By Matt Leitz, Producer of Ask the Expert

Have you ever been impressed with someone you saw on TV or who's podcast you listened to? That person you admire is an industry expert—and the good news is, you don’t have to be the most famous person in your field to earn that kind of credibility.

I’ve had the chance to produce Ask the Expert, hosted by the incredible Hannah Place, and one thing I’ve learned from working with a ton of sharp minds: expertise is something you build—it’s not something you’re magically born with.

Let’s talk about how you can carve out your place as the go-to person in your space.

Step 1: Find Your Thing

First off, don’t try to be good at everything. The people who stand out are the ones who go deep in one area.

Think of it this way: instead of being just a “marketing pro,” what if you became the person
everyone turns to for “digital marketing for eco-friendly brands”? That’s specific. It’s memorable. It’s valuable.

So ask yourself:

• What do I actually love doing?

• Where do I naturally shine?

• What do people constantly come to me for help with?

That’s your zone of genius. Own it.

Step 2: Get Really, Really Good at It

Now that you’ve found your niche, the next move is to go all in. Learn everything you can. Not just the basics—go beyond that.

True experts aren’t the ones who shout the loudest. They’re the ones who know the details so well that others come to them for answers.

For example, if you're in tech, it’s not enough to just know how to code. You have to understand why certain tech choices matter, how different tools fit together, and where things are headed next. That kind of depth is what people remember—and trust.

Step 3: Don’t Be a Best-Kept Secret

If you’re doing great work, but no one knows about it... it’s time to fix that.

Start Sharing What You Know

Write blog posts. Share short insights on LinkedIn or Instagram. Be helpful in online communities. Show people that you’re not just talking—you’re doing.

Speak Up at Events

You don’t need to wait to be “discovered” to speak at events. Pitch yourself. Offer a fresh angle. Even if you start with local meetups or online panels, it adds up—and builds real credibility.

Use Your Social Media

You don’t need a million followers. You just need to show up consistently. Talk about what you’re learning. Share industry news. Start conversations. People will notice.

Step 4: Build Real Relationships

Don’t try to do it all alone. The most successful experts I’ve met are great connectors.

• Go to events.

• Join online communities.

• DM people and say, “Hey, I really liked what you said about ___.”

But here’s the trick: lead with value. Help people. Cheer them on. Make introductions. That stuff comes back around—and then some.

Step 5: Make Your Online Presence Count

People will Google you. So give them something worth seeing.

• Set up a simple, clean website with your story and services.

• Make your social profiles match—same photo, same vibe, same message.

• Keep your content fresh. Share wins. Share lessons. Share you.

If you want more people to find you? Learn a little SEO. Just enough to sprinkle in the right words, create helpful content, and make sure your site shows up when someone’s looking for exactly what you do.

Step 6: Never Stop Learning

The people who really stand out? They never act like they’ve “arrived.”

Stay curious. Read. Take courses. Join workshops. Follow people who challenge you.

And don’t be afraid to change your mind. Growth means evolving your approach. Sometimes the best move is saying, “You know what? I’ve learned something new, and I think there’s a better way.”

Step 7: Use What You Know to Lift Others

Being an expert isn’t just about proving you’re smart. It’s about helping people.

• Mentor someone.

• Contribute to your community.

• Start conversations that move your industry forward.

When you use your expertise to support others, you build more than a reputation—you build a legacy.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Positioning yourself as an industry expert isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being intentional. Knowing what you bring to the table. Putting in the work. And showing up for your community.

Keep learning. Keep sharing. Keep showing up.

And when you’re ready to level up? Tune in to Ask the Expert for more real talk from people who’ve been exactly where you are—and found their way to the top.

🎙️Want to get inspired?

Come hang out with us on the BotBuilders Facebook page or browse the ManyChat agency listing to connect with fellow pros.