In these economic times, it’s a good time to establish thought leadership for yourself or as a representative of your company. With a variety of social media tools available, it’s not too difficult to do and you’re sure to make a few friends along the way to grow your network of support.
So, how do you do this? Recently, I wrote about brand advocacy, how you can develop a list of your brand attributes and test it. So let’s take this one step further: where can you create brand perceptions and stories so that others will remember you?
The social media channels are obvious and well-known places, but are you using them?
LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn recently built in discussions into the Groups functionality (previously, it was only a badge of affiliation) and this is an easy way to do some ad-hoc networking. Try asking some thought-provoking or interesting questions that will catch the attention and interest of the group. For example, “What are your organization strategies?”–a topic broad enough to cover any profession, and people are always looking for ideas to be more efficient themselves.
Twitter
A lot of people are stumped at how to use Twitter. At first, you may announce that you are going to lunch or what you’re eating for lunch, but after a while, that isn’t so interesting since most people head off to lunch daily and often.
But when you start asking interesting questions (see above) or comment on things that interest you and relate to how you want to be remembered. A slip up or two is fine, shows that you’re human. Also the great thing is when you can find opportunities to help others. That is great thought leadership.
Facebook
Yes, you really can’t hide not even on Facebook. Sure, you can show a more personal side but just remember Big Brother is watching you!
It ain’t easy…
Thought leadership is the practice of learning and helping others, and knowing when to show your best talents! Sounds easy? It isn’t, and with some practice, you’ll find the best strategies for you.
PR Agencies, too, will benefit from thought leadership and are more likely to rise above the rest in these times.
If you have been really strong in this area, what do you think contributes to your success? Or what would you like to do to build thought leadership?
As a student interested in marketing, I know how important it is to start developing a web presence. I want to create my own brand online so I am starting to create my own blog, contact different bloggers online, use Twitter, Digg, and other web 2.0 channels.
I am hoping that in short amount of time, I too can have a following online and this will separate me from the rest of the competition looking to get into marketing.
Good content creates thought leadership, thought leaderships converts prospects to clients.
The most important first steps to implementing an effective thought leadership & content marketing strategy is to become an expert problem solver. Shift your focus from your product to your client. Listen to your business customers to find out what problems and issues they are dealing with so you can present information relative to how your solution will help them.
If a business customer is smart enough to research, he or she is smart enough to read through phony content. Never underestimate the intelligence of a potential customer. Assume they know their stuff and that they will analyze your content. Then create content that stands up to research and meets the standards of quality content in your industry. Create good content and thought leadership will come.
Good points, Clara! I’d also add commenting on relevant blogs.
Using the social media networks you mentioned, and having great content on our own blogs is critical, but our blog or social networks may not have the readership of complimentary blogs in the industry. So, insightful comments on these blogs opens up another great channel for developing and boosting credibility as a thought leader.