Being an expert in your field doesn’t mean you will always know ALL the answers. Clients and prospects want to know your company has a vast knowledge, but oftentimes they also appreciate it when you admit when you don’t know the answer. The most important thing, however, is to take the time to find the answer so you and the client can be the better for it.
Several years ago, an expectant mother about to have her first child was asking friends, family, and her midwife about recommendations for a pediatrician. One name popped up several times for a variety of sound reasons. In her prepared childbirth class, a couple added their recommendation of the same pediatrician because he had been stumped by the set of symptoms exhibited by their older child. The pediatrician honestly admitted he wasn’t sure and took the care to research it further to reach a conclusive diagnosis. Because of that honesty and research, they vowed he would be all their kids’ pediatrician. The new mother chose him and when her first-born had a slightly common condition that children sometimes outgrow, the pediatrician didn’t dismiss it and chose to have it checked out more thoroughly in case intervention was needed. Since then, she has chosen him for all her children.
Social networks serve to increase the scope of where customers and clients seek these recommendations. Today, the expectant mom may seek these recommendations from her friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances near and far through Facebook, discussion boards, local blogs and websites.
Being well-known as an expert is great, but being well-known AND willing to continue advancing that expertise to benefit your customer is even better.
Social Media 4 You 