Thought Leadership
Thought leadership is about a person who specializes in a given area and whom others in that industry turn to for guidance. As the term implies, a thought leader leads others in the thinking around a given topic.
Understanding Thought Leadership
Thought leadership is about being an expert in your field. You have to share your knowledge in a way that others find valuable. When you're a thought leader, people trust your opinions and look to you for guidance.
Being a thought leader means to consistently answer the biggest questions on the minds of the target audience on a particular topic. Thought leaders are normally asked to speak at public events, conferences, or webinars to share their insight with an audience.
Key Principles of Thought Leadership
What do they all have in common? Here are the core principles:
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They are true to themself and their beliefs. It’s easy to see when you're faking it, so it's essential to be genuine.
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They know what they talk or share about, inside and out. You need to be an expert in your field to gain trust and credibility.
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They communicate ideas clearly and simply. Don't use complicated words that people won't understand, the easier the other understands, the better thought leader you are.
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They share valuable insights regularly. Consistency builds trust!
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They interact with their audience and encourage debates. Being approachable and open to dialogue helps build a community around your ideas.
What problems can happen when you're trying to be a thought leader?
As always, there are difficulties you may encounter…
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Not being original: If you're just repeating what everyone else is saying, you won't stand out. It's key to bring your special thing to the table. Remember it’s not only about what you talk about HOW you do it.
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Too much marketing: Don't always talk about yourself, people won't like it. Thought leadership is about helping others, not just promoting yourself.
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Ignoring feedback: This is crucial for growth. Ignoring feedback or criticism can make you lose track of where you want to go and not get better.
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Staying in the same place: The world is constantly changing, and so should your ideas. Sticking to the same old concepts without evolving can make you irrelevant.
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Not caring about your audience: Always keep your audience's needs and interests in mind. If you do not keep in touch with your audience it can lead to disconnect and disengagement.
Conclusion
Nowadays there is a lot of information and it is easy to find, but it is difficult to be original. The important thing about being original is that if your area of expertise is "Sales" or "Marketing", you should know that no one will ever do it like you. Nobody could do it the same way, right? That is your spark, you must find it and use it to your advantage.
Once you find that, take action. And if you take into account the tips we mentioned above, you will be a great thought leader.