How to Assess Your Current Platform and Position Yourself as an Industry Thought Leader

Are you tired of spinning your wheels, trying to get traction in your business, but not seeing the results you want? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with where to start, what to do, and how to actually get out there and get known? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors feel the same way.

But here’s the good news: You can assess where you are, make the right tweaks, and position yourself as an industry thought leader to land media interviews, attract more clients, speaking opportunities, and even increase your book sales. Yes, you can even create products to build passive income streams along the way!

Here’s your roadmap to go from invisible to influential!

1. Assess Your Current Platform

Start with an honest evaluation of where you stand. You can’t build a sky-high empire on a shaky foundation, so let’s check if your platform is solid.

• Brand Identity: What does your brand stand for? If someone Googles your name, what shows up? Your messaging should be clear, consistent, and memorable. People need to know who you are, what you do, and why they should care within seconds of landing on your website or social media profiles.
• Online Presence: Do you have a professional website, blog, or at least an active social media profile where you regularly engage with your audience? Having just a personal profile won’t cut it. You need business pages with opt-in forms to capture leads and nurture them through email marketing.
• Content Creation: Are you regularly creating content that showcases your expertise? Blogging, podcasting, live streaming—whatever works for you—should be part of your regular routine. This positions you as a thought leader and keeps your audience engaged.

If your answers make you feel less than excited, it’s okay. Now is the time to step up your game.

2. Position Yourself as an Industry Thought Leader

Thought leaders are seen as go-to experts in their field. They’re the ones invited to podcasts, asked to keynote conferences, and featured in media outlets. Here’s how you can start owning that space:

• Clarify Your Message: What’s the one thing you want to be known for? You can’t be everything to everyone, so narrow your focus. Thought leaders are specialists, not generalists.
• Be Consistent: Show up consistently on your platforms. Whether it’s weekly blog posts, monthly webinars, or regular social media updates, consistency is key . Your audience (and the media) need to see you as a constant presence, not someone who pops up sporadically.
• Leverage Media Outlets : Start small by pitching yourself to local newspapers, podcasts, or online magazines. Remember, it’s not about getting featured on CNN right away; it’s about building momentum. Once you’ve built a local or niche following, the bigger opportunities will come.

3. Land Media Interviews

One of the fastest ways to build credibility and visibility is through media interviews. But landing them takes some strategy:

• Build a Media-Friendly Press Kit: You need a speaker one-sheet, professional photos, and clear media sound bites. Journalists and producers don’t have time to sift through all your materials, so make it easy for them to say “yes” by being media-ready.
• Pitch with a Purpose: Craft your pitch based on the outlet’s audience. What can you share that will bring value to their readers or viewers? Don’t pitch about how great you are; pitch about how you can solve a problem or inspire their audience.
• Start Local, Think National: Build credibility by getting featured in local newspapers, blogs, and radio shows. Once you have these under your belt, it becomes easier to pitch larger outlets . Media likes to know you’ve been vetted before.

4. Generate More Clients & Attract Speaking Opportunities

Your platform and media exposure should feed into one ultimate goal—growing your business. Here’s how to turn those interviews and features into paying clients and speaking engagements:

• Showcase Client Success: Have you helped someone achieve something amazing? Share those stories in your content. Testimonials, case studies, and success stories are powerful tools that build trust.
• Engage Your Audience: Don’t just broadcast; engage. Respond to comments, interact with your audience, and invite them to share their thoughts. The more engaged your audience is, the more they’ll see you as someone they want to hire or book to speak.
• Create a Signature Talk: Having a signature talk makes it easier for event organizers to know what to book you for. Make sure it addresses the pain points of your ideal audience and offers clear takeaways.

5. Increase Book Sales & Develop Passive Income Streams

Now let’s talk about that income! If you’re a speaker or author , you should always be thinking about how to diversify your revenue streams.

• Bundle Your Knowledge: Your book is just the beginning. Think about how you can turn it into workshops, courses, or masterminds. People want to go deeper into what you’re teaching—don’t leave money on the table.
• Create Digital Products: From ebooks to courses, there’s a ton of potential in digital products. These can be set up once and sold over and over again, creating passive income. Leverage your existing content—blog posts, talks, interviews—and package it into a product.
• Membership or Subscription Models: If you have a following, consider offering a membership site or subscription where people can access exclusive content, Q&As, or live trainings. This provides consistent monthly income while keeping your community engaged.

6. Build Your Email List

I can’t stress this enough: Your email list is gold . Social media platforms can change or disappear, but your email list is something you own. Here’s how to build it:

• Offer a Freebie: Create a high-value lead magnet like a guide, checklist, or mini-course that your audience can’t resist. Promote it on your website and social channels.
• Email Nurture Sequences: Don’t just collect emails and leave them hanging. Have an automated sequence that introduces who you are, what you do, and how you can help them. Build the relationship so that when you offer a product or service, they’re ready to buy.

Ready to Build Your Legacy?

It’s time to stop hiding and start shining. You have something incredible to offer the world, but it’s up to you to position yourself as the go-to expert in your field. Assess your current platform , fill in the gaps, and take action to build a brand that gets media attention, clients, speaking gigs, and more book sales.

You’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy.

Let Pam Perry PR Help You Get There

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it alone. With over 25 years of experience in PR and marketing, I’ve helped hundreds of authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs not just build their platforms but dominate in their industries. My team and I specialize in getting you the visibility, credibility, and media coverage that propels you to thought leadership status.

When you work with Pam Perry PR, you get access to my network of media contacts, strategic branding insights, and tailored PR service s to make sure you’re seen, heard, and hired. Whether you need help refining your message, creating a media-friendly press kit, or booking high-profile speaking gigs—we’re here to help you shine.

Join the Ready, Set, Go, Speak! community and take advantage of our resources to amplify your brand and create real momentum. From growing your email list to getting booked on national media outlets, we have the roadmap you need to achieve the success you deserve.

Are you ready to level up and become the thought leader in your industry? Let’s get started today. Reach out at PamPerryPR.com and let’s talk about how we can work together to make your brand unforgettable.