How do I find the best expert for anything – whether that be a lawyer, accountant, or marketing professional?
To help you find the right experts for your needs, we asked business leaders and marketing professionals this question for their best tips. From internet research to utilizing LinkedIn, there are several ways that may help you get connected with an expert in your field.
Here are eight ways to help you find an expert in your field:
- Referrals
- In-Depth Internet Research
- Case Studies And Testimonials
- Look Into Community Platforms
- Just Ask
- Utilize LinkedIn
- Engage And Assess
- Rely On Reviews And Marketing Campaigns
Referrals
Who is in your network? Who would know the best person in a particular field? Using your networks is a great way to get recommendations for great experts. For example, I have a family member that is a senior person in the medical community. I would never pick a doctor without asking that person first. I have a close friend who is a lawyer, so I would never pick a firm without first asking who I should speak to.
Ineke McMahon, P2P Learning and Development
In-Depth Internet Research
You can find a great criminal defense lawyer by doing in-depth internet research. The internet is a goldmine of information from learning about what you have been charged with to who is the best attorney in your area. My firm offers free consultations to anyone who finds us online, as do lots of other firms so take advantage of this opportunity if available.
Court Will, Will & Will
Case Studies And Testimonials
In the day and age of the internet, it has never been easier to find a professional for anything! Regardless of whether you are doing a simple Google search or combing a site like Angi, the internet is like a magic 8 ball. For big projects, like pipeline pigging, I would recommend reading the company’s case studies and checking out their testimonials before giving them a call so you know what to expect!
Noah Downs, American Pipeline Solutions
Look Into Community Platforms
A great way to find the best experts for anything is by looking at community forums and articles such as Quora, Terkel, or Reddit, which group together discussions by expertise. These sites give a voice and platform for experts to share continuous insights on topics that are constantly evolving. Additionally, the short form Q&A style of these platforms encourages a large, more diverse group of experts to contribute to any given topic.
Thylan Le, Markitors
Just Ask
The best way to find the best experts in any industry is to turn to your network and just ask. Not only will they be able to point you in the best direction, but they can also help protect you from potential scammers or professionals that had a bad experience with.
Loren Howard, Prime Plus Mortgages
Utilize LinkedIn
Just Googling for something may not bring up what you need. On LinkedIn, you can search for the professional you need and check out endorsements and recommendations. You can also see if the person is in your network and if you have any connections in common. You can contact that connection to ask about the person. I\ve also seen people post on Facebook to their friends. It’s word-of-mouth on steroids.
Giselle Aguiar, AZ Social Media Wiz
Engage And Assess
This takes time, it cannot occur in one 30-minute telephone meeting. You must assess the professional’s values because without shared values, this will not be a long-term, successful relationship. You must assess their professionalism by examining the small details like returning phone calls and responding quickly to emails. You must assess their own organizational structure? Are they a solo practitioner? Do they have staff? Do they have Partners? Your corporate needs will expand as you grow your company.
Katharine Halpin, The Halpin Companies Inc.
Rely On Reviews And Marketing Campaigns
Other than referrals from a friend or a colleague, an online search for reviews will provide important information on how others have benefited from a particular product or service. Additionally, you can also glean pertinent, targeted information from advertising and marketing campaigns, often revealing a company\’s specialty or focused service.
Greg Gillman, MuteSix
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