Right now, everyone is (or should be) leveling-up their online content strategy – especially industry thought leaders.
Of course, … easier said than done.
After years of helping entrepreneurs with influential thought leadership, I’ve seen the common mistakes business owners make when turning expertise into compelling (and strategic) content.
I’m curious which of these barriers you identify with. (I’ve also included helpful tips for each!)
Turning Vast Knowledge into Tiny Soundbites
When you’ve spent your career developing expertise, it’s maddening to trim down what you know into catchy, bite-sized pieces of content. However, it’s an essential skill for thought leadership online.
TRY THIS: Don’t start small; start big. Most entrepreneurs create content (social media, blog posts, newsletters, etc.) from scratch. Which means, starting with a blank page. Instead, take your bigger pieces (speeches, books/manuals, systems/processes) and slice them down. Then slice them down again. And keep going.
Mismatching Your Brand to Someone Else’s Tactics
You’ve built a brand your target market trusts. And with so much marketing advice out there, it’s easy to create a message with misaligned marketing tactics that your audience finds confusing (or even off putting). On top of that, you probably won’t enjoy the message development process when your tactics don’t feel like your own. That’s why this is a double-whammy mistake. Stop trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole. Your strategy should fit you and your business, not the other way around.
TRY THIS: Build an aligned strategy by scrolling through your various social feeds and pay attention to what captures your attention in positive ways. Ask yourself 1) Why did this work? and 2) How can I use it?
If you’d like to gain more momentum in your Thought Leadership strategies, sign up for the FREE 7-day Influence Momentum Challenge! Click here to learn more
Mind Games
Even established entrepreneurs get squirmy about trying new marketing strategies. In many ways, you’re putting yourself out there, and feels vulnerable. Personal hang ups and head-junk are often the underlying reasons it’s difficult to step-up your thought leadership strategy. That’s why developing a content strategy that works for you, your preferences, and your strengths is so important.
TRY THIS: Know your strengths and lean into them. This is your touchstone when deciding what kind of content to create. Anything from podcasts, webinars, social media, live streams, to… you name it! Your strategy should be built upon your strengths, not just what you feel like you “should” be doing. (Heads up, this will take a little bit of self awareness, and a bit more bravery.)
Reinventing the Wheel
You don’t always have to create brand spankin’ new content.
TRY THIS: Go through your older posts or other materials. Brush off the dust, give them a makeover, and re-deploy!
Missing the Forest for the Trees
Communicating your company’s message is personal for any business owner. Your business is a piece of you. And that’s why it’s so easy to be a myopic around your message – not seeing opportunities and running into creative blocks.
TRY THIS: Bring in an outside perspective. Reach out to your friends, colleagues, or family to bounce around ideas. And if you want to make bigger strides faster, bring in an expert perspective.
Your knowledge can be shared and your content can be consumed through so many media outlets. That can be overwhelming and procrastination-inducing. I hope these tips are helpful the next time you feel stuck in building your thought leadership marketing strategy and content.
We’re starting soon! Join the FREE Influence Momentum 7-Day Challenge.
For 7 days, I will send you a:
- A content creation prompt that will connect with your target market,
- A tip/tool for organizing & planning your content,
- Insights for overcoming “head junk” that gets in the way of sharing more of your knowledge and expertise!
This is going to be so much fun. I look forward to helping you build momentum in your online thought leadership! Sign up now! Kickoff is September 4th!
Happy Influencing!
Sharí Alexander
Influence Coach & Speaker
P.P.S. Here are a few other ways I can help you increase your influence, whenever you’re ready.
1. Say “hi!” on LinkedIn and Instagram. Follow me for influential insights for business and life!
2. Grab a FREE copy of The Mindreader Blueprint. This is a workbook for finding your influential message. Use this step by step guide to make your next sales pitch or presentation more persuasive!
3. Is Influence Coaching exactly what you’ve been looking for! I love helping my clients become more persuasive professionals. The right words and the right strategy can make all the difference!
For my entrepreneur clients, we clarify their marketing message and improve sales conversations for higher profits. Are you a business owner? Book a complimentary call with me.
For my executive clients, I help them motivate their teams, present ideas more persuasively, and climb the corporate ladder. ALL by teaching influence language and techniques. Are you a team leader? Book a complimentary call with me.
Let’s have a conversation.
4. Booking speakers? Your audience will LOVE learning how to be more persuasive in business and in life. Looking for a keynote speaker who jam-packs a speech with practical, how-to content that actually helps professionals be better leaders? Learn more about my programs and audience takeaways here!
