There is something happening online that really bothers me. People are calling themselves experts, mavens, and gurus. With no real experience or case studies to back up their claims. This is not new – I noticed it was rampant a few years ago when I began participating online. But last night I was reading a list of the top 25 women who both tweet and blog and, in the comments, more than one person said, “Why didn’t you include me?” But, most weren’t that nice.

Imagine walking into a networking event and exclaiming, “I’m the smartest person in the room!” How many people would line up and wait for hours to get to talk with you? Imagine going to a conference and, in front, of all of the attendees, from the back of the room, standing up and asking, “Why wasn’t I included on this panel?” How many times would you be invited to speak?

Isn’t it better for someone else to tell people you’re a guru, an expert, or a maven? Isn’t it better for someone else to say you’re the smartest person in the room? Isn’t it better for someone else to recommend you for a speaking opportunity? (more…)