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7 Steps to Becoming an Industry Star

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In our research on industry stars we learned that becoming highly visible brings multiple benefits for experts, their firms, and their clients.

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We also learned that this process is replicable. Read on to learn the 7 steps to becoming a Visible Expert℠.

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The 7 Steps to Becoming a Visible Expert℠

1. Select candidate

2. Assess status

3. Develop strategy

4. Assemble marketing tools

5. Develop personal skillset

6. Grow expert brand

7. Track and adjust

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Step #1: Select the Candidate(s)

The best Visible ExpertSM candidate isn’t always the person with the most experience or seniority in the firm.

An ideal candidate balances practical factors, such as availability and area of expertise, with their ability to work hard, teach others, and project confidence.

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Step #2: Assess Your Status

Assess the candidate (or yourself) for:

• Expertise and reputation

• Current visibility level

• Skill levels

• Business impact

• Foundational marketing materials

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Step #3: Develop Strategy

Focus on 5 key strategy areas:

• Expertise – What is your specialty or niche?

• Audience – Who is your target audience?

• Visibility tools – Which tools will you use to promote?

• Promotional channels – Which channels will you promote on?

• Resources and support – How will you get help?

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Step #4: Build Your Infrastructure

Start to build the marketing toolkit:

• Profile kit – Head shot, bio, achievements

• Website – Speaking engagement page is key

• Video – Story conveying credentials and experience through testimony of others

• Social media profiles

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Step #5: Develop Your Personal Skillset

• Address areas that need improvement that were identified in step 2.

• Start with the basics — attend public speaking classes or hire a social media coach.

• Incorporate new skills into daily routine.

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Step #6: Grow Your Expert Brand

Use content marketing to become more visible by:

• Creating a mix of content, such as blog posts, videos, and SlideShares.

• Employing keyword research and SEO techniques.

• Repurposing content, such as turning a blog post series into a book.

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Step #7: Track and Adjust

Regularly review metrics and make adjustments to your strategy along the way. Key metrics include:

• Lead sources

• Web traffic

• Conversions

• Number of leads

• Speaking opportunities

• Partnerships

• Media mentions

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Conclusion

Visible ExpertsSM are one of the business world’s best-kept secrets. And for the first time, the blueprints are available to everyone. We’ve broken down the expert process to its essentials, and now anyone with sufficient ambition and tenacity can replicate it.

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Want to learn more?

In the Hinge Research Institute’s new book, you will learn how you or your colleagues can become Visible ExpertsSM, driving significant new growth and profits for your firm. You will discover which techniques you need to build your reputation and ascend to prominence. And you will hear from real experts from across the professional services who have climbed to the peak of their professions.

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Get your free copy of

www.hingemarketing.com/vebook