Becoming an authority

I was listening to Steve Siebold yesterday on I learning Global. He was talking about creating networks of people around you to help you accomplish your goals. He had three or four methods or plans to make this happen. His last method was to become a recognized authority in your area. This way the people who you wnat to network with come looking for you. They see value in knowing who you are. He said the best way to become recognized as an authority was to do public speaking. You need to speak whenever you have an opportunity and whatever forum you can find. He also said writing and publishing was a good way. This has rang true to me and It is an area I can grow in.