How to establish yourself as an expert in your field

Would you consider yourself an expert in your field? If not, these tips might come in handy to assert and establish yourself as a thought leader.

As a researcher it is possible to feel drowned in data and to downplay your expertise in your field. As is the case in any field, communicating and engaging with your own work is key to eventually geting established as an expert. Here we put together a few tips that can help you make a name for yourself in your respective field.

1. Network at conferences
   From the time it’s announced until its end, conferences can be great places to gain visibility. Most conferences have a call for papers,with the accepted abstracts displayed on the conference website.
   Pro Tip: If your abstract has been accepted, share the link on social media to let your peers know that you’ll be presenting at a conference.
   At the conference itself, network with peers and make sure you give out your details to people with whom you share your ideas. Once the conference is over, follow-up so that people remember you.
2. Contribute to blogs
   If you don’t have a blog of your own, contributing to blogs in your discipline can be a great way to get read by a larger audience. When submitting to these blogs, make sure to include your bio along with your social media handles and email details so that readers can get in touch with you. Many publishers and institutions also have open blogs where you can send submissions.
3. Write Op-eds for local newspapers
   Connecting with the local media is a great way to put your research in front of those who need it the most; the general public. Seek out newspapers or science blogs and find out if you can contribute opinion pieces in matters related to your subject area.
4. Participate in panels
   As someone who dedicates their daily work to research in a chosen field, don’t shy away from participating in panel discussions. These opportunites can give you more visibility and can also help you network with other peers in your discipline.
5. Build your brand
   Once you network, write a few blogs and perhaps even agree to some speaking engagments and you start to notice your efforts paying off, think of yourself as building your brand as an expert in this field. Start a social media handle of your choice (Twitter is fast to set up and easy to update) or slowly graduate to building your own website!

We look forward to your feedback in the comments section.