09/22/08
	5 Simple Steps to Becoming an Expert
	1.	Know it. Read all the relevant and current periodicals, blogs, videos, etc., in your area of expertise. Every day.
	2.	Prove it. Make sure all your press materials have a very detailed – and honest – bio of your past accomplishments, the stuff that shows why you are an expert in your field. And if you can tie your expertise into a current news story or trend, all the better.
	3.	Shout it. Put together a list of outlets to which you can send those materials. You can use a professional PR firm to help you or do it on your own.
	4.	Wait for it. Don’t be discouraged if the interview requests don’t come flooding into your inbox right away. Remember, the longer it takes to gain traction as an expert, the more value you offer as an expert, having spent that much more time cultivating your skills.
	5.	Believe it. If you don’t, why should anyone else?
View WHY Xtra tips from previous weeks.