Becoming an industry expert

1. Knowledge: If you want to be seen as an expert or industry leader, then you need to have the knowledge and experience in the field in which you want to achieve a leading edge. You'll need to have read the books, studied the manuals, gained the experience, and understand the jargon. If you don't have the knowledge, then no one will rely on you to solve their problems.

2. Personality: Knowledge is not enough if you are the grumpy old man sitting around and scaring people or banging them on the head to hear you out. Great industry experts have an art of charm that makes people want to hear what they have to say. It's the factor that makes other people think of you first when they need to rely on expert help.

3. Publicity: If you aren't doing things to stand out as the industry expert then no one is going to think of you when their problems need solving. You need to show others what you are doing, involve them in the process, be present on social media. This is the only way to stay relevant in an increasingly busy world.

These qualities combined are what makes people think of you as an industry expert; as that go-to-person. These qualities are what makes people like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeremy Clarkson, Gordon Ramsay, Jordan Peterson and the like stand head above shoulders from their contemporaries and rise to expert status.

One additional component to these qualities is the willingness to be seen as the leading expert in your industry and the dedication and commitment that comes with it. Start today and work on these qualities to build your reputation as the expert in whatever industry you serve and may the odds be ever in your favour.