subject: I'm an Expert! No You're Not, Dude, Don't Lie! [print this page] I believe one aspect of being a mentor is to share my story and experiences. Relay my thoughts, feelings and struggles in a way that will help others overcome their own issues. Let them know that they are not alone. I would like to share with you one of those experiences, overcoming fear and anxiety of negative responses.
I'm an Expert! No You're Not, Dude, Don't Lie!
Wikipedia defines an expert: "...a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on research, experience, or occupation and in a particular area of study..."
Some people may think that because they are just now starting to see my name that I am not an expert (knowledgeable) in my certain area. Just like all of you, I have spent a life time obtaining this knowledge. Along the way, I realized you cannot let people dictate to you what you are or are NOT!
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety of Negative Responses
Shortly after I was introduced to attraction marketing, I produced an article and someone left a negative comment. I was so afraid that I offended someone that I allowed this negative response to paralyze me for months. Afraid to sit at my computer and write.
But, something inside kept telling me that there was something I was suppose to do. Through my personal development training, I began to realize what that something was. Overcome my fear and share with others so they too can learn to overcome their fears. Therefore, I began to write again.
Feeling confident in my knowledge I wrote several articles and have had some very good reviews. Needless to say, the negative response monster reared its ugly head once again. I was not about to let it defeat me this time!
Promote YOU and Be Branded as an Expert!
I wrote an article entitled "Promote YOU and Be Branded as an Expert!". The content contained three surefire ways to promote YOU:
1. share your expert knowledge in a "niche" market,
2. utilize your name since YOU are the product, and
3. make your article titles as important as the body.
Being excited, I wanted to see what others thought of my article. I began reading this one particular comment and the first line read: "I don't believe that branding yourself as an "Expert" is really the right term." I froze! Oh no, did I offend someone again by not using the "RIGHT TERM"? I began skimming over the other comments looking for other negative words, feeding my fear. I let my fear reply back: "Thank you all for your comments. Wow, and I got this information out of a book. Guess I still have a learning curve to deal with."
I was giving in to my fear, allowing it to have power over me. After I left the comment, I shut down shop for the night and went to bed.
Later that night, laying awake I began to think: Was I really going to let this fear affect me again? NO! I am NOT! I have learned through my journey that you have to believe in yourself, believe in what you have to say. So what if someone thought I did not use the "RIGHT TERM". It was the message and what I believe in that was important.
The next morning I recanted my reply and posted the following: "Thank you all for your comments. However, I think you are stuck on the terminology..." Wow did I feel relieved. I stood up to what I believed in.
I went back and read the comments again. The comments took on a whole new meaning. This time I wasn't looking for the negative response. After a second glance, I realized that a majority of the comments were actually confirming my thoughts.
I Am What I Am
I AM an expert (knowledgeable) and no one is going to change my mind. I have worked hard to acquire my knowledge, learning from the best. I will not let anyone's opinion dictate what I am or am not. I have overcome my fear and anxiety of negative responses.
I would like for you to take away from this experience is the understanding that you cannot let others opinion determine what you are or are not. You have a product that is unlike any others. You know that product inside and out, an expert with extensive knowledge of that product. And the product I am referring to is YOU! Nobody knows you better. How can they say you are not an expert (knowledgeable about YOU).
