What The Heck Is Thought Leadership?
Expertise + Digital Notoriety.
Whether we realize it or not, we constantly seek information to make sense of the world. We use systems (usually laws and constitutions) to receive them. Often, we learn just enough to get by and let those systems take over. Inevitably, we end up on auto-pilot.
Enter thought leaders
Disruptive industry experts and authorities within their field. They drive change, offer thoughtful perspectives and draw others to them for guidance. But why?
Because along with their stellar thoughts and opinions are insights and data to back them up.
People listen to thought leaders, but they use their statements to form their own convictions. Thought leaders naturally develop a following as people who believe in their ideologies adopt them as their own. Inspiring, right?
When you become a thought leader, you’re forced to shed your inhibitions and overcome the self-doubt that is blocking you from achieving your goals. You have to believe in yourself, build confidence in your experiences and knowledge, and articulate the wealth of information you already have, so you can share it with the world.
According to Mandy Balak, Founder and CEO of The Ace Collective, “A thought leader is someone who's invested their 10,000 hours and has devoted themselves to their zone of genius so that they can inspire us all to live our best lives.”
Thought leaders typically use social media and PR to share their ideas with others. Through these and other platforms, they shape their industry and take it in a new direction.
The ability to shape your industry and build a large follower base that is hooked on to your every word is enticing. As Leeanne Froese, owner of Town Hall Brands says, “A thought leader is someone who is seen as a subject matter expert, who also shares ideas that become widely embraced and shared.” Makes you want to become a thought leader yourself, doesn’t it?
The truth is, everyone wants to be a thought leader. So much so that it's become quite the buzzword—and that can be a problem. As it gets tossed around more often, the line between real and counterfeit thought leaders is thinning.
Generally, people follow the principles they understand. So you shouldn't expect people to take what you say at face value. When a thought leader expresses opinions, they use context to back their line of thinking. But beyond that, they use captivating content to get their beliefs out in the world and grab attention. That's not just having expertise—that's knowing how to tell a story.
everybody loves a good story
When people view your content as a thought leader, they walk away with more than something to think about. They get value. Maybe you offered an actionable idea they could use to solve a problem. Or perhaps you explained how to do a certain thing. Either way, their lives are better for it, and they'll continue to look to you for more wisdom. That sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it?
You have the ability to become a thought leader. All you need is a roadmap to tell you how to get there.
You can become an industry expert, learn how to create irresistible content, and develop a following—even from scratch.
It's time to get rid of the self-doubt standing in your way. When you do, you'll gain the clarity and focus you need to achieve your goals.
I can show you what you need to know
TLCxDNA: Thought Leadership Course for Digital Notoriety and Personal Brand Authority is a two-hour "learn anytime" program where I’ll break down everything you need to know about becoming a thought leader. You’ll learn:
What being a thought leader really means
How to deal with imposter syndrome and self-doubt
How to amplify your brand voice using social media
How to build credibility and drive engagement through content creation
By the end, you'll know how to build a personal brand beyond your business and a roadmap to amplify your voice. You'll also get guides, templates, and other tutorials to support your continued progress.