The Real Start
Start
How to be the Expert in Your Field?
Alison Valenti -
is the Co-Founder of Real Entrepreneur Mums and start-up business expert.
"I believe mums can have a financially successful business that is personally fulfilling. They just need to know how. I teach them the steps and then support them from the sidelines."
Today my husband Joe, is having a small operation. I am sure he is going to be fine, but apparently the recovery time is going to be 2 weeks…”Ick!”
Rewind to a couple of weeks ago when Joe and I went to see a health specialist about his issue. At the appointment, the doctor reviewed Joe’s file and recommended that he have surgery. He went on to explain to us what the procedure would involve, what Joe could expect after the operation, what the benefits and risks were and then the cost.
The way the doctor spoke to us was with confidence and certainty. He is the expert in his field, which is why we went to see him.
There was no ‘umming’ or ‘ahhing’ when he was telling us what we needed to know. He didn’t get nervous about his recommendations. And most importantly he didn’t bat an eyelid when it came time to discuss his fee.
So now, let me ask you a question. Why should it be any different with your business? If people are making contact and speaking to you about your business, they want your advice or recommendation. You are the expert in your field.
Last week I attended a networking event. The room was full of entrepreneurs wanting to connect with other entrepreneurs. Like most other events of this kind, you introduce yourself to the people around you and start a conversation. The most common question at a networking event? ‘What do you do?”
And here’s what happens. Nine times out of ten, this is the response, “I umm, well I kinda, um…have my…I have my own business?” Not a statement, but a question. Like you are seeking clarification that you do in fact, own your own business.
The lack of confidence I hear when people are talking about what they do, who they do it for and how they help their clients, is amazing.
Do you think we would have trusted Joe’s procedure to a doctor that said, “Ummm, well maybe you should have this done, but ah, only if you want to. I mean, I can do it…but only if you ahh, want me to. Mmmmm, I mean I’ve done some before for other people, but that was just like, to help them out. I think maybe, yeah, probably, it would be ahhh, around $1,500. Does that sound right to you? I know it’s a lot of money, so umm, if you want go elsewhere…”