A thought leader is defined as “a person whose views are taken to be authoritative and influential.” In other words, thought leaders were the OG influencers. Long before social media existed, they were speaking at conferences, contributing op-ed pieces, being quoted in media articles, and/or being the go-to for questions within their specific industry.
It’s a different world these days. Audiences are more niche than ever, and the channels to reach them have multiplied. The democratization of communication has been amazing for individuals and organizations interested in sharing their voice, but it has also made it a crowded space where you need consistent and compelling messaging to make an impact.
Becoming a thought leader takes time, effort, and consistency. It also requires you to think strategically about what your goals are, who your target audience is, and how best to reach them. For more details, read my recent post about the ten tips to becoming a thought leader.
“But Sarah,” you say, “I want to be a thought leader. I have the expertise, I have the experience, I have a compelling, unique viewpoint, and I want to raise my profile and that of my organization. BUT I don’t have the time. What do I do?”
Hard stop. There is no way to become a thought leader without dedicating your time and effort to doing so. However, there are ways to streamline the amount of time and effort you are required to dedicate to the cause to be successful. And that’s where our Glow Up publicity and thought leadership program is here to help. We can:
Work hand-in-hand with you throughout the goal-setting process, identifying your areas of expertise, and the factors that make your perspective unique and valuable
Identify target audiences and research the best options for how to reach said audiences
Brainstorm topics of interest
Develop customized pitches specific to each audience and venue
Craft effective presentations that fit your style, voice, and brand
Draft, review, and/or edit op-eds, blogs, or other written pieces on your behalf
Create speeches, remarks, and talking points that illuminate your perspective
Host “practice” presentations where we provide feedback and tips on how to best communicate your message to the audience
Attend your presentations, virtually or in-person (if logistically possible), to serve as your support team
Create promotional plans and materials to amplify your presence, both before and after you are featured
We specialize in helping healthcare professionals and/or individuals affiliated with nonprofits and associations increase their visibility by targeting local or niche groups, publications, and audiences of interest. But we’re happy to chat with all individuals or organizations who are interested in enhancing their profile and dipping a toe into the thought leadership field this year.
We can’t do all the work for you, but we can save you time, effort, and stress as you embark on or expand your thought leadership journey.