On Becoming a Thought Leader By Laura S. Wharton Are you the “go to” person in your industry? You know, the one that the newspaper reporters seek to get an expert view on a current issue? If so, you’re a thought leader. This is a remarkable role that will help differentiate your company from your competitors. But it’s more than telling about the products or services your company offers. It’s about showing a willingness to share knowledge that could influence an industry to move in a particular direction, or offer resources from a point of pure helpfulness. If you’re not yet a thought leader, you can become one by sharing your viewpoint in a proactive manner. Don’t wait for a reporter to ask your opinion. Instead, offer your knowledge in the following ways: 1. Write bylined articles, case studies, e-books, white papers, blogs, or e-newsletters. 2. Speak whenever possible, at roundtable forums, workshops, community meetings. 3. Use the media advantageously by regularly submitting media releases, articles, accepting interviews, or providing archives of resources on your website. So that you are viewed as a credible resource rather than as a salesman, provide timely, useful information that’s educational in nature. No doubt you hold a wealth of information based on customer problem-solving experiences. Start there and compare your experience with timely topics of local or national concern. Write a bylined article for a magazine, then repurpose the article and post it on your website, in your e-newsletter, or in a blog. The more places people find your name, the more credible a source you become. For instance, one of my favorite writers, Peter Bowerman, tells of how he repurposed every mention of his book, The Well-Fed Writer (www.wellfedwriter.com), everywhere online and off. The resounding response from new readers surveyed was that they had heard of him and his book “everywhere!” Talk about positioning himself as a thought leader! To this day, Bowerman keeps his top-rated position by continually feeding the media and his loyal reader base with articles, blogs, seminars, workshops, and books. If you have questions about how you can become a thought leader in your industry, or if you need help writing any of the items that can help you position yourself as one, email me, Laura@whartoncommunications.com or visit www.whartoncommunications.com.