Professional, Expert or Novice

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

01 Jul 2008 10:09 AM

As a home business owner, it can take a little time to figure out how we identify ourselves in our work world. Many of us are used to a traditional job where we are given a title and a job description and it is easy for us to explain what we do and to understand for ourselves whether we are a professional or where we are along the ladder of knowledge and experience. When we start our own home business, we may wonder whether we can present ourselves as an expert or whether or not we are professional--especially when so many of us feel like such bumbling beginners!

The great thing about a home business is that you really do get to decide for yourself. Although, this can be the troubling reality too! Do you want to be seen as a professional in the market? Or as an expert in your field or industry? When we decide to open a business in a field other than the one we are used to working in (for example, if you decide to become a caterer after years of working in a bank), we may really be a novice but not want to present that way to our prospective customers and clients. Of course, you will not want to represent yourself as an expert if you are not.

It helps to have a good understanding of your market and identify what their expectations are. Do they WANT to work with a professional or will they be drawn to your business in search of more personalized, casual attention? I think that it should be a goal for all of us to become proficient in what we do and eventually see ourselves as an expert, but getting comfortable with our identity as a home business owner can take some time.

See Also: Underestimating Your Abilities

You are the Expert in Your Field, Not the Client

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