Thought Leadership’s Post

Thought leadership is earned. You cannot just add Thought Leader to your CV. The title has to be earned from others perceiving you as a thought leader. Speak from authenticity. Base your communications on your strengths, experience and passions, and others will take notice. Create thought-provoking and credible content, join relevant conversations, and seize speaking opportunities. To earn the trust of your peers and audience requires discipline and consistency. https://lnkd.in/daW-Pyc9

Dear Communication PRofessionals, Many of us attempt to make our bosses thought leaders. But too often they end up visible, popular or simply ordinary subject matter experts. Why? I think that in building thought leadership status, we are only supposed to refine our bosses' thoughts and ideas. But too often we attempt to do it for them. We conceptualize, write and only share with them for review. And because thought leadership doesn't work that way, they end up either visible or popular. You see the most viral, timeless pieces of content that are used as examples of thought leadership always appear to be delivered passionately and freely by the very owners of those ideas, even when there was a lot of work behind the scenes. Look at Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Aristotle. You sense passion in there. There is a touch of originality and ownership. We know that thought leaders are revered, not for their visibility and popularity, but for their expertise and insights. We know that they shape industry trends, opinions, and decisions. We know that they drive innovation and contribute to advancement of their field. We know that thought leadership is rooted in substantial contributions, which leads to enduring influence. So, to nail thought leadership in our leaders, rather than popularity, they just have to lay the content foundation by themselves. We should only be coming in as the soundboard and to provide necessary support in tactics such as platform, delivery, rehearsal, implications and of course feedback. But what if our leader is not suited for thought leadership? Well, while popularity is secondary to thought leadership, it still offers the decent benefits too: - Enhanced visibility and recognition - Expanded reach and influence - Opportunities for collaborations and partnerships - Strengthened social connections and networks So, have we made our bosses visible, popular or thought leaders? Now I cannot stop thinking of a 'popular' 'thought leader' at the helm of your organization.

Recently, I had an interesting experience while discussing marketing strategies with a potential partner. I was speaking with a manager. Shortly after introducing myself and the manager yelled "not interested" followed by being hung up on. While I completely understand that not every collaboration is a perfect fit, I believe in fostering open and respectful communication. It's essential for us, as professionals, to recognize the value of courteous dialogue, even when the answer might be a polite "no." In the fast-paced world of marketing, where innovation and creativity thrive, our conversations should mirror the dynamism of our industry. I encourage everyone to embrace a culture of respectful communication. It's perfectly acceptable to decline an opportunity, but let's ensure we do so with professionalism and courtesy. Hanging up on someone not only undermines the collaborative spirit but also tarnishes our collective reputation as industry leaders. Let's pledge to elevate our conversations, championing a culture of openness, transparency, and respect. After all, in marketing, relationships matter just as much as strategies. 🌐💬 #Marketing #Professionalism #Communication #BusinessEtiquette #RespectfulDialogues

Do you have a brilliant idea but are having trouble convincing your team to support it? Sometimes, having a great idea is not enough if you can't communicate its value to others effectively. Here are four tips to help you communicate and connect with your audience more effectively. ⬇️ #communication #publicspeaking #effectivecommunication #transformationalleadership

Are we creating unicorns or are they born-to-be? 🦄 🛰️ Navigating Thought Leadership Communication When delving into thought leadership communication, we encounter a multifaceted landscape. On one hand, there’s the company’s overarching messaging—the story we aim to tell. On the other hand, we must consider the diverse voices that will deliver this narrative, whether through a single spokesperson or several different spokespersons. Each individual possesses a distinct voice, shaped by their unique personality and perspective. 🧗🏼♀️ Challenges, challenges Collaborating with executives is both rewarding and demanding. As communicators, we find ourselves advocating for specific communication approaches. However, this requires time—something executives are often short on—and mutual trust. Patience becomes our ally as we navigate differing viewpoints. We’ll hear phrases like “I’d phrase it differently” or “I want to inspire people.” Our task is to remain open and learn how our spokesperson wishes to resonate with their audience. There’s no shortcut; building a thought leadership position necessitates close collaboration. 🚀 The Power of Authenticity Recently, one of our executives shared, “I’ll always express it in my own way—I represent my voice.” As the Communications Director, I took a deep breath and smiled. During a press interview, I observed him referencing my media brief, and that moment affirmed our trust-building journey. 🦄 The Unicorns True thought leaders are akin to unicorns—rare and captivating. They communicate in a manner that captivates listeners, making every word resonate. Curiously, the higher an individual’s position, the easier language they use, clearer their message becomes. It’s as if their authority lends clarity to their words. 🎯 The Executive’s Impromptu Brilliance Here’s the paradox: While I meticulously craft messages, weighing each word and ensuring coherence, our executive steps onto the stage and delivers it in their own words—often brilliantly. It’s a testament to their authenticity and the trust we’ve cultivated. 🧐 Are you, too, familiar with these challenges? Do you hold your breath when your executive faces an audience or a journalist? Or maybe you are the unicorn we all dream of (let’s forget for a moment that it’s mainly small girls dream 😆)? Let’s share our stories.

I've recently heard this more times than I'd like to admit in conversations with CEOs: 'My company isn't really doing anything fun right now to communicate about.' Yikes. This is a common pitfall I see CEOs and senior leaders get into when they're stuck in the weeds and they've forgotten the 'why' behind their company's existence. You might feel like you don't need communications/PR because you don't see the story in your daily grind. Yet, when traditional marketing methods fall short, it's a sign that a different approach is needed. When you start feeling this way, it's usually the time to bring in someone external. Someone who can see the freshness in your business, the bigger picture, and can remind you of the why -- the impact your business is having on others. It's not just about feeling or being newsworthy; it's about understanding the value of what you do and communicating it in way that reaches your unique clients or audience. If you think you have nothing to communicate, it's time to think again. What's a part of your business that you've overlooked as a potential story? #publicrelations #strategiccommunications

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 In the digital age, building a personal brand is more than just curating an online presence; it is about making a lasting impression in real-life interactions. Public speaking offers a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise, personality, and passion, thereby strengthening your personal brand.   ✔ 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 Whether you are delivering a keynote address at a conference or leading a workshop, sharing your knowledge and insights demonstrates your expertise. As you consistently deliver impactful presentations, you will gain credibility among your peers, industry professionals, and potential clients or employers.   ✔ 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Unlike digital communication, public speaking allows for genuine, face-to-face interactions. When you speak passionately and authentically about your expertise or experiences, you forge deeper connections with your audience. These personal connections humanize your brand, making you more relatable and memorable in the minds of your listeners.   ✔ 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 Speaking engagements provide valuable exposure for your personal brand. Whether you are speaking at industry events, networking meetings, or local gatherings, each presentation expands your reach and attracts new opportunities. As attendees share insights from your talk on social media or recommend you to their networks, your visibility and influence grow exponentially.   ✔ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 Public speaking is about delivering a message and commanding attention, exuding confidence, and inspiring action. As you hone your speaking abilities, you will develop essential leadership skills such as effective communication, persuasion, and adaptability. These skills not only enhance your personal brand but also position you as a formidable leader in your industry.   ✔ 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 The content of your speeches can be repurposed across various platforms to amplify your personal brand. From blog posts and social media updates to podcast interviews and video presentations, your speaking engagements serve as a rich source of content that reinforces your expertise and resonates with your audience across different channels.   By embracing public speaking opportunities, you can establish authority, foster authentic connections, amplify your visibility, and develop essential leadership skills—all of which are instrumental in crafting a compelling personal brand that leaves a lasting impression. So, step onto the stage, speak your truth, and watch your personal brand soar to new heights. #publicspeaking #personalbranding #skills #personalcare #leadership

"Visibility is everything." I had just started a new communications role and visibility was top of mind across the leadership team. Visibility is great... the problem was that content was visible and frequently 'liked' and shared within the leadership team, but it didn't actually reach any clients or investors, or even employees or prospective talent in a way that converted to any sort of action. We had a talented team of writers and marketers, but they were not given the space to create content that would convert. Consequently, this led to leadership questioning the value in these hires, because why have a marketing team if they're not making you money. And thus lies the struggle cycle in any company where leadership does not understand marketing. Why does this happen? I don't think any business leader wants to waste dollars. And I would be skeptical that most business leaders want the added responsibility of mastering social media or internal communications. It's natural to get caught up in fear and ego. And it's natural to get tunnel vision in content that we like- "we want to tell you how great we are!" But when we shine the light on ourselves as the hero, rather than our audience, we lose them. Every company is telling your prospective clients that they're the best. Your customer is tuning this out. What they want to know is which of you will make them the best. Metrics are great, but only when you know why your metrics matter. The best investment you will make in content is getting crystal clear on who you are talking to, what motivates them, and what language they are speaking in. Visibility in front of 10 qualified, exceptional leads, is more productive than visibility in front of thousands of unprofitable opinions. #contentstrategy #communicationsstrategy #audiencetargeting

🚀 Elevate your communication game! 🚀 Influential communication isn't just about words—it's about opening doors and forging meaningful connections. 💬✨ Ready to make your words count? Dive into mastering the art of persuasive dialogue today! 💪 #CommunicationSkills #Influence #CareerSuccess

Understanding your audience means having a deep knowledge of the people you are communicating with, including their: 1. Needs 2. Wants 3. Desires 4. Pain points 5. Interests 6. Values 7. Beliefs 8. Behaviors 9. Preferences 10. Goals It involves being able to put yourself in their shoes, see things from their perspective, and understand their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This understanding enables you to tailor your message, language, and tone to effectively connect with them, build trust, and achieve your communication goals. Understanding your audience is crucial in various contexts, such as: 1. Public speaking 2. Writing (articles, blogs, books) 3. Marketing and advertising 4. Teaching and education 5. Sales and customer service 6. Leadership and management 7. Public relations and communications By understanding your audience, you can create content, messages, and experiences that resonate with them, fostering meaningful connections and achieving desired outcomes.