How to Be a Thought Leader

There are 18 words you need at the front of your mind when you are a thought leader.

No time to read the blog? You can listen to it here.

Draw, explore, expand, write, position, publish, invite, meet, connect, give, care, offer, ask, consider, create, support, grow, learn.

1. Know your stuff. – draw, explore, expand
   • Draw your ideas on paper. Play. Don’t judge.
   • Explore what you know and what other people have to say.
   • Expand on the thinking that exists. Become a leader in the thinking space you are in.
2. Tell people about your stuff. – write, position, publish
   • Write daily your thoughts, observations, and ideas.
   • Position yourself with a message. Tell the world what you want them to know.
   • Publish often in as many places as you can.
3. Have meetings with people who need your stuff. – invite, meet, connect
   • Invite people to read, listen, or experience you.
   • Meet people as often as you can.
   • Connect with people daily in real life and on social platforms.
4. Be amazing to people who want your stuff. – give, care, offer
   • Give people an amazing experience of you.
   • Care deeply about your brand and your customer.
   • Offer solutions and support.
5. Make your stuff relevant. – ask, consider, create
   • Ask about people’s problems – everywhere you go!
   • Consider the challenges and problems of the industry, person, or position you are working with.
   • Create relevant solutions that help people feel understood and seen.
6. Surround yourself with people who understand your stuff. – support, grow, learn
   • Support others and get supported. Put energy into others.
   • Grow yourself and your IP, and commit to growing your practice.
   • Learning never stops. Spend time with people who know more than you.

Lisa O’Neill
CEO