How can social media be used to build professional relationships as a Thought Leader?

LinkedIn has been my primary platform as it aligns with my professional goals. While I acknowledge the importance of other platforms for various content styles and audience engagement, my focus has been on leveraging LinkedIn to showcase my industry knowledge and connect with fellow experts.

Here's how I can approach it- **Authentic Sharing** **Engagement Matters** **Consistent Presence** Remember, it's about creating a genuine connection & and staying true to your authentic self.

And remember… the real value is showing up offline and in line with the persona you’re promoting online. Humans prefer alignment; the cognitive dissonance that will occur if your offline persona is markedly different to your online alter will seriously impact credibility.

I think it is more about platform creator fit. Find the platform where you can be most entertaining or provide content people want to share with their friends. Yes other key performance indicators are important. But the story you tell is the most important aspect of the whole strategy

Social media is the ultimate networking powerhouse, turning virtual handshakes into real-world opportunities. It's all about picking your digital playgrounds wisely; align your platform choices with your industry's heartbeat and your personal brand's flair. Master this, and you're not just networking—you're sparking conversations and carving out your niche in the professional cosmos.

Being a thought leader involves offering valuable, timely content that informs, inspires, or entertains. It's about sharing insights, commenting on relevant topics, and engaging with others to show expertise and a willingness to learn.

This could be summed up as create something you wish you had once you were learning. Create for humans not for search engines

Providing value and relevance to your audience involves crafting and sharing content that educates and inspires, aligning with your expertise and niche. Additionally, engaging with and contributing to discussions on trending topics in your field shows your commitment to staying informed and your willingness to contribute original, valuable insights. This approach not only enhances your reputation as a knowledgeable professional but also fosters meaningful connections and discussions within your professional community.

Social media is your digital megaphone for building professional relationships—it's where you can shout out your skills and listen to others' needs. Offering value and staying relevant is key; it's like serving up a platter of your best ideas and insights to an eager audience. Nail this, and you transform followers into a professional fanbase, ready to engage, share, and collaborate with you.

Treating others with courtesy and appreciation, regardless of their response, upholds professionalism and integrity. It's about embodying the values you believe in, fostering a positive environment, and showing consistent respect in all interactions.

This is the most important piece of advice anyone can give you. I once started working with a founder who had an agency running his thought leadership. They would create these quote cards with famous sayings and quotes on them, but put a photo of the founder on every one. It was weird to see a quote from Martin Luther King - with this founder's face on it. ?? It wasn't authentic or human. Queue our help and we tapped into his experience and expertise, told stories and gave value and lo and behold ?? his personal brand started to sing!

Being authentic and human on social media is essential for a thought leader. It's about showing your genuine self, including your values, experiences, and even vulnerabilities. Share stories and insights that reflect your true personality and journey, not just your professional achievements. Authenticity fosters trust and relatability, allowing others to connect with you on a deeper level. This human approach not only strengthens professional relationships but also enriches your thought leadership with a personal touch that resonates with your audience.

Social media is like a virtual coffee shop for professionals, where being real and relatable brews stronger connections. When you're authentic, your posts aren't just another drop in the digital ocean; they resonate and create ripples of engagement. By being genuine, you're not just networking; you're building a tribe that values real talk over digital small talk.

I have seen accounts with 10,000 followers where they post and no one ever engages. If you show up for your audience and actually use your connections to build relationships, they will show up for you. Practical tip ?? Spend 20 min before you post engaging with the people you want to see your post. Spend 20 min after you post engaging with the people who engaged with your post. It works every time!

Social media is like the ultimate cocktail party for your career - mix, mingle, and make those connections! Engaging and interacting isn't just polite chit-chat; it's like sending out digital handshakes and high-fives, making you more memorable in the professional crowd. Dive into those conversations with gusto, and watch your network grow faster than likes on a viral cat video. ???

Building community is challenging but it is so important in any business. Deploy empathy, patience, and gratitude to your network and often you will find that it comes back to you. Don’t be an “influencer” be an influential human being.

Engaging actively on social media is key. By asking, answering, sharing, and participating in relevant discussions, you build credibility and influence as a thought leader. Interacting regularly helps establish your presence.

Engaging and interacting on social media is crucial for building professional relationships as a thought leader. It's not just about posting content, but also actively participating in conversations, responding to comments, and acknowledging others' contributions. This interaction fosters a sense of community and shows that you value the input and presence of your audience. It's about creating a two-way dialogue, where you not only share your expertise but also listen and engage with the insights of others, enriching both your knowledge and your network.

Stay present, authentic, and engaged. Follow up, stay attuned to their interests, and seek collaboration opportunities. This ongoing effort builds a loyal and engaged community around your expertise and vision.

This part. It’s not rocket science and yet, every day, in some dark corner of LinkedIn, there is someone overstepping the mark by trying to sell to someone without understanding (or communicating) the features and benefits (or worse, whether the ‘target’ is even part of their actual target audience)… or requesting contacts, connections or information without any consideration to the principles of equivalent exchange.

In this uncharted territory, consider the power of vulnerability. Share stories of challenges, failures, and the lessons learned. Authenticity in vulnerability connects you on a human level, fostering a sense of relatability and understanding. Embrace the unexpected and unconventional—sometimes the most impactful moments arise when you deviate from the script. Think of your social media presence as a dynamic narrative, weaving in unexpected twists that resonate with your audience. Remember, the most authentic and memorable stories often unfold beyond the confines of planned content, creating genuine connections in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.