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4 excellent and proven ways to build a platform and be a sought after expert



A few weeks ago, I spoke at a security conference as a subject matter expert. While there, I was able to sell books and provide advice and assistance. This article provides a way for me to share what I did at the conference and hopefully give you ideas on how to do it as well.  and how you can to. Last week a major magazine contacted me asking to provide an article for their publication. Regularly I receive emails request security advice.

Why? Because I am recognized as a security expert.

How? Recognition of quality preparation (for more information on the how,  view the 5 year plan to become an expert in your niche.

One of the excellent benefits of self publishing is the professional credibility that you can enjoy. Whether writing fiction, reference or self help, you’ve got a message. The research you’ve conducted as you’ve developed your message makes you a subject matter expert.

Perhaps you’re like me and have always desired to write articles, teach and provide motivational speeches. You might be able to relate to my earlier experiences where I’ve applied to write and speak only to receive responses like:

“Who is Jeff and what makes him an expert?” --Good question. I had to get to work. Along the way I developed a plan to become a niche expert.

With a book, series of articles or blog, a speaker now has a platform. So, how do you take advantage of that platform?

Let everyone know of your availability. 

Here are 4 excellent and proven ways to build a platform and be a sought after expert.

1.  Blog often about your passion. Maybe you have several passions. If they relate share them on the same blog. If they do not relate, create several blogs. Contribute to the blog weekly and be sure to provide a way for people to subscribe to your blog.

2.  Use blog or other type of website to present information about you, your book and your expertise. This is different than your blog. Where your blog consists of mini-articles of “how to”, your website focuses on the who, what, where and why of you and your products. This is an information page about your passion. You can also have your blog articles feed to your website to produce fresh content every time you publish and new blog. As with the blog, create a way to collect follower or subscriber information.

3.  Create a newsletter . Just re-use your blog posts and publish them in a monthly e-publication.

4.  Reach out to other subject matter experts where they live-In their professional groups on Linked-In, Facebook, Twitter and professional organizations at their national headquarters and their local chapters. You might provide articles to their newsletters, offer free products for seminars or consult.

These four ideas provide excellent ways to brand yourself and your product. The more you interact, the more you are recognized as a subject matter expert.

I recently received my invitation to speak. I did not ask to present, but was pursued for my security expertise. Not because I said I was the expert, but because my work spoke for itself.

You can do the same through persistence and professional quality writing. The road is long, but you can also present yourself as an expert in your niche. If you use the four recommended ideas, someone will contact you and ask for your opinion.


Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

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