Many entrepreneurs say it's a struggle for them to own their expert status. They say it, but I don't think it's the truth.
We are taught in society to be modest to be humble because that's what a good human being is. If we would truly own our expert status, then we're not humble. We're not modest. So we're probably narcissistic, right?
No one wants to be that person. But yet, as brands, if we don't choose to own our expert status. No one will do it for you, not your audience, not your business partner, nobody. Therefore, no one will know you.
How in the world can you overcome these social stories that are playing in your head to truly and authentically own your expert status?
Acknowledge them.
When you acknowledge that, yes, owning your expert status doesn't make you a jerk. Owning your expert status doesn't mean that you have a big ego. It just means you're being honest about how you see what you deliver. Of course, you should think you're an expert at it because then why in the world are you trying to sell anybody on it if you don't think you're the best at what you do? 2. Own it. It doesn't matter if you know it or are unwilling to say it. The truth is, most of us don’t say it. However, when you talk about what you do with your best friend about how great you're at your work, that's the same way you need to communicate to your audience. Unapologetic and true.
It's not that you need to be the best in every aspect of the industry. You can be just focused on this specific area that you like. That's fine, but you must fully own it from the inside out so you can own it from the outside in. 3. Unapologetic. Of course, there are going to be people who are going to disagree with you. You threaten many people, and that's all okay. You have to understand that's a game at hand.
Sometimes people are playing the game. Sometimes it's just their insecurities and their own social stories that are showing up. Understand that it's a game at hand and understand how you win the game.
For some people, that's using their hater status to their advantage. For others, it's about completely ignoring them and just keep going on their merry little way. Whatever it is for you, stick with it and keep with it, because just like being successful at any game, it's about understanding the rules that are at hand, understanding the game that's being played, choosing your method, and playing your game your way. Yes, you must overcome your fear of owning your expert status. They want you to step up and be the expert. No one wants to hire someone who's the second-best. They want to hire the best. If you are the best, own it, be it, do it, and claim it, not just for yourself but for your audience too.