Prove You’re an Expert by Having Conversations
When most people think about establishing themselves as an expert, they picture big things: writing a book, giving a keynote speech, or publishing perfectly produced videos. Those are great, but they’re not where credibility really begins.
One of the best ways to prove you know what you’re talking about is actually much simpler: have conversations and let people see them.
Talk With People at Every Level
With people who know less: Guiding someone who’s earlier on the journey immediately shows you have knowledge worth sharing. Even simple explanations demonstrate clarity and confidence.
With people at your level: Trading notes with peers shows you’re in the arena, practicing and learning alongside others. It signals that you’re not isolated—you’re part of the real conversation in your field.
With people who know more: Asking questions, listening, and pulling insights from those ahead of you shows both humility and seriousness. It tells your audience you care enough about your craft to keep learning.
Each of these is a different form of proof. Together, they create a picture: you’re not dabbling, you’re living and breathing this subject.
Why It Works
People might not sit through every video or podcast you put out. They might skim instead of watching all the way through. That’s okay. What matters is that they see you consistently engaged.
Think about it: if someone scrolls your feed and sees you talking with industry leaders, answering beginners’ questions, or swapping stories with peers, they don’t need to consume every second. They get the message: this is where your focus, your energy, and your passion are.
That repetition builds authority. Not because you said, “I’m an expert,” but because you’ve shown them you are.
Don’t Wait for Perfect Production
Here’s where many people get stuck: worrying about lighting, microphones, camera quality, or editing. Yes, you should have featured content—the polished video or article that represents your brand at the highest level.
But don’t let that standard keep you from hitting record. Most conversations don’t need studio polish. A raw Zoom call, a casual clip on your phone, or a recorded chat at an event can be just as valuable. In fact, sometimes the imperfections make it feel more real.
The bigger risk isn’t that your background wasn’t perfect—it’s that you never published at all.
The Real Point
Expertise isn’t just what you know. It’s that you’re seen actively participating in the ecosystem.
You’re teaching.
You’re learning.
You’re showing up, even when it’s not perfectly packaged.
That’s how people come to trust you. They see the pattern: this isn’t a hobby or a side note. It’s where your heart, energy, and curiosity live.
And that is what makes you the real deal.
