How Experts Exchange made me a better consultant

That heading may sound like a sponsored blog post but I assure you it isn’t. I can safely say I have never done a paid review. Nor do I ever plan to.

So, what’s the reason for this post?

Well, two reasons.

First, I hit a major milestone at Experts Exchange.

Yep! I am quite elated right now!

Second, I have always wanted to write this post. But, so many others were pressing to be written first.

So, what’s the major milestone?

I hit 1,000,000 points at Experts Exchange.

Much more than points

Don’t get me wrong. The points are great. Who doesn’t want to be top of a leaderboard? But competition isn’t the thrill I seek.

The far greater benefit is helping others.

And that will make you a better consultant.

Not only does Experts Exchange give you the opportunity to help others. But you will learn in the process as well.

It will give you the chance to see and diagnose more problems in a day than you normally ever would. And this massive exposure to more problems and more solutions translates to you becoming a more effective consultant.

You don’t need to know every answer. I certainly don’t. In fact, I often find myself researching technologies, scenarios, or, even business-use cases to aid others.

All it requires is that you get your feet wet. The more you participate the more you grow. You can learn something new every day.

And that is a great feeling.

I can honestly say there have been plenty of times I said to a customer, “Yep, I have seen this before“, as a direct result of participating in forums like EE.

Experts Exchange gives you the chance to learn from some of the greatest minds in the industry. There are hundreds of best-in-class subject matter experts from all around the globe. Including many Microsoft MVPs.  Each person bringing their own unique experiences and remedies to the table.

Experts Exchange can truly make you a sharper consultant. It has for me.

All the cool kids are doing it

But does it have to be Experts Exchange?

Nope.

It could be Microsoft TechNet, the Spiceworks Community, or, even Bleeping Computer.

Join a forum where others in your field hang out. Be sure it is a forum that is well moderated and well maintained. A forum constantly being developed to enrich the experience for all participants.

For me, that choice was Experts Exchange.

If you are not familiar with Experts Exchange be sure to give it a try.

If there is a forum you would like to recommend, share it in the comments below. I’ll be sure to check it out.

Have you had a similar growth story? Would love to hear about it!