It's not enough just to be an expert. You need to use your knowledge to deliberately distinguish yourself from your competitors.

Plug yourself into every possible outlet that influences your niche. Assess what others are doing, saying, and writing about your industry. Your goal is not just to be fully informed, but also to develop a perspective that makes connections between your industry and the larger world.

Experts know that they must actively seek out new evidence that impacts their theories and assumptions. You don’t need an ultimate truth, but you do need to articulate your position clearly and have the relevant facts close at hand.