Maki of Dosh Dosh (one of the best blogs out there on online marketing) writes on why you shouldn’t call yourself an expert on your blog - especially if you’re just faking it until you make it. In other words, if you don’t have the experience to back up your claims and no one will vouch for you, perhaps you should re-think your “branding” strategy. He says:
Sometimes humility goes a long way in this blogging/marketing business. People naturally prefer working with and supporting humble people, instead of ones who blow their own horn at every chance they get.
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I’ve read this post on a few different blogs already. You really need 15+ years of experience to be labeled an expert.
Dan - 15+ years? I think I’d have to disagree. Do you really think someone who puts in 15+ years part time or as a hobby has more expertise than someone who does it full time for 7?
What about industries like online marketing where you’d have to have started in 1992 to call yourself an “expert” - I think that’s asking a bit much.
I think expertise is more about putting in the time, keeping up with your industry, participating in ongoing training and development, and getting results rather than chalking it up to “years experience.”