Trust Begins Here – Become the Authority in Your Market
- Brainz Magazine
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Heidi Richards Mooney is a dynamic professional speaker, celebrated author, seasoned entrepreneur, and Senior Executive Contributor dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to succeed. As a past president of the Florida Speakers Association, she has inspired countless audiences with her expertise in PR, internet marketing, and brand elevation.
Being an expert is only the first step. This guide shows how to position your skills, build credibility, and attract media and speaking opportunities using social proof, consistent publishing, and a standout personal brand grounded in clarity, confidence, and integrity.
Why being an expert is just the beginning
Let’s face it, being good at what you do isn’t always enough to get noticed. You can be wildly talented, deeply experienced, and a powerhouse behind the scenes, and still be overlooked when it comes to speaking opportunities, media features, or being seen as a go-to leader in your space.
That’s because expertise, on its own, is invisible unless it’s positioned. And the key to standing out isn’t just having knowledge, it’s knowing how to earn trust and be recognized for it.
In this article, we’re going to talk about how to establish your expertise in a way that builds credibility, increases visibility, and opens doors to opportunities you didn’t even know were possible.
And the good news? You don’t have to shout, self-promote, or “fake it till you make it.” You just need to show up with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Own what you know (even if it feels ordinary to you)
One of the biggest blocks to establishing expertise is not realizing how valuable your experience already is.
Many brilliant women (especially entrepreneurs) downplay their gifts because what they know comes naturally. But what’s obvious to you is gold to someone else.
“Don’t diminish your magic just because it’s familiar.” – Lisa Nichols
Tip: Make a “credibility list.”Write down your certifications, life experiences, client wins, years of service, speaking engagements, media mentions, and even challenges you’ve overcome. These all build a strong foundation of trust.
From zero to star: How Jasmine used her truth to build trust and a thriving business
Jasmine Star, once a photographer with zero online presence, leaned into her personal story, dropping out of law school, learning photography from scratch, and building a business from the ground up. That story became the heartbeat of her brand. Today, she’s a leading voice in content marketing and digital strategy, simply because she owned her journey.
Share what you know (with intention)
Experts aren’t always recognized because they’re not visible. If you want to be seen as a trusted voice, you have to share your expertise on purpose.
This doesn’t mean overwhelming people with facts. It means giving them insight, encouragement, and aha moments they can apply.
Ways to share your expertise:
Write blog posts or articles (like this one!)
Post tips, stories, or lessons on LinkedIn or Instagram
Host a webinar or podcast
Teach a workshop, online or in-person
Offer a freebie, checklist, or how-to guide
“If you want to be known for something, you have to say something–again and again.” – Dorie Clark
Beyond the lab: How a scientist’s storytelling sparked a global conversation
Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, transitioned from academia to policy and eventually launched a podcast, A Slight Change of Plans, where she shares her insights on how people navigate life transitions. By putting her expertise into stories, she became a recognized authority beyond her field.
Let others validate you
Social proof is one of the fastest ways to establish expertise. Why? Because people trust people who are already trusted by others.
Simple ways to build social proof:
Ask for testimonials from happy clients or collaborators
Share case studies that show results
Highlight partnerships, guest features, or interviews
Capture behind-the-scenes moments from speaking gigs or events
Use LinkedIn recommendations to build your credibility
He didn’t have to say he’s an expert, the internet did it for him
Neil Patel, a well-known digital marketing expert, has built his reputation in part by showcasing who he's worked with (Amazon, NBC, GM), sharing client case studies, and frequently being featured in major publications. His name is now synonymous with SEO, not because he said so, but because others did.
“When others talk about your work, it builds trust faster than when you talk about it yourself.” – Seth Godin
Step 4: Be consistent, even when no one’s watching
Here’s the unglamorous truth: trust takes time. And becoming a recognized expert won’t happen after one post, one event, or one launch.
The people who are seen as authorities are usually the ones who’ve been quietly showing up, adding value, and offering perspective, even when the likes were low and the room felt empty.
Consistency builders:
Set a posting or publishing rhythm (e.g., once a week)
Choose 1-2 platforms to focus on and show up regularly
Create a signature series or column people can follow
Repurpose your best content into multiple formats (blogs, social, talks)
Quiet confidence, loud impact: How Ann Handley built a legacy through words
Ann Handley, author of Everybody Writes, has been showing up with useful, human-centered marketing content for years. Her email newsletter is a must-read for marketers, not because she’s flashy, but because she’s consistent and trustworthy.
Add a dash of personality
You're not just an expert, you’re a whole, multifaceted human, and the more your personality, values, and quirks shine through, the more relatable and trustworthy you become, because people don’t want to learn from a robot, they want to learn from someone who gets them.
Let people in by:
Sharing what you believe in (your “why”)
Telling personal stories and lessons learned
Using your voice, tone, humor, language to build connection
Quote to remember:
“People don’t buy what you do. They buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
Resources to strengthen your expertise
Here are a few powerful tools and ideas to help you take your next step:
Recommended tools:
Canva. Design professional graphics, slides, or lead magnets
LinkedIn. Build your professional credibility and connect with your industry
Podmatch / MatchMaker.fm. Get booked as a guest expert on podcasts
MyPinkPages.com. For Women Podcasters to list your podcast and grow your following!
Substack or ConvertKit. Start a thought leadership newsletter
Great reads:
Stand Out by Dorie Clark
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander
Your voice deserves the spotlight
Establishing expertise isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up again and again with your message, your heart, and your commitment to helping others grow.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been doing this work for years, there’s never been a better time to own what you know, share it boldly, and become a trusted voice in your space.
The world needs your insight. Your people are out there looking for a guide. Don’t wait for permission. You’re ready now.
“You are enough. You have always been enough. And now it’s time to let the world see it.” – Unknown
Read more from Heidi Richards Mooney
Heidi Richards Mooney, Author, Coach & Entrepreneur
Heidi Richards Mooney is a dynamic professional speaker, celebrated author, seasoned entrepreneur, and Senior Executive Contributor dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to succeed. As a past president of the Florida Speakers Association, she has inspired countless audiences with her expertise in PR, internet marketing, and brand elevation.
A small business owner and PR strategist, Heidi specializes in helping clients amplify their online presence, craft compelling narratives, and achieve measurable results. She empowers her clients to get their websites and online profiles noticed by leveraging innovative Public Relations campaigns, capitalizing on achievements to secure media attention, and building a consistent and influential brand voice.
