Posted by Wanda Loskot on October 16, 1998 at 14:43:38:
In Reply to: O.K. ! posted by Scott Sheen on October 15, 1998 at 14:21:13:
: Wanda,
: How do you think one becomes an expert?
Scott, thanks for adding the "in your opinion" - as indeed this is not a gospel (although
I wish it was :-))
How to become an expert?
1. By choosing a field you feel passionate about. There is a lot to learn, a lot to experience,
many setbacks on the road to become anything - so to make sure you will not give up in
midway (often to become an expert in another "easy" field - he, he), make sure that you choose
a field for keep.
2. Go to library and take a pile of books on the subject home. Don't have to read everything
(most of the books are regrettably poorly written, mediocre at best) - but check what is there.
You will discover how much you know and how much you don't. If you decided to become an expert
in field you are passionate about - chances are that you ARE an expert already, more knowledgeable
than some of the authors.
3. Commit to read -- a good book in your field once a week or at least once a month
4. Become member of associations where you can learn more by attending meetings - from educational
programs or by associating with people in the field (you will be surprised how much you can
learn "by osmosis")
5. Subscribe to every possible publication (and read them too) - especially those that are free of cost
which can help you develop your knowledge further
There is more but... I need to keep the best for my paying clients, hope you don't mind :-)
Regarding the:
: And how much of an expert does one have
: to be to create their own product?
You need to be quite a bit of an expert.
Know your stuff. Test it. Make sure it has proven value.
Do not merely repeat other experts - they might even be wrong!
How do you measure it?
I don't know.
There is no rule.
It depends who you are and what you know.
You are ready to cerate your own product when you see an unfilled need
and when what you know is so important (in your opinion) that you cannot
sleep but feel like you have the biggest secret in the world and simply
must share it with people so that they can have something that is easier
for them, or better, or more pleasurable, or faster... whatever.
When you have something to share that will make their lives better.
The duty of an expert is to serve people well first. And to make money second.
Most people do the opposite.
A lot of harm is being done.
Because people not only spend money to buy advice - but even follow that advice!
Today, on the internet especially.
There are tons of experts teaching people how to make 5,000 per month - and they
themselves barely survive. Scary.