Thoughts leaders are viewed as successful, smart and unstoppable. They set he standards in their own industry and make huge impacts in transforming the world.
Photo Courtesy of ISHN
In the field of Marketing,
the likes of Adbusters founder Kalle Lasn, 'The
Tipping Point' author Malcolm Gladwell, Harvard Business School professor Michael
Porter, and Facebook Global Head of Brand Design Paul Adams are the known thought leaders.
In your field, you can be a
thought leader as well. Here are simple steps to become one:
1. Be
a thought leader in the field that you are professionally and personally qualified. If you think that your profession is your way of life, you are a good candidate.
Take note that that becoming a thought leader poses challenges on your end. You will be pressured to know almost everything about your trade, and to make sure that every single move that you do- even in hand-shaking with people- will be up to the expected style of a thought leader.
2. Attain
excellence in your profession to standout from ordinary professionals.
If you think you need a Master’s
degree to learn more advanced concepts of the trade, enroll now. If you believe you
need to learn more skills to be able an A-lister service provider, attend
workshops and seminars now.
3. Claim
your profession on social media. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, you need to remember
the following:
a. Complete
your profile information so the public gets to know who and what you are.
b. Make
your user photo reflective of your career. Moreover, make sure that your
profile photo looks decent and professional.
c. Post
photos, news updates, links, and commentaries related to your profession. Be substantial
in giving criticisms so your social circles will learn something about your
posts. In short, make your social media accounts an extension of your profession.
d. Select
your friends on social media. The adage, “tell me your friends and I will you
who you are” is true in branding. Remember, you are re-branding yourself to get an upgraded level of reputation.
e. Join
social media groups and forums for people in your industry. Network for future
professional and personal advancement.
f. Join
social media groups and forums for your customers. If you see questions or discussions that
you can answer, share your thoughts.
g. You
may insert your personal dramas to your profiles so your account will appear
humane, genuine and true.
4. Join
clubs for your profession. Be an active member. Attend events, leaving your own footprint by using your social skills.
5. Be
a volunteer in charitable organizations that cater to your profession. Commit
to help support the org in any possible ways. Be visible during events by staying in front (this won't harm you).
6. You
need to know how to write, since writing is a powerful tool in positioning
yourself as an authority in your field. In case writing is your water loo, look for an editor and not a ghost writer.
Get the following projects done:
a. Contribute articles discussing about an update in your field to any of the local publications. Make sure your articles are worth the read. The best thing is if you are offered to maintain a column after your wonderful articles!
b. If you have a research that could be published in any publication for your profession, write a summary of the research and send it to
the publication as a story pitch. Be ready when reporters come to your home asking you to show them your research for a write-up.
c. Send article contributions to different websites that accept guest posts. In the bio, note that you are an expert in your profession. Do not forget to attach a professional-looking photo of you.
7. Join
charitable and social welfare activities that deal with your customers or clients. Attend concert-for-a-cause
events, symposiums, and charity dinners. Again, do not leave without a trace. Be visible in pictures.
8. Look
for guest- speaking opportunities. Make friends with event organizers, and offer them
to share your opinions at future conferences, forums, fairs and congresses they are organizing.
After
the speaking engagement, upload your documents, and notes to the Internet to
share with other people who were absent during your talk.
9. Attract media attention by taking sides on national issues that concern your profession. News reporters will get
your opinion on certain stories and will even invite you to be a guest on their shows.
10. Talk
on how to improve the profession without marketing your brand. If people get interested in what you say, they will research about you, and they will find out
about your brand. That’s how it works!
Be genuine,
natural and humble most importantly. Are you now ready to transform?
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