When people spend their money, they do so with careful consideration; they do so knowing that they want to spend their money in the best way possible and to get the best value going. That is why most people seek to buy from or work with the thought leader in that industry. Sure, becoming the authoritative voice in your sector is no easy feat, but it is more than worth the strategic planning, hard work and gritted determination because, once you are there, you’ll find that customers and clients come to you, instead of the other way around. That isn’t the only perk either.
Think back to high school. Everybody wanted to be friends with the captain of the basketball team, the quarterback and the head cheerleader. You probably hung on their every word, tried to impress them and went out of your way to dote on them. In hindsight, this may seem a little sad, but it was just what happened, and being the thought leader in your industry is the business equivalent. But, like we said, there is no quick route to establishing yourself as the top dog. Nope, it takes a consistent and unified effort, constantly educating yourself and taking risks. However, get this right and you will see potential customers seek you out and your profits shoot through the metaphorical roof.
So, with that in mind, here are the top strategies to help you build a reputation as being the thought leader in your industry. Trust us, the hard work will be totally worth it.
- Change Your Mentality
If you want to be a leader then you need to think like a leader. That is the first rule to adhere to on this path. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, ‘this is about as obvious as any advice can be,” and you are right. But even though it is obvious, have you actually changed your mentality since becoming an entrepreneur? Have you actually flicked the leadership and taken the bull by the horns, stepping away from your small business mentality and aligning yourself with the way big businesses operate? According to studies, the answer is probably not. You see, a thought leader is not interested in trying to maintain the status quo. No way. What a thought leader is interested in is doing everything in their power to maximise profits, keep growing, and eventually take over the world. That is the kind of ambition you need to have. It is no freshly tarmacked highway, though, which is why only a few brave people have ever made it to the big time.
- Offer The Best Value
Too many people think there is a fast route to success, and they think it has to do with pricing. Unfortunately, this is not the case. That doesn’t mean price is not important, but if you think being the cheapest is going to see your customer base go boom then you are very mistaken. Don’t believe us, then just think about your online buying habits. Chances are, you look at no less than four options and read six reviews before you commit to buying an item. We know this because it is normal. We also know this because every consumer wants the best value for money. What is the point in buying the cheapest option if you have to buy it six times because cheap really does mean cheap? Exactly. So make sure you offer your customers the best value. If you are looking to become the industry leader in the plumbing game, then make sure you have everything you need to get the job done, from the best-trained staff to specialist equipment like hydro jetters. If you are looking to become the powerhouse in the lawn care industry, then make sure you aren’t just offering your clients the best aeration options, but teach them how it works too; give them an education. The more you can offer the better value you will be and that is what will make your customers pleased to be spending their money where they have. They will also be more likely to become brand advocates too and that will help your growth plans. Value always trumps price, remember that.
- Innovation Is Key
No one is going to notice your hard work if all that hard work has been spent on reinventing the wheel. Instead, what will get noticed is something new. This is where embracing risk comes in. We know the ‘risk’ word is something you don’t want to hear, but nothing new ever came from comfort zones. So, in order to start making a big dent in your industry, you need to pluck up the courage to present something new to the market. That doesn’t mean you have to invent something entirely new, like a teleportation device. It could just be a variation of something that is already out there or even an add-on that can be used with an already existing product or service. Admittedly, innovation on its own won’t guarantee success or total domination of an industry, but it does offer up the chance to learn, to build from trial and error, to start valuing risk more and understand that this is the best way to upset the status quo.
- Blogging Is Best
If someone tells you that blogging is dead, you best puff out your chest and correct them sharpish because, if anything, blogging is just getting started. When it began, it was just a way for people to empty their thoughts online or, if you look at Perez Hilton, writing over photos of celebrities using Microsoft Paint. These days, however, hiring a professional business blogger is one of the smartest things you can do. Not only will they be able to make your blog boost your SEO, it will also see you become known as a thought leader, offering people advice for free, many of which will then translate into customers. This is a real skill, though. Sharing industry-specific knowledge with a wider audience may be something you feel confident doing yourself, but making that content stand out from the other noise that currently operates in your space takes great copywriting abilities. In short, content is king. On top of a boosted SEO strategy and offering your customers value, what you will start to see happen is a successful inbound marketing strategy take place. People will find you instead of you having to hunt down potentials and spend money on prospects. This is the triple threat you have likely been looking for.
- Communication Is A Winner
Ask any successful business person what the most important ingredient in their success is and they will likely tell you it is their existing customers and clients (unless they are a megalomaniac, in which case they will say they are the most important ingredient, closely followed by their customers and clients). This is because your clients are absolutely critical to your business. That is why it is so important you don’t lose touch with them, who they are and why they chose you to do business with. These people have all the answers you could possibly hope for. So do all you can to give them a friendly call every so often, send them a chatty email when you get the chance, and manage your social media responses so that you give your brand more of a personality. People like that. If it is not you that deals with clients and customers, however, then it is well worth scheduling regular meetings with those employees that do interact with them. Come up with a communication strategy that will keep your existing customers coming back for more because the moment you stop communicating is the moment you will lose touch with your market and that’s when you can say bye bye to any hopes of becoming the thought leader in your industry.
- Don’t Be A Wallflower
Even if you fell in love with the film, the perks of being a wallflower don’t transition very well into business. Period. The end. That is because, if you really want to be a thought leader, then you need to be visible; you need to understand that you will get out what you put in. This is not the time to stand with your back against the wall, staring into the school disco with your shoulders hunched like an awkward fifth grader; this is the time to dance, dance and dance some more. We’re talking about getting involved in events both offline and online, in your local area and nationally. We’re talking about asking other thought leaders questions and hosting workshops to answer any questions your clients or customers may have. We’re talking about attending networking events and seminars and conferences and making sure your voice is heard at each of these. Opportunities are created by getting out there. Basically, being shy is not an option for the ambitious entrepreneur. It just doesn’t work that way.
Now go out there and take your industry by storm.