Recently, I spoke as a panelist on emerging trends for a state conference. My talk (I had 20 minutes to present) was focused on emerging green trends. Right after I spoke and the floor was turned over to the audience to ask questions, I was asked a question that made me stop and say, “hmmm.” The question was, “I’d like to learn green so I can consult on it like you do. How can I learn it quickly so I can start consulting?” Now to me, this is a loaded question and one that is quite challenging to which to respond. The question really makes a good discussion so I decided to blog about it.
So, what does it really take to become an expert in any given field?
To be an expert, you need to be knowledgeable, right?
You need to have experience doing about which you are talking.
You need to know what works and what doesn’t work.
These are just some things that it takes to be an expert. Now thinking about this for a moment, would you rather use a consultant that is still learning on your dime or who draws from experience to guide you in your efforts? I would imagine you would want the person with the expertise so that you stay off the greenwashing lists and use your dollars wisely to attract and retain this green and LOHAS consumer.
Yes, technically, we are all still students. I think I learn something new everyday—at least that is what I strive to do. But, there is one thing to be a student of life and another to have no knowledge basis for something about which you plan to consult.
My response back to the gentleman was to consult in an area where he has expertise, not to try to consult in an area without any expertise. Also, I advised in learning a niche in green and applying it to his background.
So my question to you is how can you show or demonstrate to your prospects and customers that you are in fact an expert in this green and LOHAS arena?
We’ll discuss this further in my next thread.
Helping You Understand and Profit from Consumer Health and Green Trends
Colette Chandler
