Many assume that the purpose of thought leadership is simply to impress others, but it’s much more than that. The real power of thought leadership is in creating stories that connect to real-business problems in ways that get people to engage, think differently, and change. Interestingly, a 2024 survey revealed that 95% of buyers at businesses look to thought leadership not necessarily for solutions, but for information (Investor’s Business Daily).
In my work, I help female leaders to shine in a variety of ways – through speaking engagements, editorial coverage, and compelling content on LinkedIn. These platforms allow such leaders to connect with a diverse set of audiences, both internal (employees) and external, while showcasing their thought leadership.
So, how do you create a flow of thought leadership ideas? Here are 5 techniques that I have found work:
Keep An Idea Journal
You never know when inspiration will strike, so I keep a thought leadership journal in my purse at all times. I find that ideas flow at unusual moments, such as when I’m in the theater or at a museum; something someone said or an installation piece may inspire a concept for great content. A smart phone voice memo can also work to capture ideas. Don’t worry if it’s incomplete, just get it out of your head and revisit it later.
Frame Ideas Like a Journalist
The most effective way of developing thought leadership ideas is to combine factual knowledge with personal experience into narratives. This kind of storytelling is extremely captivating and draws readers in, as similar experiences may resonate with them.
Think With An Abundance Mindset
True thought leaders have an ongoing flow of ideas and things they can talk about in a public forum. How do they formulate so many ideas? By keeping an abundance mindset and thinking that they’ll never run out of things to talk about to key targets. It’s funny, but I find that the more thought leadership stories you share, the more content you’ll develop. One great story may have two sub-stories within it, for example.
Don’t Get Stuck In The Words
It’s highly likely that in a first draft of thought leadership content, you may feel self- conscious. The words don’t flow and phrases sound awkward. While that’s understandable, try not to get caught in the weeds. The best examples of thought leadership sound conversational, as if the person is talking to you, not at you. Make everything you say approachable and actionable. I sometimes find that conversational content comes more easily when I speak my thoughts rather than write them. Try out voice dictation to see if it helps your content to sound more natural.
Stay Ahead of AI
Having great content is one thing. Being able to deliver ideas in ways that are compelling and get people to stop, listen, and think is another thing entirely. While you can certainly use AI tools to expand upon what you’ve written or what you will say – and as AI tools become more sophisticated, this is a good exercise – it’s the way YOU deliver ideas with confidence, style, and command that will ultimately make it successful in influencing others.
Find more tips on how to create compelling thought leadership content on my blog.