I totally agree! Great post, and I think in addition to not thinking they can be considered an expert people also are concerned with "well there are so many others that do the same thing" - but I guarantee there is someone out there that needs to learn from them because they have the perfect style and teaching experience that will resonate with them and take them to the next level... there is enough room for everybody. I've been in several situations where someone has shared the same teaching but I just didn't mesh with their style or how they shared their coaching or teaching - but I hear someone else teaching the same thing and it totally resonates because their style is a better fit for my learning type etc.

I've read this post so many times, and at first, I struggled with the phrase, "then that “stuff” was now mine" as all the implications of copyright infringement came to my mind.

I'm almost positive that's not how you intended it, Kim. But still I grappled with the perceptions some might have about taking the intellectual property of others and not giving credit where credit is due.

Chip Conley wrote "PEAK" which is a genius interpretation of Maslow's heirarchy of needs as it relates to the business world, customer and employee satisfaction, etc. Had he just said "this is my model" without giving credit to Maslow for the original ideas, I think it would have done him some serious discredit.

There's a dispute going on right now between Office Depot and a speaker/author because they "created" a commercial using his copyrighted story about a barber who "fixes 6 dollar haircuts" - only weeks after hearing him speak at a convention and share that very story.

I'm all for sharing expertise and the things you've learned, but you also must give credit where credit is due. If you've created a derivative work - which is pretty common these days - just let people know your source of inspiration. When I teach a direct sales class, I make a point of sharing my reading list with people to let them know I'm tapping respected resources and not just making stuff up. It also bolsters my credibility because I'm using authoritative resources in my work.

I'm not averse to someone taking my book and teaching a class from it (or leading a book club, for example), but if someone took my content, created a training program and tweaked a couple of things, changed the name and called it theirs, I'd have a serious problem with it. On the other hand, if my work inspired them to create something more in-depth, then it would only be fair to say something like "I read Lisa's book, and it gave me the idea to try this process differently, and here are MY results."

I like Lain's comment. The stuff that spring out of the original work - the new ideas - that's the stuff to claim as your own. The original source work, that's the stuff you need to cite.

Thanks for the post, Kim. VERY thought provoking

Hi there Lisa - thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. This post has definitely touched a nerve with many. To me, the main take away I want to communicate is about the mindset of owning one’s knowledge and the unique way we each deliver value to others.

When it comes to Intellectual Property, you're absolutely right, if you're taking a source work from someone else and taking it to a new level, you must credit the original person. I think that goes without saying.

When I speak about “stuff” you’ve learned I am specifically speaking about the ideas and concepts that we take in and integrate into what we teach. It's all about truly owning all that you know. There is a self-appreciation and self-confidence piece that comes with how you bring it together in your unique fashion that no one else can do but you.

Take care, Kim

Boy, did I need to read this! I have been struggling with this exact thing. I have learned much on my own but have learned so much from other "experts" as well...and have felt that I'm "Stealing" from them if I use something I learned from them or their products...but you are exactly right...once I digest it and add to it my life experiences and unique style, it becomes "mine". I do struggle with wondering why anyone is interested in what I have to say, too...even though I have years of proof that so many are. Why do we struggle with these things?

Hi Kathleen - I think the struggle with wondering if you're an expert and why would anyone want to listen to you (when there are so many other "experts" ) is very normal. The key shift is to acknowledge all you’ve learned and all of those that have benefitted from your knowledge to date, and know that so many more can benefit when you really step into all that you are. Thank you so much for sharing your thought. Take care, Kim

Excellent post, Kim. I'm right in that middle spot, with all the info I've learned and taken in and waiting for that moment when I realize it's mine and share it with others freely and comfortably because it's a part of me. Love your posts - read them every day.

Hi StacyAnn, Since you're in that middle spot, one suggestion I have for you to cross over to believing that you really do own your expertise would be to get a business girlfriend involved, someone who truly sees all your greatness. I've found that my friends can often act as a mirror for me and reflect back what they see about me, a truth that I’m usually to close to notice. Also, check your inbox, I’ve just sent you a gift. Enjoy, Kim

You are absolutely right! My friend calls me the information guru and I can find anything online. I have more degrees and have an extensive career background. Yet, I can't seem to keep up with technology. In fact, I hate it all!! So, am I rebelling by not wanting to "join the universe", or do I have a problem with ananimity? Well, how do I get paid for all this knowledge. I guess I'll never actually figure it out!
Irma - NY

Hi Irma, If information is your thing, but technology isn't, then I'd suggesting finding someone to help you with the parts you don't like. Here's a short video for you: http://metromom.com/MetromomBl....
I'd love to hear what you think after you watch it. Take care, Kim

This is EXACTLY the advice I needed to hear today! I've been trying for weeks to figure out what info-products to develop and teetering between thoughts that I can't possibly do this and feelings of inadequacy because "all of my ideas and advice came from about 1000 other peoples' ideas and advice".

But your post told me what I knew already....what was hiding in the corner of my head beneath all of that self-doubt and guild. My expertise comes from me...and 15 years of processing those ideas and that advice....and 10 years of experience working with my target market...and my sincere passion to help them achieve their goals.

I may not have EVERY answer, but I can give my readers oodles and oodles of value. Thank you so much for all you do!

Hi Laura – Truth is we’ll never have all the answers but that doesn’t minimize the answers and the great information that you do have. You’re right that your expertise does come from you (and all that you’ve learned over these years), now it’s your job to get it out there. I’d love to hear what new things you’re going to create and offer. With all my best, Kim

Kim,

I am listening to you and Paul in your Fabulous Get it Done program.......when I got this post.......Thank you for the encouragement and nailing those thoughts on the head an moving us one step forward to breaking thru.

KatrinaMarie
http://www.katrinapeluso.com

HI there - Wasn't that a fun call with Paul? PLR is the most brilliant tool. Have you found ways to incorporate it for your business. Thanks for all your kind words - you're always a great supporter. xoxo

Thanks for this pep talk Kim! Great post.

You know I've been waffling and hemming and hawing over the WHAT of my business rather than just get out there and DO SOMETHING, figuring it out as I go. So I took action today: I am reviewing my old contracts to help me set new rates, create standard policies and practices (to help give me boundaries and clarity on what services I offer), and outline a basic set of services/products/packages to start with -- then get it up on the web site. At least if there is some base of information out there (and not just a page saying I'm going live in February when it is July). The blog alone will be a huge leap and really help me hone in on my voice -- from which the ideas and products will flow. And for that, I contacted my web guy and said, "OK, let's get this sucker out there. What do you need from me to get the ball rolling again."

I am an expert in visual branding and marketing promotion. There. I said it. ;P Now to get out there and share it with the world (as you say, "Share your Brilliance!" ... a wonderful reminder). Thanks for the kick in the pants! Much appreciated.

I love your replies Lori, they're always so honest. It's very refreshing. Also congrats for acknowledging your expertise. BTW, I sent my good friend Jane to you. She's got a great concept and I think you could really help her. Let me know if it works out. xoxo

Thank you Kim. Honesty is good policy. Jane and I spoke yesterday. She's wonderful. Love her energy. I'm seeking out an illustrator to bring Glue Gun Lady to life. I'm acting as a liaison, which is perfect as this is where I am taking lipDesign. I help clients w/ creative plan and refer them to a team of designers or writers. One stop shopping. I'm so excited. This clicked with me last week. :D

Great post! I always think of it as composting -- I throw a bunch of stuff in a pile, and wait for it to "sprout." The stuff that grows -- that's mine. :)

Thanks for sharing Lain. What new things are growing for you now?

Really great post Kim! Being authentic, knowing who you are, living comfortably in your skin and even giving yourself 'grace' so that if you make mistakes, you're your first encourager, not your first disqualifier is so important.

Great site you have here! I can see the authentic you all over the pages! :)

Sandi Krakowski

Glad you enjoyed the post, Sandi. Thanks for your kind comments.