When was the last time someone came to you for practical advice? It could be something simple, like a restaurant recommendation.

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How did that make you feel? Helpful? Flattered? Maybe a bit intoxicated!

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There’s a sense of validation that comes from people seeking out your knowledge.

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But it’s not just your knowledge they’re after. They could’ve used Google Maps to find a restaurant.

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Rather, they’re interested in your lens:

• What have you heard?
• Where have you eaten?
• What did you order?
• What did you like?

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Don’t underestimate the you part of the expertise equation. You're the chocolate that elevates the peanut butter.

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While you may not know everything about a topic, your unique lens on what you do know is what adds value for others.

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Challenge yourself to articulate how your lens on your topic is unique.

• Is it a set of particular career experiences you've had?
• An industry and/or functional switch?
• A special project you worked on?
• A trying personal circumstance you've overcome?

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When you understand what's special about your lens, you begin to understand your market value...

💡

-Wes