How to become a thought leader?

Heard that thought leaders are the new hot thing?

Want to become one yourself but feel a bit blurry on how it stops being an abstract concept and becomes real, conquerable steps?

Here’s our guide:?

?? Get crystal clear on your audience and what you want your relationship with them to be

Trying to serve “everyone” will never hit, so figure out exactly who you’re talking to and what you want to say to them. Focus on people who will really resonate with what you have to offer and figure out how they like to speak so you can relate to them on their terms. From there, develop a clear, concise message to reinforce how you serve them. This way, as you grow your audience you can keep referring back to this offer and be known as the person who does That Thing.

??Create your “famous recipe”?

The best way to make your offering accessible is by breaking it up into simple steps, so it’s time to create your method for solving your clients’ “hair on fire” problem. Figure out how to communicate the process in up to five steps and then get to work disseminating this method. Create content, eBooks, articles, podcasts, videos, and posts about it. Use it to create lead magnets and make them into gated content. Write blogs and EDMs about it. Say it over and over until your nose bleeds. Once you get a few people to try it and have some success, you’ll gather social proof which provides beautiful momentum.?

??Get social

It’s time to show up as the leader you want to be on social media. Pick one or two platforms to commit to and go with them (half hearted presence across all platforms won’t get you anywhere so it’s best not to even try) and spend time each day creating compelling content around your method and the problems your audience has. It’s important to be active and consistent with likes, comments and DMs so you are seen as responsive and reliable.?

??Create and follow a content calendar?

Create a publishing calendar for content and start to build your momentum. If you ever feel stuck on what to post, just go back to your famous method and use that to build something. You can also look at what your audience is thinking, feeling and saying too. Your lighthouse should always be providing value and solving the problems that keep them up at night. If you can do this for free before they’ve even engaged your services, they’ll be chomping at the bit to work with you.?

??Pen a book?

There’s no greater flex than having literally written the book on it. If the idea of doing that is intimidating, even an outline is a good place to start. You’ll be amazed at the richness that flows once you put pen to paper. Don’t rush or pressure yourself, but make time to just show up and see what happens. Your book may emerge in more mysterious, wonderful ways than you ever thought possible. And at the worst - there’s a world full of brilliant ghost writers at your disposal!?

There you have it - everything you need to start your new life as a thought leader.

If you follow these tips with enough consistency, you’re well on your way.?

Before you know it, you’re going to wake up and look in the mirror and realise you’ve become a thought leader overnight without even realising.