As a result, we would rather allow ourselves to become distracted by the most creative way to remove a bottle top or, discover what a group of developers think we will look like when we are “old and busted” than take a moment to understand how or why these distractions went viral.
I heard an interpretation on the acronym S.M.E. recently that has challenged me to think differently about disruptive technology and continuous learning and, more importantly, how to practically apply both to my business.
Think about this for a moment; the standard definition of S.M.E., according to Google is “Small and Medium Enterprises”. What does that really mean? The general reference points that are used could be, size, annual turnover or annual profit. My problem with that definition is the word “Small”. Much of our success, as entrepreneurs, is determined by our mental position. If I call myself a “Small business”, will I ever truly believe that I can become a “Big Business” and, who decides when I am a Big Business? Is it again based on my size, turnover or profit?
The definition, that Google has in bold, and which resonates with me is, “Subject Matter Expert”. I find this definition far more inspirational and motivational; this is how I want to be defined as a business. Subject matter expert transcends the size, turnover and profit of my business, the generic business markers that are normally used to classify organizations. More importantly, it gives my continuous learning direction and purpose and, frees me from the pressure of needing to “know it all”.
Once I have made this mindset shift, I can follow a few simple processes to becoming a Subject matter expert.
1. Choose your lane – let’s be honest; there is too much information coming across our path every day to take it all in and retain the knowledge. The logical process is to pick the disruptive technology that fascinates you and, explore that technology in greater detail. Understand how it works, why it works and who it works for. Understand that, your role is not always to invent the technology but, rather to become the Subject matter expert who can educate and inspire others to embrace that technology.
2. Invest – there is often a financial component to an investment. The investment I am talking about here is time. The speed at which disruptive technology changes is incredible. Learn the technology, understand its “secrets” and, position yourself as the Expert educator who can help others optimize the technology.
3. Use what you have learned to network – hold on! This is not your moment to shine. Using what you have learned to network is about asking an interesting question and then, standing back and letting your colleagues discuss it further. I have been amazed at some of the insights I have gained by observing people in my network and how they respond to a question or a thought. Be careful though, there are some topics that are best avoided like, Religion and Politics. Always try and find something positive that is happening in the world and see how your network responds to the topic. You will probably learn even more about the subject from the person you least expected to.
I now ask myself two questions a day, one at the start and one at the end.
At the start of the day, I ask myself, what I am I going to learn about my chosen Subject Matter Expert lane today?
At the end of each day I ask myself, what made this a successful day. If nothing else, it will be to reflect on what I have chosen to learn that day.
I recommend that you try this start and end question for a week and see what results you have in your business, your mindset and your overall passion and drive. Now; get out there and become a Subject Matter Expert.
