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Unlocking Expertise: How to Know If You’re a Subject Matter Expert

Sep 18 / Dr. Janice R. Love

The role of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) has become increasingly significant. Whether you’re a professional, educator, or coach, positioning yourself as an expert in your field can open doors to new opportunities and deepen your impact. But what does it mean to be a subject matter expert? And how can you tell if you’ve truly mastered your craft?

 

In my 20+ years of experience as a learning management leader, I was responsible for making sure the organization had the resources for employees to learn, perform, and grow. In order to be successful, there were moments when I had the opportunity to engage in something I truly enjoyed—building or sourcing a course that the organization needed. There were occasions when we didn’t have the in-house expertise, and it became my responsibility to find an external course or training program that would meet our needs. However, in many instances we chose to build the course ourselves.

 

To ensure the success of these projects, the first step was always identifying who the subject matter experts (SMEs) were within the organization. These individuals held the critical knowledge required to create content that was both accurate and applicable. Working closely with them, our goal was to translate their specialized insights into learning materials that others could easily grasp and apply.

 

The process of extracting knowledge from an expert and organizing it into structured, engaging learning content was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. By collaborating with SMEs, we ensured the training was relevant, practical, and capable of improving performance across the board. This approach not only helped us create tailored courses that fit our specific organizational needs, but it also empowered our subject matter experts to share their knowledge more effectively. It transformed them from silent contributors into active educators, reinforcing the value of their expertise within the company and ensuring it could be passed on to others.


How did your garden grow? 

On a personal note, my  husband and I like to think of ourselves as gardeners, so each year we plant a variety of vegetables. I’m particularly fond of growing tomatoes and peppers, while he takes pride in his collard greens and green beans. I don’t know about you, but this year’s garden has been one of the strangest we've had in a long time.

 

For example, I planted four different types of tomatoes, but things didn’t turn out quite like I expected. My tomatoes came in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors—none of which matched what I had anticipated.  For instance, the plant that was supposed to produce roma tomatoes produced something that looked more like a mini big beef tomato! And my husband had his own surprise: he planted what he thought were green beans, but when we opened the pods, there were brown beans inside. What in the world happened?

 

Confused, we sought out an expert. It just so happened that every Wednesday, a lady delivers fresh vegetables to our church. She’s an expert gardener, with years of experience, and always seems to have an answer for any gardening challenge. Since my husband and I were completely perplexed by what was happening in our own garden, we decided to seek her advice.

 

After listening to our stories of mismatched tomatoes and mysterious brown beans, she quickly explained that there had been some errors at the seed distribution center. Apparently, some of the seeds had been crossed, which caused the unexpected results we were seeing in our crops. Her explanation made perfect sense and immediately put our minds at ease. But the lesson was clear—when we couldn’t figure out the problem ourselves, we had to ask an expert for help. That’s the beauty of relying on someone with deeper knowledge.


What is a subject matter expert?

In the world of Learning and Development, a subject matter expert is someone whose expertise goes beyond basic knowledge—they possess deep, specialized insights that are critical for training and developing others. These experts are invaluable because they help transfer knowledge that might otherwise be difficult to capture in manuals or standard training programs. They ensure that employees are not just taught the "what" but, more importantly, the "why" and "how" of their tasks. SMEs are the gatekeepers of organizational success, providing essential guidance to ensure processes are efficient, teams are well-trained, and goals are met.

 

A subject matter expert isn't just someone with experience; they are someone who has mastered their field, often becoming the first point of contact when questions or challenges arise. Their ability to teach, mentor, and inspire others makes them a crucial element in any learning initiative.

 

As individuals seek answers to the problems they face, the role of the role of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) has become increasingly significant. Whether you’re a professional, educator, or coach, positioning yourself as an expert in your field can open doors to new opportunities and deepen your impact. As an expert you have the insight to identify issues others we might overlook and can guide others toward solutions they wouldn’t have found on our own. Just like in gardening, this applies to so many areas of life. Whether it's building a skill, solving a complex problem at work, or navigating a personal challenge, there are times when reaching out to a subject matter expert is not just helpful—it’s necessary.


How do you know if you are a subject matter expert?

At Pearls Perfected Institute, we believe that becoming an expert is about more than knowledge—it’s about delivering value, inspiring trust, and driving positive change. But what does it mean to be a subject matter expert? And how can you tell if you’ve truly mastered your craft? Let’s break down the key indicators that reveal whether you’re on your way to becoming, or already are, a subject matter expert.

  

1. You’re the Go-To Resource in Your Field

One of the clearest signs of expertise is when people consistently turn to you for advice, insight, or direction. Whether it’s peers, clients, or even competitors, being recognized as a trusted authority in your domain shows that others respect your knowledge and rely on your guidance. Are you the one people reach out to for answers? Do you frequently provide solutions or contribute to important decisions in your industry? If so, it’s a strong sign you’ve reached expert status.

 

2. You Have Deep Knowledge and Experience

Experts don’t just skim the surface—they dive deep into their subject matter. This depth comes from years of experience, ongoing learning, and a passion for the field. You’re likely an SME if you have an intimate understanding of your topic, can confidently answer detailed questions, and are aware of emerging trends and innovations. Additionally, you stay updated with the latest research, constantly honing your expertise to provide relevant and accurate insights.

 

3. You Can Simplify Complex Concepts

 

True mastery isn’t just about knowing the facts—it’s about making them accessible to others. Subject matter experts can take complex ideas and break them down in a way that’s easy to understand, regardless of the audience’s knowledge level. Whether you’re teaching a class, mentoring a colleague, or explaining a concept to a client, your ability to distill complicated information into digestible pieces reflects your command of the subject.

 

4. You Mentor Others in Your Field

 

A great subject matter expert not only excels in their own career but also nurtures the growth of others. If you’re mentoring emerging professionals, offering guidance to colleagues, or training the next generation of experts, it shows that you’ve reached a level of expertise that enables you to teach and lead. This passing on of knowledge solidifies your role as an authority and deepens your legacy within your field.

 

5. You’ve Developed a Strong Personal Brand

 

Building a personal brand is crucial for establishing yourself as a subject matter expert. This includes your online presence, such as sharing thought-provoking content on social media, creating educational resources, or hosting webinars. If you’re intentionally creating and sharing value with others, your expertise will naturally become more visible, further solidifying your standing as an SME.

 

Don't have content to present and share? Pearls Perfected Institute is a great place to begin creating high-quality content that showcases your expertise. Our platform empowers professionals like you to turn your insights and knowledge into tangible resources—whether it's creating a blog, podcast, video series, or even writing an e-book. We provide the tools and guidance you need to produce polished, impactful content that not only demonstrates your skills but also builds your personal brand and authority in your field.

 

Start small by curating presentations, articles, or short training videos, and grow your portfolio from there. As your confidence and content collection increase, you can present at conferences, be featured in industry publications, or become a go-to expert for podcasts and thought leadership opportunities. Don't wait for someone to ask you to share your insights. At PPI we make it easy to establish yourself as a credible source in your industry. Start building your platform today with Pearls Perfected Institute—your partner in unlocking and showcasing your expertise for a greater impact.

How to unlock your expertise.

Being recognized as a subject matter expert isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for your field. Whether you’re already on this journey or aspire to be an SME, remember that expertise is as much about providing value to others as it is about mastering your own knowledge.

 

At Pearls Perfected Institute, we’re committed to helping you unlock your full potential. Our platform empowers professionals to share their knowledge with the world and build meaningful connections with their audience. Plus at PPI, you can do just that without getting bogged down in technology.  So, are you ready to take your expertise to the next level?

 

To learn more about how Pearls Perfected Institute can support your journey toward becoming a subject matter expert, visit our website or contact us today.

 

 Blessings,

Dr. Janice R. Love 

Founder and CEO, Pearls Perfected Institute