7 Myths That Stop Consultants Becoming Recognised Authorities

Let go of outdated beliefs — and start building your authority your way

I think the benefits of becoming a recognised authority are clear.

You attract clients based on your reputation.

You become the obvious choice.

You stop chasing work and start choosing it.

And yet — many consultants are still chasing leads that go nowhere.

Still being overlooked for projects they know they could lead.

Still relying on tactics that don’t reflect their value.

If that’s you, it’s not because you lack experience or expertise.

More often than not, it’s because of outdated beliefs — the kind of myths that quietly hold you back and keep you stuck.

Let’s clear the air.

Myth 1: You need a breakthrough idea

Truth: Breakthroughs are rare. “Blue Ocean Strategy.” “Edge Strategy.” “Force Field Analysis.”

Great if you have one — but not necessary.

You don’t need a book deal or a TED Talk.

You need to create irrefutable value — insights your ideal clients already want to hear.

That’s enough to lead.

Myth 2: You must be a content machine

Truth: Volume helps, but quality matters more.

One well-placed, evergreen insight can outperform 50 forgettable posts.

The goal is to be unignorable — not omnipresent (on platforms your decision makers rarely visit).

Myth 3: It’s impossible to meet senior decision-makers

Truth: I used to believe this too.

But once I reframed my approach — and focused on offering value that matters to them — the right conversations started happening.

It’s not easy, but it is possible.

Authority attracts.

Clarity opens doors.

Myth 4: You have to be “sales-y”

Truth: Being pushy repels the very people you want to attract.

You don’t need to “sell.”

You need to elegantly enrol — by building trust, offering relevance, and guiding senior-level conversations.

That’s what trusted advisors do.

Myth 5: You must be a dynamic speaker

Truth: Only if that’s your thing.

Authority isn’t about stage presence — it’s about substance.

You can build visibility through your writing, thinking, client work, or conversations.

Find your medium. Own your space.

Myth 6: You need a platform to succeed

Truth: Some people do have built-in reach — a media column, a big alumni base, or a head start online.

But you don’t need any of that to begin.

Start with a clear niche.

Develop a strong point of view.

Be useful. Be consistent.

That’s how authority is built.

Myth 7: It takes years

Truth: It doesn’t have to.

You can lay the foundations in 90 days — with the right positioning, clarity, and message strategy.

That’s what changes the game.

Bottom line:

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a recognised authority.

But there is a proven sequence.

First, you need to lay the foundations — clarify your value, sharpen your positioning, and build a steady flow of high-trust conversations.

That’s exactly what we focus on in the Recognised Authority Accelerator.

Only then — once the foundation is in place — can you confidently lean into your natural strengths.

If you love writing, use writing.

If you enjoy speaking, go all in.

If you thrive in conversation, focus there.

But don’t skip the groundwork.

Without it, style becomes noise.

And when you’ve done it right — when your message is clear, your niche defined, and your value visible —
you stop competing altogether.

You create your own lane.

You become a category of one — the obvious choice for the right clients, and invisible to the wrong ones.