How to dominate your industry

If you can propel your profile – and be perceived as an authority in your field – you will dominate it. It’s as simple as that.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be the leading expert on your subject to be perceived as the authority. Did you get that? You don’t have to possess the most knowledge in your field for people to believe you have the most knowledge.

In fact, there is little correlation.

What makes people trust you, to turn to you over your competition, to never fight with you over prices or quote, or to virtually demand that you (or your company) are the only ones that solve their problems is authority.

And you can shape that perception as you please.

I have a formula for helping people establishing themselves as an authority. Here are some interesting facts:

• You don’t need loads of money behind you
• You don’t need to have already established contacts
• You don’t need to be a media insider
• You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience.

You just have to decide that you want to be at the top of your industry and follow a simple step by step plan to do it – and automatically people, resources, money and opportunity will magically make their way to you.

Case study: Why it works

Picture this scene. In Las Vegas a TV reporter disguises himself as a security guard for a bank and positions himself next to the ATM machine. He pastes a sign on the ATM that says “OUT OF ORDER — GIVE DEPOSITS TO GUARD ON DUTY.”

As customers come to use the ATM the ‘guard’ asks if the customer is making a deposit or withdrawal. Nine customers out of 10 handed over account numbers, PIN codes and even cash to the ‘guard’.

Unbelievable, right? Obviously no bank in the world would run their operation this way. And they never have. Yet customers complied with the request.

When the ‘guard’ revealed the hidden deception customers were stunned they handed over such private and confidential information to a complete stranger. When asked why they complied most gave the same answer: “because of the uniform and because of the sign”.

In other words, customers complied because they perceived the ‘guard’ as authoritative and therefore trustworthy.

The science of decisions

Neuroscientists now show us the decision making parts of our brains switch off when we encounter authoritative people, advice or direction. This is part of the reason why establishing authority in the mind of your prospect is so powerful and essential – especially in today’s hyper competitive market.

If you’re looking to stand out from your competition and stand out in your field you must create a perception of authority, trust and leadership. The good news is  this is easier than you think! I have done it many, many times.

Establish a platform of authority in the mind of your peers and prospects and you will be seen as a trusted adviser.

Doctor, Doctor

I don’t know about you but when I go to see my doctor, those diplomas and certificates on the wall make me trust him. And when he advises me on medication I do not debate his assessment. I trust what he says. Why? Because of the in-built authority my doctor has with his experience, his education and his white lab coat.

The good news is you don’t have to have a PhD to have the same level of authority over your prospects. You can have a “doctor-like” power over your entire marketplace, not just customers but  also industry peers and even the media.

You see, once you start to implement your plan it gains momentum on its own. And before you know it you are perceived to be a leader in your industry – even though you may not be the most knowledgeable.

What you say about yourself is not anywhere near as powerful as what others say about you.

Dale Beaumont will be speaking at the Cashflow Boom 2010 Seminar. The first 35 Wealth Creator readers to register for the seminar will get FREE entry.

Details at www.cashflowboom2010.com