How can I determine if I am an expert at something? Let's say I am well educated, and have been doing a certain task that I am knowledgeable about for a long time. Does that make me an expert? Well, yes and no. You will be on your way, but you have to meet the following qualifications to be recognized as an expert in regular circles:

€ Commitment: Experts are enthusiastic about their fields of expertise. Being committed to something is what keeps them wanting more. It keeps them learning so they will be able to keep their expert status.

€ Authenticity: You can spot a real expert because he will express his knowledge and experience in such a way that you will know he is legit. The expert basically practices what he/she preaches.

€ Openness: An expert is willing to openly share his knowledge with someone else. The only people who keep trade secrets are those who aren't confident in their abilities. They fear others will take what they know and they will lose out. The only exception to this would be a clown or magician.

€ Open-mindedness: Experts are always looking for new ways at solving problems. They will take note of mistakes by the amateurs and understand why the mistakes were made. Then take the steps to correct the mistakes. Amateurs think they have all the answers. Experts know they don't and take the steps to make corrections when they need to.

€ Clarity: An expert should be able to explain to you what he is doing and why. Although it is true that each industry or niche has a jargon all its own, but the expert can still explain in simple terms what he/she is doing and why it needs to be done that way. If the expert can explain in a clear language that you can understand, you are probably involved to rip off artist.

Do you understand what was stated above? If you really want to be an expert in your field, knowledge of the subject is one thing. Having experience at what you know is another. But to truly be an expert, you will also meet the qualifications as stated in the list in this article. You must be committed if you want to succeed. You have to practice what you preach. You have to be open to learn new things and share your knowledge with others. And you should be able to explain to others what you are doing in simple to understand terms. Only by doing all of these things can you be considered an expert.