How I became an expert

It is an undeniable truth that every individual possesses expertise in some aspect of life. In my case, I have cultivated proficiency in several areas, including Italian thriller and horror cinema from the 1970s and 1980s, social media, film production, and film festivals.

The real challenge lies in transforming our expertise into tangible opportunities for employment. How often have we encountered "so-called" experts whose words turned out to be nonsensical or whose knowledge fell short compared to our own? The differentiating factor is often the accreditation they possess. So, how can we establish ourselves on an accreditation register or, in more practical terms, effectively market ourselves as experts?

The first rule is to exude confidence in the subject matter you are discussing. In my case, I possess a profound understanding of film festivals and can confidently assess a filmmaker's work, proclaiming that it is suitable for a specific film festival. As a result, there is a high likelihood that the film they submit would be selected. I possess the ability to watch a film and immediately identify its compatibility with the XXXX festival.

What justifies this level of confidence? Well, I have been organizing a Film Festival for the past eight years. Over this period, I have meticulously reviewed approximately 8,000 to 9,000 films. Furthermore, I have diligently tracked the journeys of the selected films through various festivals, observing their reception and the paths they have taken.

Similarly, I consider myself an expert in social media. How do I substantiate this claim? I had the privilege of working as the business development manager for Instagram in the UK, albeit for a limited time. Although my skills may have somewhat waned in recent years, the foundation remains intact. I am the individual who effectively enhanced engagement on Facebook, ensuring maximum exposure for specific posts by strategically boosting them. I have also aided at least three YouTubers in achieving consistent monthly revenue that has positively transformed their lives.

However, can one simply proclaim themselves as an expert? No, it requires the validation and testimonies of others. The most effective way to attain this recognition is through references. While these aspects may seem obvious or common sense, the journey from being knowledgeable to being recognized as an expert involves specific steps. First and foremost, it is essential to have a website showcasing your expertise, along with written documents or videos that demonstrate your proficiency. Secondly, it is crucial to identify specific individuals and introduce yourself as an expert in your respective field. For instance, you could say, "Hi, I'm John Smith, and I specialize in social media. Can I assist you in improving your social media presence? In return, I kindly request a glowing reference. I am prepared to work with you free of charge for a specified number of weeks or months." Emphasizing the glowing reference is crucial, as it serves both as a psychological motivator and a contractual agreement.

Encourage your friends and family to engage you in conversations related to your chosen field of expertise. If you can confidently answer all their questions without bluffing or relying on external research, it showcases your genuine mastery.

Another effective strategy is to consistently produce written content focused on your subject matter. Establish a blog on your website and create daily articles addressing the topics that pique people's curiosity. For example, you can provide insights on how to get verified on Facebook or offer straightforward yet valuable tips. It is often these uncomplicated insights that captivate and engage readers. I recall authoring an article on how to capture screenshots on a Mac, and to my surprise, it became the most popular piece on my website. The article attracted a substantial number of visitors and was widely shared due to its concise, informative, and easily accessible nature.

If you believe that your writing and knowledge are of high quality and your subject matter is valuable, endeavor to have your articles published. Submit them to various publications. If gaining a foothold proves challenging, consider having someone quote you in their own writing.

When you come across events related to your chosen niche, reach out to the event organizers and express your interest in delivering a 5-10 minute presentation on your area of expertise. Articulate why you believe your insights are significant and why you are the ideal person to address the topic. Perhaps your employer is planning a conference or you have an innovative idea that you believe your company should implement. Do not hesitate to seize these opportunities.

For any "expert" embarking on their journey, simplicity is key to conveying your knowledge effectively. Reflect on the aforementioned example of the screenshot article. Consider how you can explain a concept to a random person you meet on the street, and then adapt your approach based on your audience. If you can elucidate the fundamentals without resorting to jargon, you are on the right path.

In 2002, I delved into the realm of internet security in online shopping after my former partner fell victim to an online scam. After gaining comprehensive knowledge, I contacted the local newspaper and shared my story while providing tips on how to avoid similar situations. Admittedly, I may have sensationalized the account slightly, implying it was a prevalent trend in that specific area. The newspaper published the article, subsequently leading to an interview request from a local radio station. This eventually snowballed into opportunities to speak on renowned platforms such as BBC Radio 4 and the BBC TV show "Watchdog." I even had the chance to appear on international networks like ITV, Channel 4, ABC News, Fox News, and Good Morning Australia. Surprisingly, I was invited to speak on a Nigerian television network, which held irony as Nigeria was then considered the epicenter of internet fraud worldwide. My role was to act as a deterrent, and the segment was presented as "UK Fraud Investigator cracks down on fraud from Africa." While I had never specifically mentioned Africa until then, I went along with the spin.

It is vital to immerse yourself in rigorous study and gain confidence in both yourself and your expertise before officially adopting the title of an expert. Nevertheless, it is an achievable feat. Twenty years after that incident, I recently had the opportunity to address an entire country about film based on my standing in the UK film industry. I have acquired an extensive understanding of the subject matter, attended countless events, and navigated through diverse scenarios to make this endeavor a reality.

I have spoken on television across the globe, engaged with audiences at various events, both small and grand, and even addressed crowds numbering in the thousands. I am just an ordinary individual from a small, remote place, yet I have had the privilege of speaking worldwide and often received compensation for my expertise. I am an expert, and you too possess the potential to become one with a little guidance in the right direction.

As a little amusing aside, although it might be somewhat impolite to poke fun at others, a friend of mine once attended an event where an "expert" speaker was paid £5,000 to deliver a 20-minute talk. We both jokingly remarked that this self-proclaimed expert possessed less knowledge than either of us, considering we had been actively working in the field for a decade, whereas they only had three years of experience. In the weeks leading up to the event, we humorously quipped, "Where's my 5K?" During the conference, my friend sent me a picture that brings me to my final remark. If you are delivering a presentation, ensure someone proofreads it. Can you spot the error in the attached picture?