Your expertise and credibility for your LNC business are vital to building your business.
Think about the last time you hired a contractor, either for your business or to do something around your home. Did you look for the lowest price, or did you look for someone with experience? Did you check the contractor’s references or take his word at face value?
You likely have heard the adage, “you get what you pay for.” Usually, when you hire someone based on the lowest price, you’ll get someone who’s not as experienced as the higher-priced contractor. Lack of experience can lead to mistakes, and sometimes they are costly.
And let’s face it, not everybody is as honest as you are, so if you’re not checking references, you might get scammed.
What’s the lesson here? Successful LNC businesses stay afloat when they gain years of experience and build credibility with their audience. These business owners learn from their mistakes, adjust how they do business when something doesn’t work and are willing to share their knowledge with their clients before being hired.
Fans will flock to businesses with a good track record and good customer reviews. It stands to reason that an influx of customers means hiring more team members and making more sales, thereby growing your business.
Now let’s put YOU into this equation. You should always charge what you’re worth because if you undercut your competition, that will bring in the tire kickers who aren’t serious customers and may still ask you for a discount. This is not the audience base that will allow your business to grow.
Expertise and Credibility Go Hand-in-Hand
Showcase your expertise online and offline. Never be afraid to market yourself because you can’t control the search engine rankings, and you don’t want to depend on ‘hope’ marketing. That’s a very passive way to run your business, hoping people will find you.
Be visible online and offline, be vocal, tell people what you do, share your experiences, and offer advice. This will build your credibility, and you will gain more visibility, thereby gaining new followers and potential new clients.
No matter what stage of business you’re in today, whether you just opened your doors or have had a string of clients for years, today is the day to concentrate on building your credibility and sharing your expertise with the world. This is no time to be a wallflower, especially if you have big dreams of growing your team, hitting a certain income milestone, selling a certain number of products, or booking a guest appearance. Be proud of your success, and plan on sharing it with your audience.
Update Your Bio with Specifics
Your professional bio is more than just listing where and where you went to school. Your bio is a surefire way to build your credibility and authority in the short time people read or scan it.
Start by listing your most recent accomplishments.
If you graduated college 10+ years ago, that achievement should make its way toward the bottom of the list, even if you’re still proud to be an alum. People want to know what you are doing now or, most recently, not where you were more than 10 years ago.
Do you have a title? Whether it’s a Dr. in front of your name or a series of impressive letters after your name, use that title in professional circles. It’s not bragging, it’s building your credibility and authority and proving to others you meet that you are educated and know what you’re talking about.
Why do you need a professional bio?
You’re looking to grow your business and your credibility. So publishing a bio on your website tells masses of people all about you and why you’re an expert. Bios are also printed in event programs if you’re a speaker. Also, parts of them will be read by the interviewer when you’re giving an interview.
Articles you write and publish on other sites will likely include an author’s bio.
Professional bios that are published online also assist the media and anyone who may be searching for experts in your field. After a quick Google search and seeing your bio, they will know you’re the expert who can answer their questions.
In short, people want to learn more about you and your experience. There’s no better way to inform the masses than by creating a professional bio.
Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.
Pat’s related websites include the continuing education provided on LNCEU.com, the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.
Get all of Pat’s content in one place by downloading the mobile app, Expert Edu at www.legalnursebusiness.com/expertedu. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch online courses and training, and more.