How to Become a Subject Matter Expert

To become a subject matter expert (SME), you need to invest time and effort in understanding your product and the industry around it. Here are six tips to help you build subject matter expertise:

1. Take copious notes and do research on your own time:

   • Whenever you come across something you don't understand, take note of it and conduct research in your free time.
   • Ask your colleagues for clarification once you have a basic understanding of the topic, so you can make more effective use of their time.

2. Treat customers as subject matter experts:

   • Your customers are the ones using your product to solve problems in their daily lives. Ask them the right questions and learn from their experiences to gain industry knowledge.

3. Attend strategic conferences:

   • Participate in conferences that provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
   • Be strategic about the conferences you attend so that you can learn from industry experts and peers.

4. Don't discount online courses and textbooks:

   • Online courses and textbooks can provide in-depth knowledge and additional perspectives.
   • Consider enrolling in relevant courses and reading respected textbooks to expand your expertise.

5. Research competitors, especially ones that failed:

   • Study your competitors, including those that didn't succeed, to understand the market landscape and learn from their mistakes and successes.
   • Analyze their strategies, product offerings, and customer feedback to gain insights into the industry.

6. Get hands-on experience:

   • Collaborate with customers and gain practical experience by working directly with them on solving their problems.
   • Consider joining advisory boards or volunteering for industry-related projects to gain hands-on experience and broaden your knowledge.

Becoming an SME takes time and dedication. It's important to recognize that you may not become an expert overnight. However, by consistently investing in learning and gaining practical experience, you can gradually build subject matter expertise in your area of focus.