When we’re young, and someone asks us what we want to be when we grow up, no one, and I mean no one stands up and says that they want to be an expert.
So what exactly is an expert?
According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, the noun is of what an expert is, is: “One with a special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject“, and the verb is “Having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience“. So how do you tell if the person you want to contract is actually an expert like they say they are; where’s the proof?
Show me the proof
For me, it’s in the testimonials. You can show me all your educational certificates, but if you don’t have people shouting your expertise from the rooftops, then I’m not going to waste my time. Becoming an expert is built over years and years of knowledge, learning, theory, learning, and practice and learning (see the trend?). Then when you think you’ve learnt all you can, you learn some more. In today’s world, nothing stays the same for too long. There is no endpoint to being an expert, only a beginning.
What are the benefits of working with an expert?
Obviously, being considered an expert in anything is good for business, especially if your expertise is beneficial to your customer or client. When you work/contract someone for their expertise, they should do the following five things for you.
- Experts cut out the white noise.
- Experts have a unique perspective and can challenge you to think outside the square.
- You’re motivated to make the changes that will be more impactful for your business.
- You, your team and your business will benefit from their wisdom, experience and skills.
- Working with an expert will help you expand your thinking for potential growth both from a business perspective and a financial one.
Theory alone does not make an expert
Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play. – Immanuel Kant
Going to University, working hard for years and receiving your certificate(s) doesn’t make you an expert. Continual professional development is only one part. Being able to put theory into practice is beneficial to your clients or customers. Refer to the topic above Show me the proof.
What makes an expert an expert?
For myself, personally, my expertise lies in systems and processes—information mapping and developing procedures for small businesses. The benefit of this is to help small businesses achieve more. Get more from their business and more from their staff or team members. In return, this helps small business to grow and be more profitable.
Benefits of business systems and processes
Ask yourself, what happens to your business if you’re unable to work; does it all come to a grinding halt; it’s a disaster?
The big winner here is that you have a procedure manual, flow charts, and access to online and offline systems. Business can continue providing your team can access them. It keeps money coming in the door!
Jacqui James Small Business Solutions Architect
At 17, I knew I wanted to work in an office, so I went to night school, studied, learnt to touch type. I worked in amazing organisations, CFA, Calvary Hospital, Bio-Tech, Melbourne City Council, and Myer.
For the last 30 years and well over 64,000 hours, I’ve been helping create improved systems and processes for my employers and then for my clients, specifically since starting my business in 2011.
Jacqui is tenacious and assertive when needed and has been instrumental in influencing change across significant process areas within Myer. – Wendy Marshall, Business & Leadership Consultant
Jacqui was a great asset to the regulatory and quality team at Amrad. She was instrumental in enabling set up of our SOP and documentation systems and providing innovative ideas on how to manage and organise the department. – Carolyn Cranfield, Global Process Owner, Pharmacovigilance processes GSK
Jacqui takes the time to understand your brand and has an innate ability to come up with solutions and ideas to streamline and systemise things so the team and I can focus on our clients and the things that we love. – Renée Girarrusso, Leadership & Communication Expert
Since 2011, I’ve specifically been helping small business owners spend more time with their clients. I help them do this by taking the stuff they keep in their head and turning it into the systems and processes they need to drive their business. To find out more about how I can do the same for your business, let’s organise a chat.
Being an expert in business administration, systems and processes is the most important thing I can do for my clients.
