7 Thought Leadership Strategies That Will Grow Your Business in 2023

Tired of feeling like just another voice in your industry? Do you want to stand out from the crowd and become recognized for your unique perspectives on your industry?

If so, it’s time to develop a thought leadership strategy. 

But where do you even start?

It’s so hard to stand out. How do you make it actually work?

Today, I’ll guide you through the process of building a thought leadership strategy from start to finish. We’ll break it down into simple, actionable steps anyone can follow.

At the end of the post, you’ll understand how to develop one that works for your goals.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Thought Leadership Strategy?

Let’s define the purpose of a “thought leadership strategy” before we dive into how to create one.

A thought leadership strategy is a plan for establishing yourself or your brand as a trusted authority in your industry.

It’s about sharing your knowledge and insights with the world and positioning yourself as a go-to resource for your target audience.

But why is it important to be a thought leader?

It can help you stand out in a crowded market. If you’re seen as an expert in your field, people will naturally gravitate toward you when they’re looking for guidance.

And in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, thought leadership helps you cut through the noise.

Additionally, thought leadership can help you build trust with an audience. This is a huge shortcut to building loyalty with customers.

But remember: becoming a thought leader isn’t just about spouting off your opinions.

It requires a strategic approach that involves careful planning, consistent content creation, and a willingness to engage with others in your industry.

The One Tip That Will Drive Your Thought Leadership Strategy to Success

In a world of cookie-cutter content, authenticity is a breath of fresh air. 

After all, people connect with people, not businesses or organizations that spew generic information.

So, how do you infuse authenticity into your thought leadership strategy?

It starts with embracing your unique perspective on the world. Don’t be afraid to show the world what you really think. Let your independent beliefs shine through your content, interactions, and personal brand.

Remember: you’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to connect with the audience that resonates with your authentic opinions.

Authenticity also means being transparent and honest with your audience. Share your successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way. Vulnerability is where true connections are forged.

Your audience will appreciate your authenticity and see you as a relatable and trustworthy thought leader.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t confuse authenticity with being unprofessional or sloppy. You can be authentic and still maintain a high level of professionalism. Authenticity is about being genuine, not about compromising quality or standards.

Authenticity is like a magnet that attracts like-minded individuals who resonate with your message.

7 Thought Leadership Strategies to Help You Win

Step #1: Build Your Irresistible Offer

Your offer should be the centerpiece of your marketing strategy. It’s what will attract your target audience and keep them engaged with your brand.

So, how do you create a truly irresistible offer?

Here are some things you can do:

• Start by understanding your audience. What are their pain points? What are their desires? What are they searching for? Once you understand your audience, you can tailor your offer to meet their specific needs.
• Focus on adding value. Your offer should solve a problem or provide a solution that your audience can’t find anywhere else. It should make their lives easier or offer a unique perspective that they can’t get anywhere else.
• Your offer also needs to be creative and innovative. Think outside the box and think of something that will truly wow your audience. It could be a unique product or a revolutionary concept.
• Make sure your offer is easy to access and use. Make it straightforward, and ensure that your offer is clear and easy to understand.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an irresistible offer that will make your audience remember you.

Step #2: Find Your Target Audience

You have a valuable offer that can change lives and make a difference.

The problem is…

….people are different.

This is where your target audience comes into play.

You have to identify the people who will be most receptive to your message and who can benefit the most from what you have to offer.

Dive deep into their desires, challenges, and aspirations.

Understanding your target audience is crucial. It allows you to tailor your thought leadership strategy to resonate with them. It’s all about speaking their language, addressing their pain points, and capturing their hearts.

Remember, you’re not just looking for any old audience—you’re looking for people that are ready to embrace what you have to offer.

Step #3: Set Exciting Goals

Don’t settle for mediocre goals.

Think about what truly excites and inspires you—the goals that make your heart pound.

Is it reaching a certain number of followers? Becoming a recognized authority in your niche? Or perhaps launching a groundbreaking product? Whatever your goals are, let the excitement they bring fuel your goal-setting process.

To ensure your goals are rock-solid and attainable, employ the SMART framework.

• Specific: The more precise, the better. Instead of saying “I want more followers,” be bold and say “I want to reach 10,000 followers who are engaged and passionate about my content.”
• Measurable: You want to be able to track your progress and celebrate those small victories along the way. Quantify your goals so you can see how far you’ve come and how close you are to the finish line.
• Achievable: Your goals should be challenging enough to stretch your limits but not so outlandish that they feel impossible. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you’re pushed to grow and excel.
• Relevant: Your goals should be meaningful to you, resonating with your core values and driving you forward. When your goals have a purpose, you’ll find the motivation to keep pushing even when challenges arise.
• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline, a target to work towards. It adds a sense of urgency and keeps you accountable. Plus, it’s oh-so-satisfying to cross that finish line right on time.

Step #4: Connect with Other Thought Leaders

Connecting with other thought leaders can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your influence and achieve your goals.

Seeking out other experts in your field can lead to collaboration opportunities, learning from their experiences, and tapping into their audience to amplify your message.

But don’t just connect with anyone—find other thought leaders who share your vision and values. They will inspire you to be your best and challenge you to think outside the box.

So how do you connect with like-minded individuals?

Here are some things you can do:

• Attend industry conferences and events
• Join online communities and forums
• Engage with them on social media

Reach out and introduce yourself, and let them know why you admire their work.

The key to building strong relationships with other thought leaders is to approach them with humility and a genuine desire to learn from them. Don’t just seek out connections to boost your ego—focus on building meaningful relationships.

Step #5: Create Value-Driven Content

Content is king.

But not just any content—it has to be value-packed, insightful, and unique.

It means you need to offer something remarkable. Don’t just regurgitate information that’s already out there.

You need to add your spin to it and offer something that no one else can.

But don’t create content just for the sake of it. Your content should be purposeful and deliver value to your audience. It should help solve their problems, answer their questions, or entertain them.

Try to identify a popular belief or common assumption in your industry. This could be a widely accepted practice, a traditional approach, or a prevailing mindset that has become the norm.

If you question this belief and present an alternative perspective, you immediately grab your audience’s attention and stimulate critical thinking.

Or you can try providing more actionable content than anyone else in your industry.

This means going above and beyond the standard tips and generic advice commonly found. Instead, you delve deep into the practical implementation, offering specific examples, case studies, and step-by-step instructions.

If you deliver this level of detail and actionable content, you become a valuable resource for your audience.

When it comes to creating content that truly resonates with your audience, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. So experiment with different formats, styles, and topics to see what works best.

Creating value-driven content isn’t just about creating something nice to look at.

It’s about creating something that truly speaks to your audience, solves their problems, and leaves them wanting more.

Step #6: Promote Your Content

You’ve created amazing content, but now it’s time for thought leadership marketing.

So, how do you make sure your content gets the attention it deserves?

• Use social media. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to spread the word. Engage with your audience, spark conversations, and let your personality shine through. Build meaningful relationships and create a community around your content. But a warning: Don’t get discouraged if a random group of your old acquaintances doesn’t “Like” your content. They’re not your audience. Build a new audience of people who need the message you’re sharing.
• Collaborate. Join forces with influencers and like-minded individuals in your industry. Seek out partnerships, guest posting opportunities, and cross-promotion ventures.
• Craft attention-grabbing headlines and design eye-catching visuals.  Your headline is the first thing people see, so make sure it’s catchy and irresistible. Visuals are also an excellent way to make your content stand out in a crowded digital space.

The world of content is evolving. What works today might not work tomorrow.

So, try different strategies, analyze your results, and refine your approach. Keep an eye on the latest trends, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries.

Step #7: Expand Your Reach

Once you’ve built a small platform, it’s time to take your thought leadership to the next level and expand your reach.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Get speaking engagements. Speaking engagements are an amazing way to showcase your expertise and connect with your audience in person. You can share your insights, answer their burning questions, and make a lasting impression.
• Start your podcast. With the rise of audio content, hosting your podcast is an amazing way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. You can share your thoughts, interview other thought leaders, and offer valuable insights in a format that’s easy to consume.
• Write a book. Think about it—having a published book is the ultimate symbol of expertise and authority in your field. It’s also a great way to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a thought leader.

So, keep your eyes open for opportunities. The more platforms you conquer, the more people you’ll reach.

Your Thought Leadership Journey Begins Now

We’ve explored the ins and outs of thought leadership best practices, from understanding what it means to be a thought leader to developing an authentic and captivating voice.

We’ve unraveled the mysteries of building your brand, creating valuable content, connecting with other thought leaders, and expanding your reach.

Now it’s time to put these strategies into practice. Take bold steps forward and watch your thought leadership journey unfold.

Your path to thought leadership won’t be easy, but remember that every stumble is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Embrace the challenges, stay true to your vision, and keep pushing forward with determination.

And if you want to write a book that will boost your thought leadership strategy,

Grab a copy of “Publish. Promote. Profit.”