How to Show What You Know Without Sounding Like You Know It All
People come to you because you’re good at what you do. But talking about your skills can feel tricky—you want to be helpful, not pushy. The good news? There’s a way to share your knowledge that feels natural and builds trust.
Start With Their Questions, Not Your Answers
Instead of listing everything you know, listen first. What problems do your customers mention most? Write those down. When you create posts, address those specific issues. For example:
- A hair stylist might notice clients asking how to maintain color at home—so she shares a quick video demonstrating the right way to wash colored hair.
- A plumber hears homeowners worry about frozen pipes—he posts a checklist of winter prep steps.
This approach positions you as helpful, not boastful, because you’re solving real problems.
Show Your Work (Without the Boring Parts)
People trust what they can see. Share bits of your process that highlight your skill:
- A baker could show the precise moment when cake layers are perfectly leveled.
- A landscaper might post a before-and-after of a tricky slope he transformed.
These glimpses prove your expertise without you having to say, “I’m great at this.”
Use “We” More Than “I”
Small shifts in language make a big difference. Compare these:
- “I’ve fixed hundreds of furnaces” → “We keep homes warm through every cold snap”
- “I make the best pies” → “Our customers say Thursday’s peach pie makes their week”
The second versions focus on the value to others, not just your accomplishments.
Let Happy Customers Do Some Talking
When clients compliment your work, ask if you can share their words. A simple text post like:
“Maria said our team ‘fixed her leak so fast she barely had to reschedule her day’—that’s exactly the kind of smooth experience we aim for.”
This backs up your skills with real proof.
Share Mistakes (Yes, Really)
One surprising way to build authority? Be honest about lessons learned. A short story about a time something went wrong—and how you fixed it—shows depth of knowledge. For instance:
“Early in my carpentry career, I didn’t account for how much this type of wood expands in humidity. Now I always…”
This makes you relatable AND shows how experience has made you better.
Keep It Conversational
Write like you’d explain something to a friend. Avoid stiff phrases like “as a seasoned professional.” Instead:
- “Here’s what twenty years of pet grooming has taught me about matted fur…”
- “After helping 50+ families buy homes, I notice three common questions…”
Specific numbers feel more genuine than vague claims.
Try This Today
Pick one idea to start with:
- Jot down three questions you hear often from customers
- Snap a photo of your work mid-process
- Share a client compliment (with permission)
Building authority isn’t about shouting your credentials—it’s about quietly proving, again and again, that you’re someone people can trust. You’ve got this.
