Dear Friends,

For those of you new to my newsletter I suspended publication for several months due to some major personal upheavals. I'm still not fully back in the saddle. Thank you for your understanding. I'll do my best to put together this newsletter at least once a month, twice, if I can manage it.

I've been thinking a lot about words and how important language is. I was at a Buddhist class the other night and my companion asked me how I liked the teaching. I mentioned that the choice of words the teacher used often didn't reflect the seriousness and depth of the texts I had been reading. In the translation of ideas to "street" language something of the essence was lost in interpretation. The teacher was earnest so his spirit was in the right place, but it must be accompanied by a clarity of vision and a certain amount of insight to be compelling. Also, I felt intellectually stimulated, but not inspired.

If you want to be considered a true expert, one who is respected, beloved, and followed, you need to be both emotionally moving and intellectually solid. You need to be able to contribute your original insights to existing ideas. I'll discuss a few more factors that contribute to being considered a "real expert" below.

Warmly,
Susan

HOW TO BE RESPECTED AS A REAL EXPERT

What's the difference between a real expert and a talking head spouting opinions? Speaking from a platform of solid research. Depth and knowledge of a subject from real-life experience. Developing and clearly expressing an opinion from deep thoughtfulness.

I was listening to Zadie Smith, author of the best-selling book *White Teeth,* talking about becoming an instant expert after the rise of her book up the charts, and how ridiculous that was. People asked her opinion on all kinds of subjects she knew nothing about. And she refused to address them. Smart woman.

If you want to be considered a true expert stick to what you know. Don't let the seduction of fame lure you to comment on subjects that you've got no business discussing. That dilutes your authority.

Instead, work on delivering your knowledge in such a way as only you can be called on to do it. Differentiate yourself. How?

1. Be Yourself.

Lisa Earle McLeod—Inspirational Humorist and author of "Forget Perfect—Finding joy, meaning, and satisfaction in the life you've already got and the you YOU already are" (http://www.forgetperfect.com) is naturally funny. Instead of trying to measure her scathing humor, she capitalizes on it.

McLeod says, "I've got quotes coming in Redbook, Real Simple, Baby Talk, Parents, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Glamour, and 2 in First for Women where I am the lead source, and yes one was the one about embracing imperfection. I've taken your 'be controversial and be yourself' comment to heart and my wise-ass comments go over very well."

2. Use Your Real Life.

A woman in one of my seminars shocked me by asking me if she needed an advanced degree to get on a top TV talk show. This woman had won international awards for her documentary films, ran a successful business and had done substantial community work. Experience can be better than a degree. There's nothing more boring than an "educated" motor-mouth spewing "important" information in the King's English. Communications expert Kare Anderson says, "Speak English like it tastes good." (http://www.sayitbetter.com). I agree.

"Many times these writers pick me up because I share info about my 'real life' as opposed to being just an author expert," says Mcleod. "They are funny quotes and they list me as the author of 'Forget Perfect,' so it really fits with the kind of PR I want."

3. Walk Your Talk.

Consistency is important. Your expertise should reflect your values, your attitudes, and ultimately your lifestyle. "One article which I think is hysterical is—my husband and I are going to be featured in the monthly 'couples conflict' in June in First for Women (they do typical normal married conflicts like mom's the meanie mom always has to discipline, etc. Nothing like he cheated or we're about to get divorced just regular couple stuff).

"Anyway our conflict is—'he doesn't listen to me'—we are going to make it funny talking about how people pay me to speak and women go ga-ga over my words in print yet my husband wishes I would just be quiet. It's a full page spread with a photo. Bob [Lisa's husband] was OK with it because they told him in the photo he could have his head half buried in the paper.

"I think it is going to be a riot and I plan to hold it up at speeches saying 'I'm this month's couples' conflict' so it proves I'm not perfect."

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You'll find everything here from links to newspapers to fulfillment houses, e-publishers to online review sites. A rich resource.

FOR A MOMENT OF CALM IN YOUR DAY

http://www.llangley.com/yoga/wisdom/

QUOTE

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come."

~Joseph Campbell