Tu objetivo es destacar en Relaciones Públicas. ¿Cómo puedes convertirte en un líder de opinión en el campo?

I believe the journey to becoming a thought leader offers a unique opportunity to amplify diverse voices and perspectives, which are often underrepresented in the industry. The emphasis on continuous learning and specialization is crucial, but it's also important to bring my lived experiences into the conversation. Specializing in a niche that resonates with me—perhaps focusing on accessibility in communications or advocating for marginalized communities—allows me to carve out a space where my insights are not only valued but essential. By doing so, I can demonstrate that expertise isn't just about mastering industry trends; it's also about challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what PR can achieve for all audiences.

One of the top PR thought leaders encourages all his employees to "build [their personal brand] in public." When he wanted to start his own agency, this thought leader identified LinkedIn as the right platform to build his brand - and he simply started posting. At first, he posted every day and now he is posting multiple times a day. His following grew from 5K to 60K+ followers in a couple of years. Now, his agency gets all his clients from inbound interest from LinkedIn. To sum up, as soon as you have something of value to share - then it is up to you to build your own brand if becoming a PR thought leader is one of your goals.

For me, it's not just about visibility; it's about accessibility and inclusivity. By creating content that reflects my unique perspective, I can contribute to diversifying the conversation in PR, showing that different voices and experiences can enrich our industry. Writing articles or blog posts about the intersection of disability and public relations, for example, allows me to highlight how inclusivity can be a powerful tool in communication strategies. Engaging with others on social media is another way to connect with professionals who may not fully understand the challenges and opportunities faced by disabled individuals in PR.

The most valuable thing you can do if you're a business leader today is build an audience online. There are so many downstream, unexpected positive consequences from that. Not only will you stand out in PR, but you'll have all sorts of other opportunities arise. I can't recommend it enough.

As a young disabled public relations specialist, I see the value of public speaking in establishing thought leadership and advocating for inclusivity. Sharing my experiences can inspire others and challenge industry perceptions. While public speaking can be daunting, especially with accessibility concerns, it's essential to engage in inclusive events that support diverse voices. By honing my skills and participating in these opportunities, I can become both a thoughtful leader and an advocate for change.

As a young disabled PR specialist, I believe consistency is crucial in becoming a thoughtful leader. Sticking to a publishing schedule isn't just about staying relevant; it also shows resilience and dedication. Regularly sharing insights helps refine my voice and proves that my perspective matters, despite any challenges. Consistency not only keeps me visible in the industry but also advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices in leadership.

Focus on sharing valuable insights consistently. Engage with industry trends, write articles, and speak at events. Build a strong network and stay active on social media. "Leadership is action, not position."