Are you familiar with what it means to be a “thought leader” in your field? Do you consider yourself to be a thought leader? Here is some helpful information about what a thought leader is and how you can become one.
What is a thought leader?
A “thought leader” is someone who intentionally exercises their knowledge, skills, and expertise to increase awareness, elevate perception, and drive preference related to key issues in a particular field. In this day and age, thought leadership can be established both online and offline. A combination of the two is typically needed in order to be considered a thought leader and to reach a wide audience. Online thought leadership is becoming increasingly important as more and more consumers turn to online searches to answer their questions and direct their thoughts and purchases.
How to establish yourself as a thought leader
For the purpose of this article, we will focus mainly on the online steps you can take to build thought leadership. Here are a few simple yet powerful ways to begin establishing yourself as a thought leader in your field:
- Choose a specialty or focus. This is simple if you already have a specialty or focus in your practice. If not, you have the opportunity to choose a specialty in which you will become a thought leader. For example, Dr. Emily Taylor gained popularity on TikTok as Dr. Ear Wax when she discovered that people were interested in her videos about ear impressions. Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and interested in. It is even better if there seems to be a scarcity of information on this specialty. You can fill that gap and become a thought leader on that specific topic.
- Post regular content. While this is easier said than done, it is apparent why it is so important when establishing thought leadership. How will anyone know that you are a thought leader if you never share your thoughts? Decide on a schedule for how often you will create new content—and stick to it. A blog is an excellent place to regularly post new content. Social media is another useful platform for posting content and establishing your expertise.
- Be active on social media. As mentioned above, posting on social media is an effective way to share your knowledge and start positioning yourself as a thought leader. It is important to be consistent when posting on social media. In addition, do not forget that social media is more than only Facebook and Twitter nowadays. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are all powerful platforms where you can share your expertise and build your reputation. Keep in mind that when you are on social media, you need to do more than just post. Responding to comments and questions is an essential component.
For more information about how you can be considered a thought leader, we invite you to contact us today at Audiology Plus. We are committed to helping you grow your business.
