How to Authenticly Become a Thought Leader in Your Industry

Everyone aspires to be seen as a subject matter expert, a 'thought leader,' or an 'all-knowing' figure in their industry. However, the vast majority of individuals who desire this status lack the genuine insights and wisdom to back it up. Moreover, they often see it as a prize to be won rather than a journey to be embarking upon. This article delves into the five levels necessary to become a true thought leader—levels that are outlined in the mini-book 'The Content Pyramid: The 5 Levels Of Becoming A Legendary Writer Creator and Thought Leader.'

Struggling to Be Authentic in Content Creation

The key to creating content that resonates is being authentic, but the question remains: how do you measure authenticity? Most people may say, 'The key is to be authentic,' but what does that truly mean? How can you apply this advice to your own work? Often, the answer is left wanting.

The Content Pyramid: The 5 Levels of Authentic Thought Leadership

Each level of the Content Pyramid builds on the last, guiding creators towards a higher form of authenticity and impact. The journey starts with simple steps and progresses to more advanced strategies for creating impactful content that resonates with your audience.

Level 1: Consumption

Most people spend their lives as content consumers, never making the transition to content creation. In any social media platform or website, 90% of users are merely consuming, 9% are curating, and only 1% are creating. Being a consumer is fine, but it’s important to remember that authenticity starts with understanding what others are creating and why.

Level 2: Curation

Content curation is a powerful way to start engaging with your audience without having to develop your own original ideas. However, curation itself can also be a shallow endeavor. There are three levels of curation:

Sharing: Simply re-posting content from others. Curation with opinion: Adding a personal take on the content. Curation with insight: Providing a deeper analysis and interpretation of the content.

This level of curation demonstrates your understanding of the content and shows your audience that you are more than just a passive consumer. It helps you build a reputation as someone who has curated valuable information and is capable of adding depth and meaning to it.

Level 3: Obvious Connection

When moving from curating to creating, many individuals start with obvious connections. This might include offering straightforward, actionable advice like 'how to run Facebook ads' or 'how to write a book.' While there is nothing wrong with this, it’s a starting point rather than a destination. Without intentional categorization and deep exploration, your content may not resonate on a more profound level.

Level 4: Non-Obvious Connection

At this level, authentic thought leadership comes into play. Building on obvious connections, non-obvious connections require a deeper understanding of your audience and a more nuanced approach. This is where you start to offer unique perspectives and innovative solutions. For example, rather than just sharing 'how to get a promotion,' you might explore the psychological factors that influence career advancement or provide a step-by-step guide that integrates both practical and emotional insights.

Level 5: Category Creation

At the pinnacle of the Content Pyramid is category creation. Here, you not only offer unique insights but also create a new category or niche within your industry. This level of thought leadership requires a deep dive into your audience's pain points and a vision for how your content can solve these problems. It’s about not just providing answers but defining the questions that need to be asked.

Strategies for Authentic Thought Leadership

So, how do you move beyond the surface and become a truly authentic thought leader? Here are some strategies:

Understand your audience: Know who they are, what they want, and what challenges they face. Provide value: Offer unique insights and practical solutions that go beyond the obvious. Use storytelling: Share your own experiences and stories to connect emotionally with your audience. Stay true to your voice: Be authentic and consistent in your style and message.

By following these steps, you can move from being a mere consumer to a respected and influential thought leader in your industry. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.