An expert knows all the answers – if you ask the right questions.
Jim Fixx passed away in 1984. Some obituaries said, “The man who invented running died.” Before his book, The Complete Book of Running, jogging and running were not sports. They were just weird. Jim Fixx didn’t revolutionize running, he just brought it acceptance. In 1977 his book was the best selling non-fiction hardcover book ever. He is a legend in the running world.
Every month I run across at least one or two people whose names are synonymous with excellence in their field. Hailed as legends and gurus, they aren’t necessarily the brightest people, but they are smart. What they have done is study extensively, had a few successful projects and published a few articles or a book. If the field is broader, they get involved writing the certification tests in their discipline. They all command a 30% to 100% earnings premium compared to people who are merely better than they are.
Hiring managers feel embarrassed to admit they don’t know who these people are. It is obvious from their resumes that they are the “go to” guys in their narrow field. I have to emphasize, these guys are smart, but not geniuses. They have figured out how to be impressive. They have psyched out managers, consultants and experts. They have become the gurus in their field.
Can you become the legend or guru in your field? How about in your company? In your team? Your name can become synonymous with a particular subject. You may have to teach a few classes, write an article or a training course. What can you do to become a legend?
Something To Do Today
Who are the gurus in your field? Ask them how they built their reputation. Scared to call them because they wrote a book? Truth to tell, authors are human too. They will succumb to the rapt attention of an informed audience. Call them, email them or write to them.