In which subject(s) are you a genuine expert? [Archive]

Cornish Steve

18th December 2005, 19:09

Are there any subjects in this world (business-related or otherwise) for which you can honestly claim to be an expert?

For the purpose of this thread, you are an expert if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

- Others seek you out and ask for help all the time.
- You have taught the subject to others several times.
- You have seriously thought about selling your expertise.

Coding Monkey

18th December 2005, 19:20

Web Development/Database Design/E-Commerce/Online Marketing/Web Applications

If it can be done in PHP/MySQL, I'm confident I can do it. But I wouldn't like to call myself an expert. I'll let others judge that.

I also run a web design company, but I'm not a designer, so does that apply? I've helped many people build websites and all the clients talk to me and listen to my advice, but making them look good is a job for the designers and the designers and I talk through the project, with feedback exchanged.

creospace

18th December 2005, 19:40

As above but/and.

Analytical work teaching clients how to utilise their computers to do more of the work. This involves learning their business inside out and suggesting areas that could be computerised and automated using online administration systems.I can then sell, design and build the system to do the job.

My background is IT training so I guess this qualifies but I have little chance to use it now: Design of training courses for bespoke software and then implementing them, either by myself or with a team of trainers.

Prior to that I also have 10 years of insurance brokering/ claims management under my belt with some degree of professional qualification but I don't tend to talk about it as people say eh... insurance - IT where’s the link? I would honestly say that my expertise lies more in this area due to my technical claims management knowledge.

Gary

Jayne

18th December 2005, 19:44

Hi,

I used to sell cakes...so I know quite a lot about sugar-paste cake decoration and baking fruit cakes.

I taught my niece to draw and paint, does that count :D

My husband is an expert baker and confectioner.

Jayne

Joyous

18th December 2005, 19:45

Credit risk. I used to lay down the law to banks, building societies, investment firms and other financial institutions on credit risk when I was employed. Also used to deliver training on it. I did actually consider having my practise specialise in the financial services sector but decided it was too risky believe it or not.

I'm also pretty hot stuff when it comes to Barry White's music but nobody's ever sought my advice on it.

Regards

Joy

Jayne

18th December 2005, 19:48

Why are you asking Steve? Got me curious now :D

Jayne

Coding Monkey

18th December 2005, 19:57

With the term "expert", it's something I'd give to the authors of the books I read on the subject I practice in. I know it's illogical, but it seems for me (not saying anyone else) to be an expert in the field, I have to of reached the point where I don't learn anything new in it and am able to reach into the subject so far that I'm able to revolutionise it.

I can create an application, and I might revolutise that specific industry, but it won't alter the way people program or give me an opportunity to say anything new.

Cornish Steve

18th December 2005, 19:57

Why are you asking Steve?

General interest. The more we get to know one another at the forums, the more we can help one another. I asked the question to give each of us the opportunity to open up a little more.

Eagle

18th December 2005, 19:59

Graphic Design
Photography (I teach it too)

:)

Cornish Steve

18th December 2005, 20:03

Are there any subjects in this world (business-related or otherwise) for which you can honestly claim to be an expert?

Thanks for the responses already. Given that you were asked, it's not boasting to list your areas of expertise - so please don't hold back for that reason.

creospace

18th December 2005, 20:03

I class myself as an 'expert' photograpgher of live music, but this is a hobby and not business. I enjoy capturing the moving energy of a band in a still photo.

The class of 'expert' is a relative term I feel.

to be an expert in the field, I have to of reached the point where I don't learn anything new

This will never happen, if you feel it does - your wrong and misguided. You never stop learning.

Gary

Coding Monkey

18th December 2005, 20:10

The class of 'expert' is a relative term I feel.

to be an expert in the field, I have to of reached the point where I don't learn anything new

This will never happen, if you feel it does - your wrong and misguided. You never stop learning.

Gary

Yep, I agree. It's just a matter of perception. If you asked me to have all of your website automatically converted into PDF & Word documents right now, my immediate response would be "not sure how to do that" although I already produced the code for it back in July. I just couldn't tell you off the top of my head how to do it and would need to look it up.

I have high standards for myself and those I work with. Certainly annoys them :)

Jayne

18th December 2005, 20:15

bwglaw

18th December 2005, 20:29

disability discrimination law is my main area of work. I say Im an expert because have worked with and been praised by leading barristers/solicitors, worked for a national disability organisation, know my subject, have challenged/advised other lawyers in the subject (many employment lawyers claim to know disability discrimination law so well - its the most complex of all!)

Currently negotiating settlement in a disability discrimination claim against the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs! They had a Human Rights Barrister and are set to lose!

I also cover employment law and civil/commercial litigation. Won't mention other subjects because I am not an 'expert' in that area.

Outside the law, I have a passion for yacht-sailing and sail at least 4 times a year. I would not claim to be an expert at sailing but certainly experienced

Agri-Hire

18th December 2005, 20:50

ex means 'has been'

a spurt is a drip under pressure

an expert is a combination of the two.

:)

Other thoughts that spring to mind are 'those that can do, those that can't teach', why anyone would give away information that takes years to gather is beyond me.

Those that keep quiet and don't proclaim to be experts are the ones to trust.

Cornish Steve

18th December 2005, 20:55

Those that keep quiet and don't proclaim to be experts are the ones to trust.

...unless you know them well. Hopefully we know one another well enough in these forums not to be shy.

KM-Tiger

18th December 2005, 20:58

'those that can do, those that can't teach'

You missed out the best part of this:-

'those that can't teach, teach teachers!'

Jayne

18th December 2005, 21:20

Quote..
Those that keep quiet and don't proclaim to be experts are the ones to trust.

So you don't trust me now that i've told you i'm an expert cake icer :lol:

Jayne

creospace

18th December 2005, 21:26

Well thats killed this thread then :)

Jayne

18th December 2005, 22:37

Oh forgot, i'm an expert in dying fabric :D

Jayne

Forgot to say, with natural stuff, like onion skins etc..

directmarketingadvice

19th December 2005, 00:18

- Others seek you out and ask for help all the time.
- You have taught the subject to others several times.
- You have seriously thought about selling your expertise.

If that's the criteria, then there's a ton of stuff.

I'm a go-to guy/sounding board for a number of people on the following:

Marketing, business, investment, some areas of IT, Paris, statistics, gambling.

I'm sure a bit of thought would come up with more. Plus there are things that I know a lot about, but no-one really wants to know (such as a detailed understanding of the working of financial services products).

However, I wouldn't call myself an expert in most of those things, just someone who knows a lot more than most.

Steve

coxadmin

19th December 2005, 05:43

I'm always being asked to help people with word processing and other software issues and other things computer-related, like sorting out slow-running PC's, anti-spyware precautions, etc.

And guess what? I love all things computer-related!

Richard Conyard

19th December 2005, 09:45

I guess most things Internet and web development would come under a level of expertise since I've been doing it since 1992/3 professionally and can include on my CV a number of household names that I've consulted for.

However if I were to say one particular area of expertise that would actually stand me out from the crowd it would be code security auditing where I've worked with a large number of companies including banks, utility companies, credit card companies, large multi-national media companies and newspapers to make sure their software is secure.

To be honest I'd expect that at least two thirds of you use sites that I've given the sign-off to.

Admiral Collections

19th December 2005, 10:12

I collect 9/10 debts within 7 days as long as there isn't a massive dispute!

Credit Control is all about systems and psychology! I believe in getting results for my clients, I don't waste their money by sending useless letters that frankly end up in the bin.

A polite request and a commitment to paying is all you need from the debtor. Wherever I worked in the past I was always the top performer because I was dedicated to getting results. You can train a chimp to ring for money, it's the result that counts!

I'm not divulging any of my secrets regarding my approach to debt collection, there may be spies in here!

Nic :wink:

james eves

19th December 2005, 12:03

All experts will have their own take and bias in their given field in which they are deemed by others(and themselves)as experts. You only have to look at the world of science.

I'm a bloke and have spent most of my working life so far in a vastly male dominated enviroment I am also a dad also with two young children and have just finished my book "88 proven tips, tools and tactics for cool dads" as well as other dad related products and courses etc. Does this make me an expert on the male pysche and fatherhood?

Some things are very emotive and hard to quantify and we should at least recognise our own slants and beliefs before claiming our expertise.
:? :?: :

Coding Monkey

19th December 2005, 12:19

I don't think anyone has quite said that yet, James.

An expert is a matter of perception, but we were doing this based on what Steve mentioned as the criteria and then added our own thoughts on it afterwards.

But, if someone does keep quiet, how are you to know they're an expert? If you don't know about them, you can't come to the conclusion of their knowledge in that area

james eves

19th December 2005, 13:02

That wasnt with regard to anyone in this thread, its just a bit easier to qualify as an expert in a tangible field such as sales, property etc thats all

daveashton

19th December 2005, 13:08

Yes, sales development and we also have the badges, clients and growth to back up that statement!

Joanne_UK

19th December 2005, 13:21

I'm a notes notes/Domino developer (Certified Lotus Notes Professional).
I have been doing that for the last 7-8 years.

For those who don't know what it is:
Lotus Notes and Domino are collaboration software. Notes is the email, calendar & scheduling, and information management client. Domino is the integrated messaging, collaboration, and Web application server.

So basically I can build (non-relational)databases with all different workflows (Can be realy complex). Or I can also build a website (like mine) where the content is easy to maintain (web content management).
etc...

Also I know quite a lot about photograhy (digital and darkroom stuff).
I'm an expert in French (well this is my first language !!).

I also know quite a lot about immigration to UK or to Canada (not sure that will help anyone here !!)

And if you know to know anything about Canada (quebec) well I'm sure I can help !

Joanne

Admiral Collections

19th December 2005, 14:21

For one second there Joanne I thought you were gong to say you held the world record for that domino thing where they stand em all up and then knock em down and they create sequences.

Even so called experts get slated. What do you think the press is there for?

Nic :wink:

webit

19th December 2005, 14:28

Joanne_UK

19th December 2005, 15:03

For one second there Joanne I thought you were gong to say you held the world record for that domino thing where they stand em all up and then knock em down and they create sequences.
Nic :wink:

Yeah I know...If I say to someone that I am a notes/Domino developer they automatically think about what you were saying so I prefer to say that I am a computer programmer... :)
But some people still don't know what I am doing they either think:
- that I am just good at using computer
- that I install software and can "make" a computer
- that I just type some stuff on the computer
-etc...

clairemackaness

19th December 2005, 15:13

I'm an expert in acrylic paint application. I daren't say painting as I cant get on with water colour and anything i use poster paint for looks like a five year old has painted her family!

Steve Roberts

19th December 2005, 17:39

- Others seek you out and ask for help all the time.
- You have taught the subject to others several times.
- You have seriously thought about selling your expertise.

Using the avove rationale, I guess that makes me an expert in my sector. My company buys and sells businesses. (We buy low, we sell high!)

I can look at a company's set of accounts and within a couple of minutes I'm able to make an objective judgement on the strengths and weaknesses of that company.