How to build credibility in a domain where you have none

The topic of credibility has been popping up everywhere recently: in my cohort calls, with mates at the pub, in my somewhat overrun DMs. I keep hearing the same belief over and over; that to be seen as credible you must have a stamp of approval, a formal credential or the Queen tapping you on the shoulder declaring “YOU ARE QUALIFIED”.

This belief - that credibility only comes from external approval - has always been fascinating to me, because when I started writing online about portfolio careers I was arguably under qualified to do so. I had no Future of Work credentials, no coaching certification and I certainly wasn’t a formally trained writer.

Looking back, none of those things mattered when it came to building my credibility in a new domain. The only thing that made any difference was something I already had; a curiosity about the subject and the nerve to explore my ideas out loud.

This might be a sPicY taKe, but these days you don’t need a formal qualification to build authority in a space. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule (if you want to practice as a doctor and not become the subject of a Netflix documentary special, you probably should attend med school), but for the rest of us credibility isn’t bestowed by some external judge or jury. It comes from engaging in ideas publicly and gradually stacking proof as you go.

If you’re a beginner and trying to establish credibility in a new domain, do two things:

1. Tell imposter syndrome to f*ck right off, thank you very much

2. Start sharing what you’ve read, listened to, seen or learned within the territory you’re pivoting into

If you want to work in mental health but have zero industry experience, write about the organisations and causes that resonate with you most and why. If you’re dying to pivot into tech or travel or transport (hey, we don’t yuck anyone’s yum over here), share case studies of brands who do it well. If you’re seeking a transformation in your own life - a higher paying job, a health goal, a new skill, a better relationship with money - have the courage to learn out loud. In the early days of pivoting your voice can take you far.

This is all about showcasing your credibility through early pieces of evidence. Maybe your public exploration of a topic has started producing results in your life: you’ve landed a new job, raised your rates, overcome a deathly fear of public speaking, paid off debt, run a marathon, or bagged a client in the industry you’ve been posting about. Whatever it is, speak about it. Because now you’re not just the person who’s seen as interested, you’re the one bringing RECEIPTS.

You hit peak credibility when you’ve successfully produced results for others more than once. You’ve helped someone land a new job, raise their rates, overcome a deathly fear of public speaking, pay off their debt, run a marathon, or you’ve built up a strong roster of clients in the industry you’ve been posting about. Leverage every single case study, testimonial, client result or good piece of customer feedback to reinforce your positioning. Continue stacking proof all the way to the top.

I started this portfolio career slash writer slash content creator journey 3 years ago with nothing but dogged determination to carve out a new path. Today, I’m not a Future of Work Commentator but I regularly contribute to two of the biggest newspapers in Australia. I’m not a qualified coach but I’ve mentored over 180 people and counting. I’m not a teacher but I’m educating 41 incredible humans in my accelerator. I’m not a trained writer but I’ve grown a readership of 19k and published for 151 weeks straight. My lack of formal qualifications, training or expertise had absolutely no bearing on my ability to arrive where I am.

Even if you’re not formally qualified to build what you’re building, build it anyway.

Even if you’re not enough of an “expert” to say what you’re saying, say it anyway.

Even if the Queen hasn’t tapped you on the shoulder, draw your sword anyway.

Get out there and show the world who you are.

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