The day was here. The first official day of BlogHer 20015 in New York City. I arrived the day before but this was getting real. Why? I was picking up my Badge! I know I can’t be the only one who thinks the Badge make the difference, right!? As I put my orange lanyard over my head I noticed this year’s theme running along it: Experts Among Us. What makes an expert anyway?
The Fame Factor
As I walked back to my room the first things that came to mind were fame, a big name, fortune. I mean this year’s conference had a list of people with all of that. Women who are certainly famous on anyone’s scale and they are known across the world. Yet is that enough? Is the only requirement for being an expert to have the fame factor?
That’s when I looked at the amazing list of speakers and presenters here this year. Yes, among them are some really well know and even famous people BUT that isn’t where the list ends. I saw names, faces, Blogs and people I stalk love and know! They are real women, wives, friends and people.
This list was full of names of women I consider to be peers and friends. In this BlogLife we live they are famous and experts at what they do – being a mom, working from home, starting their own businesses, branching outside their comfort zones, taking Blogging to a whole new level. How dare I consider them anything else than experts? Maybe I needed to rethink my thoughts on what qualified an expert.
Among Us.
How could I have missed that?! Among Us. Yes, the theme for this year is about all experts but it clearly tells us where they found them: among US. The experts here to offer their trials and errors, tips, guides and paths are from right among our ranks sort-a-speak. They aren’t lofty far away people I can only gaze at on stage. Who may never notice me, my comments or my struggles. They are the women I checked-in with, the ones I had lunch with and the face behind the words I already love. These experts are right here finding their way just like me.
The only difference…?
They are willing – happy even – to share all they have learned so far with everyone who wants to listen. They’ve been where am I and may even still be but the only difference between them and my first thought of an expert is that they want to share their journey with me to help me get from where I am to where they are now.
The experts among us have taken away the restraints of my first definition of an expert and embraced that whatever they have learned and become skilled in it what makes them an expert.
That’s It!
An expert isn’t made from fame or being bigger than life. The task of being an expert comes from the ability to take what you’ve learned on your way somewhere and pass it on to those coming along. Experts realize that what they know isn’t protected information. Sharing it is a way to help someone else’s dreams become reality. So that’s it! That’s what makes an expert – having and sharing what you know to others.
Now why did I not realize that earlier? I’m not sure. I do know that this means next year I could see you up there on that Speaker List telling me how you got where you are…because being an expert is something we all can do. After all, they’re right among us.
Name one thing that makes you an expert.
Have you ever shared it?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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