Stand Out in Networking Circles By Becoming a Subject Matter Expert

By Jason Jacobsohn

Over time, you will meet a lot of people through your networking activities. It can be a challenge for you to stand out and for people to remember you.



Pick a topic on which you have some knowledge to share. It should be something you enjoy keeping up with on a regular basis. It doesn’t matter if this subject relates to your career or your personal life.



As long as you have a passion for this topic, people will want to listen. As a result, you may become a resource for others on this topic, which is very important for making networking effective.



Create a Web Site



As you gather information on your subject matter, an efficient way to organize everything is by creating a Web site. With a Web site, you can provide several resources in one place.



When you meet people, you can direct them to this Web site. Sharing information with others is very important in networking.



It’s important for this site to be separate from your company’s Web site. By developing a standalone site, you will be able to keep this as your own no matter where you work.



Part of networking is branding yourself. Take the time to put together a useful Web site that you can share with others. For example, I have created a business and networking resources Web site at http://www.jacobsohn.com.



With this Web site, I have branded myself as a subject matter expert on business networking. No matter where I work, I will always be able to share this information with people.



Create an Electronic Newsletter



Another great way to brand yourself as a subject matter expert is to create and distribute an electronic newsletter. Your newsletter should include information about your expertise such as articles, resources and tips.



Whenever you meet people, you can share your newsletter with them. Make sure to get their permission before you sign people up. You want interested people to receive your newsletter.



It’s OK to include some of your work information – such as your products or services – in your newsletter. However, make sure you do so as a soft sell. Include it near the bottom of your newsletter.



The main goal with any newsletter should be to provide some valuable information. After people have read your newsletter for some time, they will begin to perceive you as a trusted source on your topic.



Once this happens, they may want to purchase a product or service from you. If you have the drive and ability, send your newsletter on a regular basis so you are fresh in their minds. Also, if you have a Web site, allow people to sign up for the newsletter on the site.



Write Articles



If you truly are a subject matter expert, you should have no problem writing articles about your topic. In fact, articles are an excellent way for you to express your own thoughts about a particular topic.



While it’s one thing to read articles from other people, it’s quite another to write your own. Self-expression is so important and putting your thoughts down on paper is a great way to share your expertise with others.



Find an avenue that will allow you to submit articles on a regular basis. This will allow you to stay fresh and will require you to come up with an abundance of articles. Do some research and look for a source that could use your topical knowledge such as a newspaper, magazine or an online publication.



Be proactive, approach one of these sources and persuade them that your topic would be of interest to their readers. If you convince them to let you become a columnist, you will get some great exposure. This will help you to develop your own brand.



Another important reason to write articles is because you will be able to share these with your network. Any time you can find valuable information, take the time to share this with your network.



Speak at Events



As you become a subject matter expert, people will start to take notice. In fact, you may be asked to speak at networking or business events.



It is a great honor to be selected as a speaker. Take advantage of these opportunities. Speaking is a very visible activity and you will be perceived as an expert by an array of people.



One of the nice ideas about speaking is that you can usually dictate what you will talk about and how you want to share this information with your audience. For example, you may put together an interactive presentation that will allow your participants to meet and learn from each other.



At the same time, you may want to produce your own event at which you will be the featured speaker. While you will be able to invite your network to your talk, you will be able to market the event to your local business community. This is great publicity.



Final Thought



Remember that branding yourself as an expert is very important in networking. Make yourself stand out by picking a topic of passion and sharing resources and information with others.



Without setting yourself apart, you can get lost in the mix with all the other people you will meet in networking. Be proactive, creative and have some fun.

Jason Jacobsohn is a seasoned networker who believes in relationship building as a key component to business success. He enjoys helping others succeed by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources. In addition, Jacobsohn enthusiastically shares resources with his network through his e-mail newsletter, “Network Your Way to Success,” and http://www.jacobsohn.com , a comprehensive business and networking resources Web site. Further, he shares an additional perspective through his blog at http://www.networkinginsight.com.

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