Experts, Experts, Everywhere
One thing that I feel strongly about is that we should be learners throughout our lives. I always enjoyed school, from elementary all the way through grad school. Even now, I take continuing education courses on a regular basis (I try to take at least one class each year, and am currently taking one on contract law - doesn't that sound exciting?). The self-help section at the local bookstore always has people browsing through it, and the shelves are full, so I'm not alone in wanting to improve myself. But when it comes to improving yourself, who do you listen to? How do you decide who to listen to?
As an example, I went to a writing conference last month, where I was very excited about meeting a woman who touted herself as an expert. I saw her on the opening night of the conference. We were listening to a Kenny Rogers song about a little boy playing baseball with himself. This woman was singing along and swinging her arms, while everyone else was listening to the words. My first thought was, boy, that woman's drunk already and making a fool of herself. The name of the person I was anxious to listen to, to learn from, was announced and that very woman rose and sashayed up to the podium. She was brash, abrasive, and didn't appear to think much of us hicks here in the midwest. The following day, the speakers were dressed professionally, some in business casual. After all - this was a networking opportunity for writers, agents and editors. We all wanted to make good impressions. The woman I had so looked forward to meeting was definitely casual - from her spike heels to her oversized sweatshirt that advertised her attitude (just in case you didn't get it from the outfit or her actions). I filed that information away, and focused my attention on the other experts at the conference.
Think back about the teachers in your life, and not just the classroom teachers you had. Who made the biggest impact on your life? I have several that come to mind right away: Mr. Sims, who taught me that it was OK to dream, and that feelings were acceptable; Mrs. Shaffer, who encouraged my writing - even drove me to a writing conference when I was in high school and wasn't allowed to drive in Columbia; Marilyn Landers, who taught me that women make excellent executives; and Kaitlyn Rice, who taught me that writing takes talent and discipline. Now think about what it was that made what those individuals taught you valuable. Was it that degree they earned from a college, or their title? Chances are, probably not. In fact, the things that my teachers taught me had little to do with what was in the textbooks they used in class - it had to do with hard work, dreaming, planning, setting goals, and striving to achieve those goals. What made those particular individuals "experts" that could teach me those things? Here is the kernel of truth I want you to hold onto - it was not that any one of them considered themselves experts - it was their own background, and their experiences. I was open to them, and learned different things from each one.
Along those same lines - take time to find out about the expert you are listening to. When you pick up a how-to book, read about the author. Google the author. Before you go to a seminar, class or conference, do a little checking up on the individuals who will be leading the class. Why should you listen to them? What makes them an expert? I'm getting ready to do "ScriptFrenzy," and wanted to read a book on scriptwriting. There are a lot of books out there, so I wanted to know what made the authors experts. I don't care if the person has written a screenplay before - I want to know if they SOLD one! :o)
What does this mean for you? Be aware of who you are listening to, who is teaching you, and who claims to be an expert, and make intelligent decisions about whether or not to take the advice of experts you come across.
By the way, now would be a good time to thank someone who shared their expertise with you. Write a quick note to someone who has had an impact on your life.
As an example, I went to a writing conference last month, where I was very excited about meeting a woman who touted herself as an expert. I saw her on the opening night of the conference. We were listening to a Kenny Rogers song about a little boy playing baseball with himself. This woman was singing along and swinging her arms, while everyone else was listening to the words. My first thought was, boy, that woman's drunk already and making a fool of herself. The name of the person I was anxious to listen to, to learn from, was announced and that very woman rose and sashayed up to the podium. She was brash, abrasive, and didn't appear to think much of us hicks here in the midwest. The following day, the speakers were dressed professionally, some in business casual. After all - this was a networking opportunity for writers, agents and editors. We all wanted to make good impressions. The woman I had so looked forward to meeting was definitely casual - from her spike heels to her oversized sweatshirt that advertised her attitude (just in case you didn't get it from the outfit or her actions). I filed that information away, and focused my attention on the other experts at the conference.
Think back about the teachers in your life, and not just the classroom teachers you had. Who made the biggest impact on your life? I have several that come to mind right away: Mr. Sims, who taught me that it was OK to dream, and that feelings were acceptable; Mrs. Shaffer, who encouraged my writing - even drove me to a writing conference when I was in high school and wasn't allowed to drive in Columbia; Marilyn Landers, who taught me that women make excellent executives; and Kaitlyn Rice, who taught me that writing takes talent and discipline. Now think about what it was that made what those individuals taught you valuable. Was it that degree they earned from a college, or their title? Chances are, probably not. In fact, the things that my teachers taught me had little to do with what was in the textbooks they used in class - it had to do with hard work, dreaming, planning, setting goals, and striving to achieve those goals. What made those particular individuals "experts" that could teach me those things? Here is the kernel of truth I want you to hold onto - it was not that any one of them considered themselves experts - it was their own background, and their experiences. I was open to them, and learned different things from each one.
Along those same lines - take time to find out about the expert you are listening to. When you pick up a how-to book, read about the author. Google the author. Before you go to a seminar, class or conference, do a little checking up on the individuals who will be leading the class. Why should you listen to them? What makes them an expert? I'm getting ready to do "ScriptFrenzy," and wanted to read a book on scriptwriting. There are a lot of books out there, so I wanted to know what made the authors experts. I don't care if the person has written a screenplay before - I want to know if they SOLD one! :o)
What does this mean for you? Be aware of who you are listening to, who is teaching you, and who claims to be an expert, and make intelligent decisions about whether or not to take the advice of experts you come across.
By the way, now would be a good time to thank someone who shared their expertise with you. Write a quick note to someone who has had an impact on your life.
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