I was asked for the"secrets" I have for marketing. The biggest secret is this: *drum roll* Vertical specialization *Jedi Wave* "this is the secret you've been looking for" Really? Yes, really. Based on metric fscktonnes of research (that's the technical term) I conducted, and reading the research of others, I believe that positioning your business as specializing in a single vertical is the "magic bullet" that will result in more leads & sales than any other marketing strategy. Why is it a secret? Because niching down to a single vertical scares the crap out of people. There are loads of reasons to fear it: it's turning down opportunity (somewhat valid but doesn't really happen) or "I'll get bored just working in one industry" (highly unlikely, as you specialize you find deeper, more interesting problems.) And it's also difficult, and time consuming, and lots of other problems. But it's worthwhile. What's my call to action? Simple: don't just take my word for it: Listen to Wolfram Moritz and Brad Farris and Jonathan Stark and Sara Dunn and Louis Grenier on the Marketing for Consultants podcast. Go read Philip Morgan's "The Positioning Manual for Indie Consultants" where he walks you through how and why to specilize.  Read the Business of Expertise from David C. Baker where he lists the pros and cons of vertical vs horizontal specialization.  Read Spiraling Up from Lee Frederiksen & Aaron E. Taylor.  In fact, check out everything from Hinge, including Kelly J. Waffle's interview with Yitzi Weiner in the Thrive Global Community. Thank you for attending my TED rant.

Amazon is now limiting authors to a mere THREE (3!) new book uploads per DAY to curb the influx of AI-generated content flooding the market. This highlights the existential threat AI poses to thought leaders and authority builders in an age where artificial intelligence can seemingly replicate any form of content. Will AI devalue the work of authors, speakers, and content creators? How can thought leaders protect their hard-earned authority and credibility? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott is joined by thought partner Al McBride to dissect the existential threat AI poses to experts and thought leaders. The conversation delves into the pros and cons of leveraging AI for automating content repurposing across multiple formats like podcasts, blogs, and videos. While AI assistance can streamline workflows, the speakers emphasize the irreplaceable value of the human writing and editing process for clarifying expertise. They examine the potential of podcasting, video content, and live interactive sessions to humanize brands and build authentic connections that AI struggles to replicate. They discuss strategies for demonstrating true mastery through unscripted Q&As, webinars, and cultivating a vast body of work. Key Insights Leveraging AI for content repurposing across formats can save time but may devalue human-created content.Traditional writing and editing help clarify thinking and develop deep expertise.Video content, live interactions, and formats like live streaming and webinars build human connections that AI currently struggles to replicate, emphasizing the importance of unscripted expertise.Having a large and diverse body of authentic work across multiple content platforms is harder for AI to convincingly mimic than individual assets.Interactive elements, such as live Q&As, are crucial for demonstrating proven mastery in a field.Use AI writing tools with extensive input, such as custom GPTs, uploading your own works, and using dictation, to retain your unique voice.Prioritize video and podcasting now, while these media still carry inherent credibility.Finding balance in understanding AI's capabilities without ignoring or fearing the technology is key. Check out Alastair's new show The AI-Powered Thought Leader 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 👑 - BOOKS: Searching “Alastair McDermott” on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B017M706MU/allbooks Expert Authority Builder Series:  👑 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  👑 Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads 👑 Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule 👑 How to Sound & Look Good on Zoom & Podcasts: Tips & Audio Video Recommendations for Consultants & Experts 🚨 - FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA... 👇 👑 - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/AlastairMcDermott 👑 - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority 👑 - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/TheRecognizedAuthority 💻 - WEBSITE: https://TheRecognizedAuthority.com

Special guest, an expert in thought leadership and AI, discusses balancing authenticity and AI in content creation. They explore defining thought leadership, benefits/risks of AI, tips for using AI ethically, and the future of thought leadership in the AI era.

Do you struggle to command premium fees or attract your ideal clients? If so, you're not alone. Many experts remain invisible, despite their wealth of knowledge and experience. In this special episode, of The Recognized Authority podcast I'm sharing my appearance on The Selling Show with David Newman, where we discuss the challenges of commanding premium fees and attracting ideal clients, despite having extensive expertise. Listen to this insightful discussion on building your authority and securing your value in the marketplace, shared with David Newman's permission. Together, they explore: The crucial mindset shift required to transition from an invisible expert to a sought-after specialistThe art of strategic niching and why it's essential for building authorityLeveraging podcasting as a powerful content creation engine and relationship-building toolDeveloping a consistent body of work that demonstrates your expertisePractical strategies for overcoming the fears and doubts that hold experts back Whether you're a consultant, coach, or professional service provider, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you break free from obscurity, attract better clients, and ultimately, achieve the recognition you deserve. Tune in now and discover how to position yourself as the go-to authority in your field. 🗒️ Show Notes 🗒️ Access all the links mentioned in this episode in the show notes here:  👉👉 https://therecognizedauthority.com/blueprint-to-showcase-your-expertise 👈👈 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✉️ Subscribe to the email list at TheRecognizedAuthority.com 🎙️ Record a question or voice message for the show at TheRecognizedAuthority.com/question ⭐ Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🕮 - NEW BOOK: Alastair's new book "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business podcast" https://rec.nz/book 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 🚨 – FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA… 👇 👑 – LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/ 👑 – TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy 👑 – FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority  👑 – INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy/ 💻 – WEBSITE: https://therecognizedauthority.com

Sales expert Jeff C. West shares secrets to connect with prospects authentically, focusing on understanding needs and adding value rather than pushing sales. Topics include mindset shift to attract clients, priming the pump with prospects, asking the right questions, and making recommendations about client transformation.

Conversion marketing expert Jason Van Orden shares his framework for crafting irresistible offers that convert, including clarifying ideal clients, defining outcomes, articulating unique methodology, and structuring offers for appeal. Learn the importance of understanding target audience needs, using open-ended questions for feedback, and developing a signature methodology to differentiate in consulting services.

Alastair McDermott, an expert in authority strategies, shares tips on positioning, content creation, and distribution. Key insights include creating evergreen content, focusing on a niche, and consistency. Learn how to establish authority and attract better clients.

Discover the key differences between passive trust-building websites and active lead generation sites for consultants.Learn how to transform your website into a powerful lead generation machine with essential elements like conversion actions, niche positioning, and high-value content.SEO and content marketing can attract and convert ideal clients with the right strategies in place.

Author Pamela Slim discusses the power of developing a coherent body of work to become a recognized authority. Topics include niche expertise, shaping personal narrative, creating Authority Content, and consistent touchpoints. Learn how to connect the dots and communicate your value effectively.

Learn the essential elements for a successful consultant website, including building trust, the difference between brand and inbound marketing websites, and must-have features for credibility and client attraction.