Soul Proprietor - Experts without experience

There is a curious piece of business advice that I find a bit concerning. It is this: position yourself as an expert when you have little to no experience to speak of.

Yes, I’ve heard gurus encourage people to do just that.

While on the outside, it may sound like a harmless bit of truth-bending, in practice it’s not only unethical, it can be downright dangerous.

Consider these examples:

An “expert” business coach who has never run a successful business…giving business advice.

An “expert” raw food coach who has never taken a lesson in nutrition giving dietary advice to a diabetic.

An “expert” yoga instructor who has never taken a physical safety or anatomy course…putting someone with an old neck injury into a headstand.

Get the picture?

A lack of experience can put your clients at risk. In some cases, like the yoga instructor example above, it could be downright dangerous. Worse yet, you’re possibly putting yourself into a situation that you may not be equipped to deal with.

If you are going to teach anything or position yourself as an expert, you need some experience under your belt – or, at the very least, you need to let people know the truth about your background. To do otherwise is not operating out of integrity. Clients deserve to know whom they are working with. (Psst there is nothing shameful about being new to your game – or admitting it.)

Think of this: would you go to a dentist who has never worked on a human mouth before? Would you take business advice from someone who has only been in business for a few months – and has never taken a profit? Probably not.

So why on earth would you want to give advice/take a position of an expert if you don’t have any tangible experience? Why not be honest with your potential clients so that they can make an educated purchase?

Before you claim expert status, get some real, hands on knowledge. Put a couple of years under your belt. Practice your ass off. After a few real successes – and failures – you’ll know what you’re doing/talking about.

Without that knowledge and skill development, you’re talking theory, nothing more.

What about hiring someone? Why not give them a chance, even if they are just starting out?

Good questions!

If you’re going to hire someone for any job, ask about their experience. How long they’ve been in business, what their training might be, if they have any testimonials, etc. Interview someone thoroughly before you plunk down your hard-earned cash.

As far as hiring a newbie, go right ahead! In fact, I hire beginners all the time because they do have to gain experience somewhere after all. Might as well be with me! As long as they are honest about their background, I know what I’m getting into as a consumer.

Look, no matter if you’re the one touting your expertise or hiring someone who is (or isn’t), it all comes down to being forthright. The more open and above-board you are about your abilities and background, all the better for your clients….and for you.

And that’s my expert position (yes, I am an expert – I’ve been in business for 25+ years).

Blessings,

Theresa

Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2016