it with evidence that you are an expert in the field such as your education, awards, recognitions, accomplishments, associations you belong to along with a list of any previous publicity or media placements you have received. Your bio should support your area of expertise and leave out the personal information that does not matter to the media such as hobbies or how many kids you have although you can mention the location of your nearest major city as sometimes the media likes to know where you or your business is located. Create a list of the shows you want to on, or the media you want to get into and build a list of contacts at the media outlets. You will introduce yourself to your media contacts and then once a story hits the news where you are qualified to provide talking points you can connect with your contacts. They already know you and it will be more likely they will choose you for the opportunity.

You contacts that you make in advance will help you when there is an issue or development in your area of expertise. Let's say you are a Workplace Expert or Career Expert and there is an unemployment report that comes out indicating even more workers have been laid off. Enter YOU, the career expert, who can give pointers on how these workers can prepare for their future when hiring begins again down the road. Make sure your media contacts have your contact info so they can connect with you quickly. Stay well informed, well read so you have the history of knowledge to back up your commentary. Send your points on the issue or news event at hand to the media and you 'll be in good shape to be chosen as the expert or analyst they call for commentary.

Keep your eye on the news. Anytime there is breaking news that you can comment on as the expert contact your media database immediately and stand by for their call. If you are immediately available for an interview or be willing to drop everything and head to a local TV affiliate for a segment, let them know this and include your closest major city. Watch your target shows and subscribe to your target print media to learn the types of experts they have on the show or use in the article. You should also familiarize yourself with the interviewer's style or the journalist's work in your area. You always want to be pitching "next level" ideas, not something they just covered.

Media training is your key to success. Invest in a few good sessions that teach you how to be a top notch media analyst. Everyone has some trouble spots they need to address and media training gives you the chance to make these changes in advance of your TV spot or radio appearance. Some people speak real slowly with a lot of "ummmm's" throughout their commentary. This style of speech is not appropriate for the news or an interview on the radio or with a journalist as it does not compel anyone to listen and most people watching or listening will get distracted. Plus, speaking without command of your knowledge pegs you as an amateur and the media will have no choice but to move on. - 31963

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