Choosing The Right Thought Leadership Topic: A Guide For CXOs And Founders
Choosing The Right Thought Leadership Topic: A Guide For CXOs And Founders
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Crafting a compelling thought leadership presence, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn, can exponentially boost your influence, business, and industry credibility. </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">For CXOs and founders, this isn't just about trend surfing; it's about identifying meaningful topics that resonate with your audience and reflect your expertise. </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">So, how do you choose the right subject? </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Here's an in-depth guide to help you pave the way.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Identify Your Goals</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Before delving into topics, ask yourself: What do I aim to achieve? </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Your goals might include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Positioning yourself as an industry expert</span></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Offering insights that can shape or reshape industry conversations</span></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Connecting with peers and forging new partnerships</span></li><li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559683":0,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"·","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Attracting potential clients or customers to your business</span><br /> </li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">For instance, if you're the CEO of a tech start-up, your goal might be to attract investors. In such a case, topics could range from discussing the future of tech to unveiling business strategies that reduce overheads.<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Know Your Audience</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Your audience's interests and challenges should guide your content direction. Dive into their demographics, professional backgrounds, and pain points.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Example: If you're a CFO, your primary audience might be other financial professionals. They might be intrigued by content that delves into modern challenges in finance, regulatory shifts, or innovative financial tools.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Research your Industry</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Stay updated with the latest trends, emerging challenges, and innovations. By coupling industry research with personal insights, you can offer fresh perspectives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">For instance, the founder of a health tech company might discuss the recent merger of two healthcare giants, but from a technology lens—shedding light on how it impacts health tech solutions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Leverage your Strengths</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Your professional journey, experiences, and skills are unique. Use this as a foundation to differentiate your content. If you’ve successfully steered your company through a crisis, share your leadership insights or crisis management strategies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Example: Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, frequently speaks on subjects he's deeply familiar with, such as technology's role in society and its future trajectories. His content reflects both his expertise and personal journey, making it both authentic and influential.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Validate your Ideas</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Before publishing, seek feedback. This can be from trusted colleagues, mentors, or even a focused group from your target audience. Their insights can refine your content, ensuring it's well-received and relevant.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Consistency is Key</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">One-off pieces might gain attention, but consistency in sharing valuable insights can solidify your position as a thought leader. It’s not just about quantity, but the quality and regularity of your insights that will keep your audience engaged and foster trust.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Choosing a thought leadership topic isn't merely about identifying what's trending. </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">For CXOs and founders, it's a blend of aligning personal expertise with industry movements, audience needs, and overarching professional goals. </span> <br /> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">By following the above steps, not only can you choose impactful topics, but you can also carve a niche for yourself in the vast digital space of LinkedIn.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="ui-provider bpb bpc c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t bpd bpe w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>This article was contributed by our expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojhashweta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shweta Ojha</a></em></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"> </h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span class="ui-provider bpb bpc c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t bpd bpe w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 18pt;">Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Shweta Ojha</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">1. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is thought leadership, and why is it important for CXOs and founders?</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Thought leadership involves establishing yourself as an expert and authority in a particular field by consistently sharing valuable insights, opinions, and expertise. This helps you build credibility, trust, and influence within your industry. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">For CXOs (Chief Experience Officers) and founders, thought leadership is essential because it can:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Enhance Reputation </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Being seen as a thought leader can elevate your reputation, making you a go-to person for insights and opinions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Drive Innovation </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Sharing unique perspectives can inspire innovation and change within your industry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Attract Opportunities </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Thought leaders often attract speaking engagements, collaborations, partnerships, and media attention.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Build Trust </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Thought leadership can help you establish trust with stakeholders, clients, and employees.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. How do I select the right thought leadership topic?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Choosing the right topic is crucial. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Consider these steps:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Passion and Expertise</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Choose a topic you're genuinely passionate about and have deep knowledge of.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Industry Relevance</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Select a relevant topic to your industry that aligns with your role and responsibilities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Uniqueness</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Aim for a unique angle or perspective that hasn't been extensively covered.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Audience Interest </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Consider what your target audience wants to learn more about.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Trends and Challenges </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Address current industry trends, challenges, or gaps in knowledge.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Longevity</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Choose a topic that won't become obsolete quickly.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. What factors should I consider when evaluating potential topics?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">When evaluating topics, consider:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Audience </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Will your target audience find the topic valuable and engaging?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Expertise</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Do you have the necessary expertise and insights to provide valuable content?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Competition</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">How saturated is the topic? Can you provide a fresh perspective?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Impact </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Will your insights contribute positively to the industry or provoke meaningful discussions?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Relevance </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Is the topic aligned with current industry trends and challenges?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Consistency </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Can you sustain content creation on this topic over time?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. Should I focus on a niche or broader topic?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Both approaches have merits. A niche topic can quickly establish you as an expert, but it might limit your audience. A broader topic can attract a larger audience but might require more effort to stand out. Balance your choice based on your goals, expertise, and audience.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5. How can I align my thought leadership with my brand and values?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Ensure your chosen topic resonates with your brand's mission, values, and identity. Your thought leadership should reflect your brand's unique voice, culture, and perspectives. This alignment helps maintain authenticity and credibility.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">6. What research should I do before finalizing a topic?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Research is crucial:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Industry Trends</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Understand current and emerging trends in your industry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Audience Needs</strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Identify what challenges, questions, or topics your target audience is interested in.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Competitor Analysis </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Analyze what your competitors are discussing and identify gaps.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Data and Insights </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Gather data, statistics, case studies, and relevant research to support your chosen topic.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Relevance and Longevity </strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Confirm that your chosen topic has ongoing relevance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Remember, thought leadership is a journey, not a one-time effort. Consistently producing high-quality content on your chosen topic is key to establishing yourself as a trusted thought leader in your field.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
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