If you own a business – whether it’s an online or offline business – you’re an expert. Your expertise will differ from other business owners but YOU have something unique to offer your audience.

I bet you never used the adjective ‘expert’ in conjunction with your own name before, have you?

It’s a mindset thing. For some reason I could always call myself a ‘business owner’ or a ‘virtual assistant’ but when given the term ‘expert’ I would cringe and think they couldn’t POSSIBLY be talking about lil’ ol’ me…

Until I had some friends point out the obvious…that SOMEONE out there needed my help and considered me an ‘expert’ because I knew more about a topic than THEY did.

Experts Still Learn

One of the misconceptions I had about the label ‘expert’ was thinking an ‘expert’ was at the top of their class, finished learning all there was to learn about a subject, and could answer any question about the topic.

But I think someone’s expertise in a subject is always evolving, always growing as new information is discovered or taught. Even the most skilled surgeons in the country learn new ways to operate and try new techniques. School teachers and other skilled professionals take part in continuing education classes each year to stay up to date on their industry’s standards.

The same is true for freelancers who work online. Sure, I know how to make changes to a WordPress theme but I’m blown away when I see the true talents of my web designer friends!

And think about all the ‘gurus’ in the internet marketing world who are teaching the latest and greatest techniques for running an online business. Learning in any subject is a never-ending process but you can still develop your expertise as you continue learning.

Now, let’s be real. Reading one book or blog post on a subject does not make one an expert on that topic. Your first-hand working experience lends to your expertise as well as your learned knowledge from school or classes.

Don’t Take Your Talents for Granted

So much time is spent doubting whether or not we can accomplish something. Is it a good idea to start an online business? Will anyone hire me? Sit back and think about everything you know how to do (and it doesn’t have to all be business-related…maybe your hidden talent could uncover a cool niche for you to monetize!) Remember, you know more than you think you do!

As I was trying to write about this very abstract topic, I kept thinking back to one of my husband’s very good friends, who he met through a business networking group. This friend installs business telephone systems. Is he an expert? Darn straight! I only know about using the phone, not the inner workings of setting up an entire network!

We’ve also got a handyman coming to replace the railings on our front porch. Is he an expert? You bet, since I don’t think we even own a saw or know the first thing about choosing the proper wood (we are the quite the opposite of ‘handy’)!

So…what’s your expertise? I’m a Virtual Assistant and an expert at creating website content for other online business owners.

Feel free to share your expertise in the comment section below!