Your Thought Leadership Strategy Is Probably Not Enough to Make an Impact. Here’s What It’s Likely Missing.

With regards to thought management, content material entrepreneurs love to speak about authenticity. Nevertheless, different facets of a thought management content material technique is perhaps extra related. Each chief engaged on their thought leadership content material has heard the A phrase: authenticity.

The Oxford Dictionary defines authenticity as “of undisputed origin and never a replica; real,” and to me, that could be a given on the subject of a thought management technique — however it should not be the one factor that you just give attention to.

In truth, I might say there are extra essential facets to give attention to in order for you your thought leadership strategy to work in the long term on your private model.

On this article, I am going to outline what an genuine thought management technique is, clarify why it isn’t the one factor you must give attention to, and inform you which various strategy provides you with optimum long-term outcomes. Let’s begin with the fundamentals.

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What’s genuine thought management?

An genuine thought management technique includes sharing real insights about your professional matter or business.

It focuses on showcasing private values together with motion steps, displaying a official alignment between ideas and actions. And as a method, it prioritizes unique and sincere interactions and communication, encouraging belief and accountability not solely with their viewers but additionally with their groups and stakeholders.

Is not that what each chief goals to be? That is why there’s extra to thought management than simply authenticity.

Why not focus solely on authenticity?

Whereas sharing unique content material is without doubt one of the elementary pillars of thought management, it isn’t the one essential side of it.

And here is why: Scientific research present that the typical individual wants to listen to the identical message round two to seven occasions to take motion. This idea grew to become generally known as the marketing rule of seven. Because the American author Zig Ziglar put it: “Repetition is the mom of studying, the daddy of motion, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.”

Which means should you do not repeat your message sufficient occasions, all that genuine thought management is misplaced in content material limbo. And worse: it implies that your content material is unlikely to have a significant affect in your viewers or stakeholders. Individuals want to have interaction together with your thought management messages a number of occasions for them to “sink in.”

All the trouble (and cash) you set into genuine content material, and a thought management technique is wasted. Alone, authenticity will not be sufficient to make an enduring affect. With out consistency, you may as effectively throw these fastidiously crafted items of content material to the wind.

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Consistency is the brand new authenticity — here is why

Personally, I believe consistency is the undervalued aspect of most thought management content material methods. However it should not be.

Merriam-Webster defines consistency as “steadfast adherence to the identical rules, course, type, and many others.” Constant leaders adhere to the identical rules every single day. It helps to outline who they’re and the way they serve their neighborhood.

As research present, messages want repetition in the event that they’re to be efficient. Having a constant message, then, results in a real, significant affect. And simply as it might in any relationship, consistency builds a reliable basis.

However that does not imply you need to repeat your message word-by-word or publish the identical content material each week. Consistency is about evolution, not senseless repetition.

As a substitute of copying and pasting earlier work, carry authenticity into every message, offering new insights and constructing in your earlier content material. It will assist to make sure that your viewers grows into long-term followers and helps you obtain the last word objective of a thought management technique: turning into a reliable business useful resource.

That consistency can present up in a thought management technique in a number of methods, too. It is not solely about having an more and more insightful content material technique that builds in your genuine message each week. Consistency can be about showing up for your audience, group and stakeholders genuinely, actively becoming a member of conversations, answering questions in a well timed method and providing suggestions when vital.

While you break down your thought management technique into bite-size items, engaged on them persistently, your message builds up over time, and your outcomes final for much longer than a single (and unintended) viral publish.

With out consistency, your authenticity may lose its objective, as you may bounce round concepts and tasks. This may even make it harder to find out what components of your thought management technique work and the place the successes and failures are.

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Establishing a constant thought management technique

Thought management is a marathon, not a dash: It takes time and constant effort. Whereas the occasional viral publish is a good motivator, it will not assure long-term success and a repute as a thought chief.

Nurture your viewers persistently, and they’ll commonly return on your recommendation. Stay true to your values and rules, and your followers will know precisely the place you stand and what insights they are going to discover.

Consistency was once the forgotten sibling of authenticity — however not anymore!