Here's how you can position yourself as a thought leader in business coaching through networking.

Want to stand out as a thought leader in the business coaching profession? Don’t just mingle—elevate the room. I see too many leaders treat networking like speed dating, skimming the surface without making real connections. Instead, be the one who brings depth to turn it into a meaningful conversation. Ask the questions that no one else dares to ask, challenge conventional thinking, and provoke a new perspective. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about who will remember you for changing the way they think. If you’re serious about moving beyond the superficial, consider reading the "Leadership Mindset" book from Amazon. It’s time to stop playing the game and start changing it, don't you think?. #MoeNawaz #LeadershipMindset

Credibility doesn't come from spewing your credentials in a resume-like list. It comes from owning your niche of genius and sticking to it. Saying "yes" to what you are a genius at, and "no" to the rest. Credibility gets dissolved when you step out of your niche which can be tempting in a variety of scenarios from trying to get the sale, trying to appease a client, or trying to keep a client from going elsewhere. It takes clear boundaries with yourself and others to stay in your lane and the rewards are worth it.

Building credibility takes time and is underpinned by consistently demonstrating my expertise and reliability. I make sure that all information I share is well-researched and backed by my own coaching experiences or credible sources. Furthermore, I seek endorsements and testimonials from past and current clients which I can share within my network. Attaining certifications and continuing education in my field also contributes significantly to my credibility.

Regular engagement is key to staying relevant and top of mind within my network. I participate in networking events, both virtual and in-person, and join relevant groups and forums where business coaching topics are discussed. By maintaining a consistent presence, I ensure that my connections see me as an active and dedicated member of the business coaching community.

I make it a point to share valuable insights and knowledge that reflect my expertise in business coaching. This includes writing articles, creating blog posts, and speaking at industry events. By disseminating useful, actionable content, I establish myself as a go-to resource in my field. I also contribute to discussions on social media platforms like LinkedIn, where I can directly reach other professionals interested in business coaching.

Collaboration is indeed an excellent strategy to establish you as a thought leader. I particularly find being an expert on summits, panels or in other communities, being interviewed on podcasts and doing keynote talks at networking events or conferences really helps me get in front of new audiences and for those audiences to see me as a thought leader and come into my world. Collaboration can look many different ways, it doesn't mean you have to jump into bed with with or run events together.

As a business coach, effective listening is one of my core skills. During networking interactions, I focus on really hearing what others are saying, which helps me understand the current challenges and needs within the industry. This not only informs my own practice and what insights I should share but also allows me to provide personalized advice and support to others in the network, thereby strengthening relationships.

This is the key point if you want to be, not just an expert or leader but a thought leader. You have to share new, innovative or different ideas, be courageous to try new things and not be afraid to speak your opinions of your industry, comment on trends or make predictions. Original thought is important, no ai!

If you want to be considered a thought leader in the business coaching arena, you must learn to speak up and share radical opinions. If your comments and views are always in agreement with other speakers, it's hard to be heard in a noisy world. Take a stand and share it boldly, both in your content and comments.