I write a lot about becoming an expert in your field. It is of great benefit to you and your business if you can achieve expert status in the eyes of your customers. In order to become an expert, you need to focus on some core areas of strength that relate to your ideal customer’s needs.

One key aspect of being seen as an expert is this; you need to know your stuff. I am talking depth here. For instance, it is not enough to be able to spout the talking points about the latest car in the showroom. Instead, you should know the history of the car, the quirks and the hidden bonuses. Most of all, you should know who that car is built for, so you can qualify and direct customers accordingly.

Being well-versed gives you the flexibility and knowledge to truly help customers. The opposite of well-versed is just knowing one solution and pushing that solution on all of your customers. Its like saying you are in marketing but all you do is sell ads in the paper. You can get really good at selling ads in the paper, but you shouldn’t go around calling yourself an expert in marketing.

Being well-versed is also about truly caring for your customers. By spending your time to research and learn about their needs and the solutions to those needs, you are putting yourself in a position where you can truly help. I am reminded of Desiree Scales, who runs a successful web design business in Atlanta. She also spends a lot of her time using and learning social media, such as Twitter. She is showing her customers how to use these tools to become more successful. This is very helpful to her customers, and it helps Desiree become more than a service provider in their eyes. She is now an essential expert. For every Desiree, there are loads of web design firms that are happy with their success and who don’t spend any time expanding their horizons, and thus their businesses.

Being well-versed is also good for you and your business. Exploring the edges around your core business will help you see new opportunities and discover greater passions. Its a great way to grow your business. As you learn, you can offer complimentary services to an already happy customer base. You will also attract more and more business as you write and speak about the topics you explore. Expert status attracts business, plain and simple.

So don’t be myopic with your business. Expand your horizons in an attempt to better serve your ideal customers. Get your hands around some truly useful knowledge, and start sharing it and incorporating it into your business. The more you know, the more you can help customers.

Recommended Reading

I am constantly on the prowl for good business books. Right now, I am reading Crush It, by Gary Vaynerchuk. I love Gary’s take on passion and business. This book will give you a kick in the butt to get up and get moving as you pursue your passions and your business.

If you are interested in Crush It, you can get it through Amazon by clicking here or by visiting your local bookstore.

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Bradford Shimp is the publisher of All Biz Answers. He is also the co-creator of Idea Anglers, a place to see your ideas come to life through collaboration. Follow on Twitter @bradfordshimp. Let Bradford help you with your business – visit BroadRiverCreative.com