HOW TO BE A THOUGHT LEADER IN YOUR NICHE

Standing out in the marketplace means gaining traction in the industry and building an audience, which can be a challenging process. You need to nail marketing strategies such as branding, advertising online or offline, blogging, giveaways, having a referral and rewards program, and more.

Another way that is often overlooked is to develop a platform where you are leading the conversation in your area of expertise. After all, you are the leader, founder and CEO of your business and you are passionate about what it offers. You are actually in a perfect position to become a thought leader in your field.

While getting to this point takes time and effort, it’s a worthwhile investment that will result in you building credibility, reach, leads, and platform. These questions will help you to understand what your personal brand must centre on. With so much noise out there these days, you will need to get very specific about your specialty.

What is your business niche?

Which area can you be a changemaker?

What exactly are you an expertin?

What are you passionate about more than anyone else

What do you value?

What do you love?

What does your audience value, and where does the overlap lie between your interests and the consumers’?

You need to find a precise area to focus on that differentiates you from other entrepreneurs. By becoming the industry leader on one particular topic,

people will begin coming to you for information, advice, quotes, and for the services your organisation offers, because you’re known as the “go-to” thought leader.

CONSISTENCY IS VITAL

People need to remember you. They’re only going to do this if you’re consistent in your branding. Although some testing and measuring is normal and needed, ask yourself before you share something publicly, if it is consistent with your brand and your message. Consistency means regularity of your content, too. People need to hear from you often to keep you front of mind, so it’s important to share information and ideas regularly. Create a content plan a few months ahead at a time, so you keep producing regular content and new ideas.

Look at the topics being talked about frequently in the media and find a way to tie your offerings and values into these relevant subjects. Journalists might even approach you for your viewpoints on topical

matters, and help further propel your status as a thought leader.

GIVE, GIVE, GIVE

Share the expertise you have in a public forum. Create loads of content, such as blogs, videos, articles, books, talks and workshops, where you educate others on what you know. Really focus on helping others to succeed.

Create “how to” content for your audience which is insightful and helpful, but also gives action steps they can follow to get ahead. Give to your audience. Come up with questions you and other people in your field get asked all the time as a starting point for what you can offer. Be as helpful as you can, and you’ll soon start building a name for yourself as a thought leader.

AUTHENTICITY IS KEY

Most importantly, be authentic. People respect, listen to and connect with experts who “walk the walk,” who are approachable, natural, and real. Some of your audience will be able to connect with you and your story, which means they are more likely to be loyal followers and potential clients. You don’t want to build a brand based on anyone other than your authentic self. It’s all about who you are and what you believe in, and how this can help others. Be yourself, and things will fall into place more easily.