How do you become a thought leader? Before we break down the steps to become a thought leader, let’s define what it means. Thought leaders share views on subjects that are authoritative and influential. To become a thought leader, you need expertise in a specific area. It doesn’t just happen overnight; you have to put time and effort into establishing yourself.  There are three things you can do to set yourself apart as a thought leader:

1. Write Op-eds

Op-ed is short for “opposite of the editorial page,” and its purpose is to express an opinion that is not affiliated with the publication’s editorial board. When you write opinion pieces about current events or the state of your industry, you establish credibility. Writing is a great way to increase Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and show your audience you are qualified to be a thought leader.

2. Speaking Engagements

Getting invited to speak, either on a panel or as a keynote speaker, is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader. The only issue is that your audience is usually limited to those that attend the event. Live stream options are a great way to reach a bigger audience when speaking. You reach a greater audience and show that you care about sharing your thoughts with others.

3. YouTube, Podcasts and Social Media

If you want a greater reach, consider YouTube or Podcasts that can be shared through social media. These are great options if you want to reach people on a national and international level. Social media is amazing because we can read about things that happen all over the world. Your reach can be much more expansive when you think of clever ways to utilize the right tools.

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