As a driven entrepreneur, establishing credibility and authority among industry leaders is a crucial objective. A highly effective approach to achieving this is through thought leadership, which involves learning from the top experts in your chosen domain. However, it can be challenging to determine the most suitable medium to focus on when establishing oneself as a thought leader.
Below, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share their suggestions on the most effective forms of thought leadership and ways to become established that have helped their clients cultivate industry credibility and authority.
1. Share LinkedIn Articles And Participate In A Fireside Chat
A recent client in the environmental policy arena was looking to improve their standing as a thought leader. The first venue I suggested was LinkedIn articles due to the strong network connections. The second was leading a panel and fireside chat with a relevant audience due to the ability to showcase their knowledge and share the conversation accordingly. – Tim Huff, Turknett Leadership Group
2. Research Journals And Case Studies
Some of my clients already have a level of authority to their name working in areas of writing and speaking mostly. I work to encourage them to go another step further and take their knowledge and experience and turn it into an academic report. Whether it be a journal, case study or research, sharing their skills at an academic level is a wonderful way to solidify industry credibility. – Aileen Day, Aileen Day Advisory
3. Speak At Industry Specific Conferences
To build industry credibility, I suggest clients begin by speaking at industry-specific conferences. But, it’s vital not to overlook easy-access platforms like LinkedIn, appearing on podcasts and local chamber or rotary club events. Each offers unique opportunities for networking, showcasing expertise and establishing authority. – Dr. Jolene Church, DJC Consulting, Coaching, & Training, LLC
4. Execute An Action From A Subject Matter In A Book
I ask them to focus on what their authentic message is and then identify thought leaders who exude that authenticity they want. Next, model their systems, not their message. Finally, I ask them to get a book on their subject matter and take one big bold move from each chapter they read. They can’t continue with the book unless they execute an action from that chapter. Clarity comes from the execution. – Steve Harris, The Steve Harris Company
5. Reflect On The Kind Of Thought Leader You Want To Be
I recommend that they focus on what they want to be known for, then research and align with other thought leaders in their industry. Building authority also requires time and patience; it doesn’t happen overnight. And reflect on what kind of thought leader you want to be, a sharer of other knowledge or your own experience. – April Sabral, April Sabral Leadership
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6. Write Articles
Write articles to establish thought leadership. They showcase expertise, share knowledge and provide industry insights. Easy to share on social media, attract backlinks, improve SEO and drive traffic. This is a low-cost and effective way to build credibility and authority in any industry. – Carrie Anne Yu, Conscious Ignite
7. Leverage OPP And Create A Media Blitz Strategy
I suggest all my clients leverage OPP to build credibility and authority in their industry. OPP stands for “other people’s platforms.” We create a media blitz strategy of articles, podcasts, and speaking engagements for almost everyone because each form of media can be repurposed on multiple channels, exponentially increasing reach and boosting SEO rankings. – Jevon Wooden, BrightMind Consulting Group
8. Create And Establish Brand
Thought leadership comes in many forms but it starts with that leader knowing what it is that they stand for (or want to be known for). From there, it is creating the leadership “brand” around them, with LinkedIn being the easiest place to start—profile enhancements, commenting on content, sharing content with a point of view and creating content (articles, videos, live streams). – Tami Chapek, WeInspireWe
9. Focus On The Most Sustainable Media
Focus first on the most sustainable use of your time versus making a single sale. For example, focus on SEO instead of paid ads first, then think about blogs before creating email sequences. Be sure to concentrate on podcasts instead of live social media videos. This way of working will help you create a sustainable business that (eventually) runs itself. – Michelle Rockwood, Unscripted Sales
10. Write A Book
I encouraged my clients to write books and have watched more than 50 of them become best-sellers. A book is an effective way to position yourself as an authority in your industry, differentiating you from your competition. Most would love to write a book, but only one percent will. Handing a prospect or associate your book instead of a business card will skyrocket your credibility in their eyes. – Ryan Stewman, Break Free Academy
11. Develop A Unique POV
Clients who wish to build credibility and authority in their industry need to first develop their unique point of view (POV). Experts are sought out for the way they add value through their ideas, perspectives and experience. So, it’s less about the venue or forum in which they share their perspective but the POV itself. Become the expert on that “something” and then share it out and wide! – Sohee Jun, S.J. Consulting, LLC
12. Discover The Highest Impact Mediums
Credibility and authority can be obtained in various forms, but the key is to be visible and to showcase knowledge backed by insight and application. Start with a medium you feel most comfortable with. The highest impact mediums are those where you are visually seen, heard and experienced, such as panels, keynotes and workshops. Try personal videos too and be as consistent as possible. – Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
13. Consistently Share Genuine Stories
The key is to study where their clients are and share personal stories with built-in value for the audience, and the hero’s journey (journey, problem, lesson, win), using their words to ensure the message resonates. The juice here is to do that consistently. Consistency and personal touch is where most efforts fail. In the age of ChatGPT-generated content, all of the above matters a lot more. – Alina Trigubenko, Profi
14. Utilize Podcasts To Establish A Personal Brand
For building credibility and authority, I recommended podcasts as the optimal form of thought leadership. Podcasts offer an engaging platform to share expertise, foster conversations and reach a wide audience, while also allowing for collaboration and a lasting digital footprint. The client can establish a strong personal brand, positioning themselves as an influencer. – Tiffaney Williams, The Wealth Concierge Inc.
15. Reveal Your Natural Strengths
I would suggest that they focus on the way that feels most natural to them and reflects their strength. Thought leadership is a long-term game and the key word is consistency. If they find it easy to talk I would suggest starting with podcasts or videos. If their natural talent is writing, I would suggest focusing on articles and posts. – Dorota Klop-Sowinska, DoSo! Coaching
16. Become A Powerful Presenter
I always suggest they become a very strong speaker, and then identify industry conferences or events where they can present. Nothing builds credibility like being a powerful presenter on an interesting subject. – John Lowe, Ty Boyd, Inc.
17. Gain Knowledge Across Generations
A key aspect of leadership today is leading effectively across generations. To have credibility and authority I invite clients to interview people of different generations, place themselves in their shoes (empathy walks are great experiences) and observe them without judgment and stereotypes. I also believe that deeply reflected views, rather than data and information, are more powerful to influence. – Alessandra Marazzi, Alessandra Marazzi GmbH
18. Define Your Differentiating Value
Based on my research study, the most important first step is defining the differentiating value of your thought leadership perspective. Once you understand exactly how your thought leadership differentiates you from your peers, then the communication vehicle which is the most comfortable platform for you can be determined. Data may use infographics. Stories may use video or audio. It’s up to you. – Karan Rhodes, Shockingly Different Leadership (SDL)
19. Participate In Strategic Interviews To Meet Industry Experts
A client needs to possess some expertise and connections to those interested in what they have to offer. What if they have neither? They can go find and create it. This can be done through curiosity. Through strategic interviews of key figures with insight, the client can become an expert in their area and network with already established players. These experiences can be leveraged to market. – David Yudis, Potential Selves
20. Create An Action Plan And Build A Specific Network
To enhance visibility for a female leader, we first put together an action plan that combines internal and external steps to take, plus a timeline. As a “warm-up,” we define the networking activity that is least uncomfortable for the client and focus on it. If you build a very specific online and or IRL network and talk about your expertise, the right opportunities will arise along the way. – Micha Goebig, Go Big Coaching & Communications, LLC
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