Saturday, January 22, 2011

Are You A SME?

Are you a SME? You know, a Subject Matter Expert? And not just some poser, make believe pretend SME - but an honest to goodness, no-doubt-about-it, genuinely verifiable SME? 

If you are a real SME - then awesome.  And if you're not a real SME, then figure out how to be one. Now! Before it's too late. Because SMEs are good, and needed - especially at work.  You see, every organization needs SMEs. Actually, they need lots of SMEs, and lots less Gs (that would stand for Generalists: folks that do a bunch of stuff, but have no real subject matter specialization).

Check it out: not only are SMEs more important, wanted and revered - but they typically make more money, as well. And who doesn't want more props and more coin? Not SMEs, that's who! 

Word of caution though: be careful not to come off as a "know-it-all." They're as bad as litter bugs, back seat drivers and itchy sweaters.  For those keeping score at home, the big differences between the two boils down to style, humility, professionalism and likability.  Moreover, you know it, when you see it.           

So - are you a SME? And if not, why not? And if why not indeed, then figure out what you would like to be a SME of, and make it happen.  It just takes time, effort and desire.  Which you have.  So go for it.  Even better, get it done and keep it going.  Because genuine SMEs are always learning about their subject (and/or related subjects) of expertise.  It's a journey.  And hopefully, an enjoyable and monetizeable one at that.    

SMEs Are Good.  ("Know-It-Alls" Are Bad)