It’s in an expert’s interest to make the case that they can add value to you and your work. 

That usually means that you need to believe you’re not doing something right.

The next time you experience doubt after hearing an expert’s claims, just remember that they’re incentivized to make you feel that way. It doesn’t mean it’s not true—it just means that they believe they won’t get your business otherwise.

The experts worth trusting are the ones that choose not to lean into this kind of pressure. They’re clearly more interested in discussing their body of work, and maintaining integrity in their reputation, than getting your business. 

They offer services that involve diagnosis, they know which symptoms to look for, and they want to help keep you calm—like a good medical doctor would.

They demonstrate their expertise calmly, professionally, and generously.