“Good stuff Ben. I find that I have internal resistance to the idea of being a ‘thought leader.’ Somehow I’ve created an image in my head of what ‘real’ thought leaders look like and struggle with the notion of including myself in that group…”
I love how Denise Brosseau captures the essence of thought leadership in the following quote.
(And this is why I say…thought leadership is a verb.)
“Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise. They are trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn ideas into reality, and know—and show—how to replicate their success.
“They create a dedicated group of friends, fans, and followers to help them replicate and scale those ideas into sustainable change…not just in one company but in an industry, niche or across an entire ecosystem…
“Thought leadership is not about being known, it is about being known for making a difference.”
Her description reveals something that’s very important, especially if you want to make a bigger impact with your business: thought leadership is influence in action.
• Because it’s taking what you know, who you serve (and why), and your secret sauce…and communicating that to your audience—whether you’re online, onstage, or on the phone.
(It’s uniquely yours because it’s based on your years of experience, education, failures, triumphs, insights, investment, wisdom, time, energy, effort, talent…and everything in between.)
Thought leadership is influence in action.
• Because you’ll be positioned as the person who has the answer or solution that your clients, customers, or audience are looking for….or the message, product, or service that will help them discover the answers and solutions for themselves.
(It’s the part of your story that communicates your expertise, authority, capability, and leadership.)
Thought leadership is influence in action.
• Because it will help you create a community, tribe, or following of people who are committed to your vision…because you’re helping them to realize their goals and achieve their dreams. These people will literally become the voice of your company or organization… and the ones who bring a flood of new and repeat business to your door.
(It helps you create and cultivate trust-based relationships so you can move new ideas from person to person, throughout organizations, and throughout the world.)
At the risk of repeating myself, thought leadership is influence in action.
It’s an important piece of the puzzle that helps you inspire people to take action because you’re offering them new insights and perspectives…while providing an evolving roadmap for success.
So what about you? Is thought leadership a verb for you?
If you’re not sure, take a look at Denise’s quote (above) and then take this 60-second quiz:
1. Am I a reliable source of information and a go-to person in my field of expertise?
2. Do I inspire people with innovative ideas?
3. Do I create relationships based on trust?
4. Do I turn my ideas into success and can I show others how to replicate that success?
5. Am I known for making a difference in one person’s life? In my organization? In my world?
Now…
Based on your answer do you have some new perspective or insight?
What are you going to do next?
• • •
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