Do credentials really determine your worth?

What credentials (or qualifications) do you have?

Ever had that question thrown at you?

If yes, then I reckon at that time you must have thought to yourself – “what has my credentials got to do with anything?”

Well, in most business cases it’s not applicable, but in some delicate cases, your credentials do apply. For example, if you’re into the health and wellness industry or you’re a medical practitioner, it’s possible that you’re going to be asked to show proof that you are who you say you are and can do what you say you do, within the legal context of where you are (i.e. your country).

Same goes for…

Accountants, lawyers, doctors, dentists, engineers, chiropractors, nutritionists, etc!

With that said, the whole idea wrapped around having credentials is often misconstrued! My focus here is on areas such as digital marketing, social media, freelancing, design, consulting, and yes – coaching!

One of the reasons most business owners (especially service providers such as consultants and coaches) are stuck where they are, is because they’ve been led to believe that they can’t get anywhere in their field without credentials.

Fact: Some of the wealthiest people on this planet at some point dropped out of school, but found a way of rising to the top… they did that by being practical with their knowledge, as opposed to hiding behind a credential.

I’m not bashing… just saying!

Now, if you’re on the side that believes owning a credential is what really makes someone more “trustworthy” or “credible”, then that’s completely fine, but it shouldn’t be a generalised view point.

That’s why I said earlier that it does apply in some delicate cases, but not all aspects of business.

I won’t take advice from a medical practitioner if he/she does not have the relevant qualifications. That’d be a daft thing to do, right?

But on the flip side, I don’t need to be certified to run marketing campaigns for businesses, or show entrepreneurs how to use social media to generate leads/sales, or get a certification on how to build automated funnel systems.

Some businesses prefer to hire those who’ve gained “agency side experience” which is not a problem, but the main thing when it comes to effectively running a business (online or offline) is one’s ability to know what to do to get results. Your credentials do not matter in this context.

Qualified, but incompetent!

There are cases of people who’ve acquired so much qualifications (or credentials), but are unable to apply them in the real world.

Theoretical comprehension of something is the easy part, but putting that thing into practice is where the rubber meets the road (can you hear the tire screeching? 😉 ).

What makes people excel in business is not just the fact that they have certain credentials or qualifications, but their confidence and ability to deliver.

If one lacks confidence in what he/she is doing (and shows it), even though there are credentials to back him/her up, there’s hardly going to be anyone who’d want to hire such a person. He/she would be seen as a ‘risky’ investment!

So, instead of dwelling on “I’ve got this or that certification”, it’s best to gather as many social proofs (i.e. testimonials, endorsements, and reviews) as possible. That’s the ticket to getting more referrals!

Get clients by actually helping people

A good number of people who need help in one way or the other within their business are not running around asking – “who has credentials in XYZ that can help me?”

Instead they are asking – “who can help me solve XYZ?”

They’re not concerned about credentials at that stage, but more concerned about solving that problem staring them right in the face. That thing that just won’t go away… you know, that ‘itch that needs to be scratched!’

• Your credentials focus on you and your achievements (most people don’t care about this)
• Your ability to help people focuses on the people you’re helping (this is what they want the most)

You don’t really need credentials in most aspects of business to really get the clients you want to work with. You just have to demonstrate that you can help them, and actually step in and help.

To do that you can consider applying any of the following concepts:

• Create value based contents and share online (video, text, or audio)
• Be active in groups and forums, asking and answering questions
• Create exclusive mastermind groups, and bring on those who need help
• Give away some of your best ideas and strategies… for free
• Focus more on giving, than receiving

With this approach, you’re more likely to build trust and become someone who’s reliable… the “go-to person” in your niche.

Conclusion

Like I said, I’m not bashing anyone who’s formed the believe that you can’t succeed in business unless you have credentials. There’s a place for that, but it’s not a generalised thing as many would want to believe.

If someone asks you if you have credentials, don’t run off to get one just for that reason. Spend time to think about it… is it worth it? Do you really need it?

Again, it all boils down to how confident you are to deliver results for your clients.

Credentials may look good on the surface, but if the one who carries it cannot do the job, then it’s just another piece of paper with their name on it… not worth it’s weight in gold!

The more results you get for clients, the referrals and business you’ll get!

To your success!