Experts. Are we just experienced or are we experts?

Experts. Are we just experienced or are we experts?

I saw this recent comment from a multi-trade specialist who are able to offer a range of services to the building services market.

Their comment says

"Contact our team of experts today and book your free"..............

I am always concerned when someone offers a free anything because invariably this WILL end up costing money because someone always ends up paying for it. 

If you are offering to survey a project that requires the installation of anything to anything then how can you realistically cost the job without seeing it? Unless of course you are working to detailed drawings. 

One of my ex-employees (Technical Director) once saw two water tanks. Unfortunately he only charged the customer for one, so even that doesn't always work.  

Anyway let's get back to experts. 

The word “expert” is formed from the conjunction of two roots which, phonetically, can be represented as “x” and “spurt”. Everyone knows that “X” is an unknown quantity, and that a “spurt” is what one gets from squeezing a drop of water. Therefore, an expert is an unknown drip under pressure.  

Definition: Expert from an article by Jerry Cates , first published on 24 August 2011

As Jerry says the above definition although amusing is not entirely correct.

Another definition from Brainy Quote suggests

Taught by use, practice, or experience, experienced; having facility of operation or performance from practice; knowing and ready from much practice; clever; skilful; as, an expert surgeon; expert in chess or archery.

However if you look at Wikipedia then:

"In line with the socially constructed view of expertise, expertise can also be understood as a form of power; that is, experts have the ability to influence others as a result of their defined social status. By a similar token, a fear of experts can arise from fear of an intellectual elite's power". 

We all seek advice all of the time because let’s face it that is the only way to learn.

If you are selling a safety product then it is easy to influence others based upon your level of experience. 

By carefully wording the proposal you can generate a fear factor.

Is that being an expert or commercial bullying?

At RAB we offer advice based upon our own experience and have even stated:

 "Technical expertise - the best people for the best service and the best finish"

But, are we truly experts or just very experienced at what we do?

That choice is one that we have to leave to our clients. 

Take a look at  www.rabse.com and www.airintakescreen.co.uk and make your own decision once you have spoken to one of our very experienced people.

And finally "An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in a narrow field".