Renee Matlock, the owner of The Private Practice Coach, shares with clients her wealth of experience, gained over 30 years of building a profitable, multi-disciplinary private practice.
BLOG: Are You Establishing Yourself as an Expert?
Establish Yourself as an Expert
An expert is someone who, either through formal education or experience, is recognized as a source for advice based on their knowledge and skills.
Characteristics of an Expert
Passionate - an individual who is passionate about a particular area; learns everything they can about the area of expertise
Specialized - offers wisdom and solutions in the form of personal knowledge, skill and/or guidance, specializes in a specific niche market.
Problem Solver - able to solve problems and communicate solutions to earn client trust
Organized/Systematic - offers expertise in a formulated system, blueprint, step-by-step plan = Your Signature System
Why is it important to brand yourself as an ‘Expert’?
–It differentiates you (and your practice) from others and attracts your Right-Fit Client. Don't know who that is? Get your complimentary Right Fit Client Workbook here!
–It is an effective practice building strategy! People choose to do business with experts...they TRUST experts. One of the fastest ways to grow your business is to become the ‘go-to’ person.
–Market Yourself as the Expert - this becomes your marketing edge. It will create a demand for you and the services you offer. Best of all, it is a low-cost marketing strategy!
Three Cardinal Rules
Know-Like-Trust Factor - A client, family member or referral source must trust you as the expert professional to provide solutions to their compelling problem.
–Know
- It’s all about visibility; people must get to know you; start conversations.
- Strategies: Website, E-newsletter, attend targeted events, blog, speak, etc.
-Like
- They know you, but do they like you?
- Be Yourself
- Strategies: Be authentic/ be real/be genuine, share stories, phone conversations, get personal and be relevant.
-Trust
- Consistently deliver high quality in all you do. Each client should have the same experience.
- Don’t disappoint—if you say you are going to do it, do it!
- Be clear and concise in all your communications—know who are you communicating to and what you want to communicate.
People Trust Experts. Clients and their families ‘buy’ from those they trust. Referral sources refer to those they trust.
Personal Branding - Not only is it important to develop your business brand, but you must develop your personal brand as an expert.
- Use your first and last name and photo often.
- Develop your niche and claim it.
- Share your expertise.
- Demonstrate your expertise through knowledge and action.
Mindset of an Expert - You must adopt the mindset of an expert before you really are the expert!
- Branding is perception.
- Being regarded as an expert is what really matters; you must earn it.
- It requires a change in the way you think and communicate to your ‘Right-Fit Client’.
- It is your competitive edge.
Experts offer detailed solutions to their Right-Fit Client’s compelling problems and support their success. Position yourself as the expert and demonstrate your expertise through your knowledge, decision making and actions.
Do you need help Establishing Yourself as an Expert? Contact Renee Matlock to schedule a complimentary, no-strings-attached, “Talk with Renee” session to discuss your practice, your goals and your dreams. Renee, the owner of The Private Practice Coach shares with clients her knowledge and expertise gained over 30 thirty years of building a profitable, multi-disciplinary private practice.
