If you’re reading this, I’m willing to bet you’re a bit of a LinkedIn baddie 😏 With a killer profile pic? A smattering of connections? A couple of cracking posts… 👀

Aaaand I reckon there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term ‘Thought Leadership’ thrown about on this platform and, like many, are wondering what on earth it involves.

1. What The Heck is a Thought Leader?

The definition of a thought leader is widely understood as an individual or organisation offering specialised insights and expertise in a chosen area. A “foremost authority” in a select subject, according to Forbes (Biderman-Gross, 2023). But that still doesn’t give us the clearest picture of what it really involves…

Thought leadership goes beyond knowledge, and instead requires an understanding of the past, present, and future of your chosen domain. Where most just react to trends, thought leaders must predict, create and propagate new ideas, establishing themselves as pioneers in their space. Like little corporate clairvoyants 🔮✨

Thought leadership also demands a commitment to sharing your mission publicly; this might be through written content, speaking engagements, or by harnessing the power of social media relevant to your audience and community. This gives you a platform from which to influence industry conversations by tackling challenges and presenting your forward-thinking solutions. Becoming a source of knowledge and voice of authority in your niche is kindaaa essential in unlocking ‘Thought Leader’ status. So, if you’ve been quietly fantasising about your future Ted Talk, this might be the thing for you 😉

2. How Do I Become One?

Knowing your ‘why’: Becoming a thought leader doesn't happen overnight. It starts with a deep knowledge of your priorities, values, and vision. You need to know your ‘why’, the thing that drives your work and informs your insights. It can be broad, incorporating your wider social opinions, but clarity of purpose enables thought leaders to consistently align their expertise with what truly matters to them and their audience.

Sticking to your guns: Thought leadership requires sticking to your values, even when the road gets tough. It's about continuously engaging with your industry, championing your ideas while remaining open to evolution. Building credibility takes time, and becoming a thought leader is a long-term process of showing up, learning, and refining your views.

Shouting. Loudly. (Well, metaphorically): Whether through blogs, white papers, webinars or industry events, you’ve got to be ready to shout publicly about your specialist area. Regularly contributing high-quality, relevant content will solidify you as an authority figure and get your message out to a wider audience. Thought leadership is about having the discipline to consistently share knowledge and the resilience to stay committed to your ideas over time.

3. Is It Worth the Buzz?

So, is becoming a thought leader worth the effort? For many professionals and businesses, the answer is helllll yeah!

Thought leadership can seriously boost brand identity - for individuals, it can open doors to speaking engagements, advisory roles, and career advancements. For businesses, it can serve as a marketing power tool, differentiating you from competitors and establishing a reputation based on your values and industry leadership.

But, while it may sound like fun and games, it’s important to recognise that thought leadership requires time, energy, and, above all, authenticity. It’s not just about producing content for the sake of it; it’s about offering meaningful, genuine perspectives that drive value for your audience. Thought leadership is a worthy investment if it aligns with your long-term goals and you’re committed to the cause.

To Recap ⬇️

Thought leadership is a hefty commitment, but one which has the potential to supercharge your personal or business trajectory…

1. Know your values - find your ‘why’

2. Be ready for some public speaking engagements (and to feature in some Reels and TikToks…) 🎥

3. Ensure your specialist area genuinely resonates and excites you

4. Enjoy! Getting to fully immerse yourself in a topic you care deeply about is a huge privilege filled with opportunity 🎉

Subscribe to stay in the loop on more tips and tricks for electrifying your marketing strategy. Don’t miss the next edition of The Electric Cat Newsletter!