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Updated: January 27, 2025 Ask ACE

Ask ACE: How do I expand my reputation as a thought leader?

By Crystal Cole, Ledgewater Consulting

Q: I’ve developed significant expertise in my field, and feel I have perspectives and information to share. How do I expand my reputation as a thought leader?

ACE advises: Joel Kurtzman, founding editor of Strategy+Business magazine, originated the concept of “thought leadership,” a term which has now taken on buzzword status. A thought leader is a professional who is recognized as an expert in their chosen field, and who actively influences industry thinking by sharing their insights with others.

Given their deep dive learning, expertise and innovative thinking, a thought leader should use mixed channels to communicate — through writing, speaking and social media platforms. Writing, in particular, provides key opportunities for thought leaders to establish genuine credibility and share knowledge.

If you want to become a thought leader, you should:

  • Write on and for multiple platforms — blogs, podcasts, webinars and social media. The goal is to reach a broader audience and gain fuller engagement.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to write for other publications such as online and print media, newsletters and other blogs.
  • Be consistent content creators while producing high-quality work that addresses current trends and challenges.
  • Seek opportunities to partner with other experts for joint projects — interviews, co-authored articles or panel discussions.
  • And be open to sharing personal experiences with audiences for deeper, more meaningful connections.
  • Share the content you have written with your clients and professional connections directly through email. They need to know where to find it.

As a writer myself, I believe the power of the written world is timeless, perennial. If you are an expert in your field, write and speak to position yourself as a thought leader who can positively influence your industry, offer significant influence, and significant strategies. As a recognized source by both industry peers and the public, thought leaders can play a long-term crucial role in both moving and shaping the direction of their field, for years to come.

Crystal Cole, founder of Ledgewater Consulting LLC, is a business strategist and writer. She can be reached at: crystal@ledgewaterconsulting.com or 207-415-4461

More information

Editor's note: Crystal Cole will appear as a panelist at ACE's Feb. 20 program, "Demonstrating Thought Leadership Through Writing." For more information or to sign up, click here. 

The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “success through collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.

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