Before the internet, there was no such thing as “THOUGHT LEADERS.” There were subject matter experts (SME’s), gurus, pros, and any number of other honorifics for people with expertise in a particular field.
Now with the internet, social media, webinars, podcasts, and blogs you can become a thought leader. How do you do it?
UPDATE YOUR LINKED IN PROFILE Unlike a resume, your LinkedIn profile tells more about you the person and how you can effect change, make a difference in people’s lives and careers. Use the 140 characters on top to highlight key words that express your expertise. Write a summary in your own words in the first person that sounds more personal
WRITE A WEELY BLOG You are the expert, so pick a narrow topic to talk about each week. Summarize three to five key points and write succinctly. No one has time to read much so make it short and to the point. You can refer people to your website or to a longer article. Include a one page giveaway such as a checklist or template.
SPEAK AT CONFERENCES or local businesses. The object is to be seen and heard by as many people as possible. Write a proposal with several possible topics of your speeches and shop it around to businesses and the conferences in your field. Write to associations, libraries, and universities that are looking for speakers. Expect some rejections, and some successes. Prepare your talk to hit the highlights and provide a free giveaway as well as an upmarket product or service for the attendees.
CREATE AN ONLINE FORUM FOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS It is not enough to have a Linked In page and write a blog, you need to be seen and heard on line with your opinion. Create a forum after each of your blogs and start a conversation. Answer other people’s questions. Feel free to disagree. Give your point of view. Don’t be afraid to be controversial.
Amy Geffen, PhD is currently Director of Professional Development at the Council for Economic Education. She is President and chief coach for Geffen Careers, a career coaching organization.