Must you be a guru to become the go-to expert in your online niche?

As coach to experts & entrepreneurs I often notice that the term ‘guru,’ can have a slightly negative connotation. The term ‘expert,’ fares a little better but can also be easily misunderstood.

So what exactly is a guru?

The Oxford dictionary defines a guru as ‘a Hindu spiritual teacher,’ or ‘an influential teacher.’ The image of a mystical teacher hovers before me, closely shadowed by Tony Robbins and Randy Gage, attached to wireless microphones and flashing million dollar smiles.

An expert is defined as ‘a person who is very knowledgeable about or skilful in a particular area.’ Therefore you could easily become an expert by focussing on one area with the definite aim of dominating your niche.

Becoming a guru seems like a much loftier pursuit and although there are many young business coaches displaying guru like qualities, I still see a guru as an older, wiser man preaching to the crowds or meditating in a tranquil spot.

Many people mistrust the terms guru and expert because they smack of ‘know it all’ philosophy, and gurus can be a bit ‘in your face.’ As many gurus inspire their followers to ‘be the change they want to see in the world;’ think Gandhi, it’s to be expected that they may irritate you and make you feel a little squeamish. Your enlightenment may reach you in the form of an ‘aha’ moment or if you’re in resistance mode you may be thinking ‘oh they must mean someone else, they can’t be talking to me!’

The good news is that if you feel ready to embrace the mantra of guru-dom the internet space awaits you to claim your niche. There can never be too many gurus, with such an abundance of lost souls just wandering around online and silently begging to be led.

On the other hand if the thought of being a guru is a little overwhelming, but you know that you have a valuable message to get out into the world then it may be time for you to become the go-to expert in your niche.

This has never been easier with the internet tools such as blogging and social media now at your disposal. Once you’ve identified your niche; what you will deliver and to whom, you can begin to create your expert internet empire and before you know it you may even elevate into guru-hood!

I’d love to know what you think about becoming an expert or guru. Please leave a comment and share this post on the facebook or twitter button if you like it.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it: Rachel Henke, The Niche Expert Coach, shares the insider secrets of becoming the go-to expert in your niche to attract perfect clients, customers & publicity online. Get your free insider secrets report at: http://www.RachelHenke.com