There’s a game Maggie Patterson, my co-host of Duped, plays with me all the time. It’s called “Can I Tell What Makes You an Expert?”

We go to an about page of someone who’s doling out advice like candy on Instagram and see if we can tell why they’re credible to speak on this topic.

If we can figure it out, great! They earn our respect and trust.

But nine times out of ten, I have no clue why they are credible to do the work they do or say the things they say.

It’s no wonder it’s so easy to be duped and burned in the online space.

Real experts who know what they’re doing and how to help you are hard to find online, but pseudo-experts are freaking everywhere.

So how do you know who to trust online? How do you vet them? And if you’re thinking about hiring a messaging strategist, what should you be looking for?

In this episode:

• Three questions to ask when you’re vetting a program or offer
• How to gauge factors of trust–care, sincerity, reliability, and competence–in messaging strategists
• Red flags to watch out for in promised results, timelines, and testimonials
• Why you should steer clear of anyone who promises you “magnetic messaging”

Learn more about Michelle Mazur:

• Communication Rebel
• Three Word Rebellion
• Request a free 1:1 Chat 
• Finally Nail Your Message

Resources:

• Duped: Vetting Coaches and Programs: What to Watch For 
• The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work, Charles Feltman