Becoming a thought leader is highly coveted among businesses, and yet it is also one of the most difficult levels to attain in the development of your brand. But by implementing a few key principles and strategies, any business can become a thought leader and reap the rewards.
Why Become a Thought Leader
The value of positioning your business as a thought leader in its niche or space is limitless. Some of the primary benefits include:
- Brand Health
When your public thinks of your brand, if you have taken clear steps to become a thought leader in that industry, chances are they will think more positively of it than otherwise. - Lead Generation
A byproduct of positioning your business in key places contributing to the dialogue in that niche is higher visibility and traffic – aka leads. - SEO Boost
The more ideas you put into the public discussion, the more people will consume your value and search for more – which means your search rankings will steadily improve. - Higher Premiums
Thought leaders are just that – leaders in the space they inhabit. And this means they can charge more than similar competitors who haven’t positioned themselves on the cutting edge.
Steps to Become a Thought Leader
Many business leaders feel their business could never lead a niche or industry, because they aren’t the biggest company in that space or their ideas aren’t earth-shattering. But it’s important to understand that your favorite thought leader didn’t start out as a thought leader – they took steps to get there. And furthermore, anyone who has something of value to contribute to the public dialogue has the potential to be a thought leader within their space. Here are a few steps to get you on the right track.
1. Do Your Homework
It pays to actually know what you are talking about. Some of this is about perception and positioning your brand and being in the right places at the right time. But most of it has to do with actually knowing what you’re talking about. Many times thought leaders make bold predictions that contradict conventional wisdom. Why? Because they have done their homework and understand their market. Have your own unique perspective.
2. Invest in a Blog
Content marketing is not just a buzzword. It’s a very valuable platform for driving your thought leadership. Your business can become a thought leader by promoting ideas, predictions, trends, news, and best practices in the form of a blog. If you don’t have the time to be a blogger, hire a professional ghost writer and stop making excuses. If your audience doesn’t read, host a podcast or some other form of content delivery. But for most businesses, a blog is the primary vehicle for putting ideas out and contributing to the discussion.
3. Get Serious About Social Media
Don’t expect your audience to just find your blog and be impressed by your research on their own. Go find them; find out what they’re actually talking (and asking) about. Otherwise, how will you know what contribute? Share not only your own content, but also helpful content you come across that will help your audience and show that you are active in this space. Engage your niche on their turf and show that your business is putting the effort into solving problems and creating value.
If you want to stand out, put the proper emphasis on all three steps. Show that your business is not just another business selling something, but rather a concerned, informed, and insightful leader with solutions and value. If you feel this information will help someone, please share it now!
