Chris Kresser: Okay, question from Sandy, “In reference to Evergreen Authority, any suggestions on how to be [a] common authority? What is the definition of one? [It] makes me nervous to hold myself out as one, especially the more focused niche we get, but per Keith, we can’t grow without being one. Do experts interpret studies, have degrees, ___ [37:51] of these necessities as a short list?”
Those are all great questions, Sandy. I don’t know if I can answer them. It’d be interesting for you to reflect on who you think of as an authority and why you think they are authorities. What gives them authority in your mind? Because I think that answer will differ from person to person. For some people, credentials and training provide authority, so if somebody is a Harvard MD, they automatically have authority regardless of their positions on things or the quality of their work or what not. For other people, authority is gained in a different way. So I think it might be helpful for you to consider the people that you think of as authorities and jot down what makes them an authority in your mind, and then consider what areas that you believe you already have authority in or could develop authority in based on that list that you come up with.