What can you learn from author & motivational speaker Zig Ziglar about using online video to become an authority in your area of expertise? Find out in this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk Video!”

Today’s viewer question comes from Connie in Memphis, TN. She writes:

Hi Jaime & Steve,
I want to start getting the word out about my business and thanks to your show I know that online video can help me. My problem is that I’m not sure if I can call myself an “expert” yet. Although I’ve been working for more than 15 years in my field, I’ve only been on my own as an entrepreneur for about a year now. How can I start being seen as an “expert” if I don’t already feel like one?

Thanks so much for your question, Connie. You’re definitely not alone… this question comes up a lot!

Watch the full episode below to see our answer:

Here’s the thing: only some areas of expertise exist where you can attain some sort of degree or certificate that says “Congratulations, you’re an expert!”. Otherwise, no one is going to knock on your door and anoint you as an expert. YOU to decide when you’re ready to step up to the plate and start sharing your wisdom from all the years of experience that you already have.

One way to look at it that makes it feel less overwhelming is that you don’t need to have ALL of the answers. The truth is, your business is a continuous journey of growth and evolution. And just because you call yourself an “expert”, doesn’t mean you need to know everything there is to know about your field. In fact, no one knows everything about anything… everyone still has learning and growing to do, no matter how long they’ve been doing something.

All it really means to be an “expert” is that you’ve studied or practiced in that area long enough to have insight or wisdom that you can use to help other people who haven’t had that same experience. But two things you must have in order call yourself an expert are: 1) the confidence to stand up and declare that you are one and 2) the desire to share your knowledge and advice in order to contribute to others.

Here are a few tips for how to use online video to become an authority in your area of expertise:

Tip #1:

Identify the exact area you want to create authority in with your video content. Keep in mind you will probably have to narrow down your field and get really specific. The more specific you can get, the better you will be able to help and serve others and the more unique your video content will be.

Tip # 2:

After you’ve identified your unique area of expertise, it’s time to create regular online video content. This will position you as an authority in your field. Here are a few suggestions for the different types of regular video content you can offer to your audience.

Suggestion #1:

Create a series of regular “tips” videos, for use on social media. These videos should be very short, providing one great tip per video. The purpose of these videos is to drive traffic from your social media pages back to your website. Take a look at our Smart Tips Videos here, for an example of how to create fast, fun and informative weekly tips videos.

Suggestion #2:

Create a weekly blog show, like we’re doing with this show. The purpose of a weekly blog show is to create an emotional connection with your audience by entertaining them, engaging them, and giving them great takeaway value on a regular basis. Having a weekly blog show helps you establish rapport with your audience and gives people the opportunity to get to know you better. Your audience will feel more and more connected to you, while learning something new from you each week.

Suggestion #3:

Take your videos and your production quality to the next level with your own online TV show. We consider this a step above a blog show because the purpose is to entertain. You can probably produce a weekly blog show on your own but unless you have the proper training, your own online TV show should be produced for you by a team of professionals. This will give it the quality it will need to attract the attention you want. This option isn’t right for everyone and may only make sense financially for certain types of businesses, but it’s a great way to make your mark in your industry and become the “go-to expert” in your field.

Tip #3:

Be consistent. We have seen way too many entrepreneurs get started with online video only to give up before they’ve had the chance to see any real results. Online video does require an investment of your time and money. The only way it really works is if you do it regularly. Consistency is probably the biggest key to success. So make sure you give yourself a fair amount of time and create the right impact with your videos.

Thanks so much for your question, Connie – we really hope that advice helped!

If you got great value from the information in this video, please leave us a comment below. Tell us: how do YOU use online video to establish authority in YOUR area of expertise?

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If you have a question that you’d like answered on an upcoming show, please email it to us at: LetsTalkVideo@GeffnerProductions.com