5-Second Test of Your Professional Confidence

I recently spoke at an entrepreneur center. Roughly 80 business owners and I were there to discuss the idea of Authority Marketing. It's the concept of using content to educate an audience to build credibility. Before I started the session, I went around the room and asked each attendee what their "specialty" was. I told them to use as few words as possible. At least 50% of them struggled when it was their turn. There were a lot of "ums" and "ahhs" as well as some pretty weak explanations. That was my first coaching lesson of the day...

Don't Just Know Your Specialty, OWN Your Specialty

The first rule of Authority Marketing is owning your specialty. Conveying authority begins with believing in your expertise and being willing to show it. As business owners, those session attendees needed to see just how important being prepared to speak with authority about their specialty was to making a good first impression. In short, I tested their professional confidence - and many of them failed.

Guess What? You Own a Business Too!

The reason I'm sharing this story with you is because you are a business-of-one. Which means, in today's competative talent market, you need to have professional confidence too. If you want to be seen as a talented, successful person in your chosen profession, you need to convey authority when you share your specialty.

You've Got 5 Seconds to Write Down Your Specialty

Test your professional confidence by writing down what you would say your specialty is in 5 words or less. Then, ask yourself, "Is it memorable?" And more importantly, "Can I say it with confidence?" If you answer "no" to either of those questions, then I'd suggest working on this very important element of your career identity.

First impressions matter. Professional confidence when stating your specialty is the key.

What's your specialty?

I'd love to have you share your specialties below. How do you convey confidence, authority, and expertise?

If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.

P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!

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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !

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