Revamp Your Business Growth Strategy: Part Three
Revamp Your Business Growth Strategy: Part Three
A Crash Course In Developing Your Thought Leadership + Exciting News
Hola hola familia!
We’re back with Part Three of Revamp Your Business Strategy - all about Thought Leadership. Something that you’ve probably heard me talk a lot about but don’t exactly know how it applies to what you do.
If that’s you, keep reading!
But first! I have exciting news.
La Hoja is Going Weekly! More insights coming your way!
I’m excited to announce that La Hoja is growing, and there is now a way to get actionable business and thought leadership strategy tips directly to your inbox weekly. You’ll also receive invitations to VIP masterminds and group office hours, and much more through our new paid tier.
Free Subscriber Benefits:
Monthly posts to support your business, thought leadership, and personal development.
Paid Subscriber Benefits ($14.99/month or $79/year, a savings of almost 50%):
Exclusive Weekly Content: Q+As with diverse changemakers, innovative business growth strategies, templates, and resources.
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Founding Member Benefits (limited slots available) - $199:
Paid Subscriber Benefits plus a 60-min one-on-one strategy session with me.
If you’re finding posts like the Revamp Your Business Strategy Series helpful, don’t miss out on these valuable resources and opportunities to connect with a community of like-minded professionals.
Part Three of Revamp Your Business Growth Strategy
First a recap - What Is Thought Leadership and How Can It Benefit You?
Thought leadership involves positioning yourself as a trusted resource in your field. It means sharing valuable insights and knowledge to influence others and shape the direction of your industry.
By becoming a thought leader, you can attract attention, build trust, and open doors for new opportunities.
Benefits of Thought Leadership:
Increased Visibility: Elevate your brand by being recognized as an authority.
Enhanced Credibility: Build trust with your audience by showcasing your expertise.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other industry leaders and professionals.
Business Growth: Attract new clients and opportunities through your established authority.
Influence and Impact: Shape industry trends and drive meaningful conversations.
The Different Types of Thought Leaders (With Examples)
I believe that everyone has the potential to be a thought leader - but not everyone wants to do the work and show up for their community. But if you do - here are some ways that you might want to show up and for the purposes of this newsletter, you’ll see examples for a candle business founder, DEI consultant, podcaster, life coach and brand agency owner.
The Transparency Thought Leader: Transparency thought leaders share their values, stories, and strategies with authenticity. They are open about their challenges and successes, which helps build trust with their audience. For instance, a candle business founder might share their journey of starting the business, including the struggles with sourcing sustainable materials and managing production costs. Similarly, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultant might openly discuss the challenges of implementing effective DEI strategies in different organizational cultures and share personal experiences of navigating bias and inclusion.
The Research-Based Thought Leader: Research-based thought leaders rely on data and research to provide insights. They share analyses and studies that spark new strategies. A candle business founder, for example, might publish research on the benefits of using natural waxes and essential oils, and provide evidence-based recommendations for a healthier home environment. On the other hand, a DEI consultant might share studies and reports on the impact of diversity on business performance, employee satisfaction, and innovation. A brand agency owner could analyze market trends and consumer behavior to forecast branding strategies that work.
The Expert Thought Leader: Expert thought leaders provide practical advice and tools based on extensive experience. They often launch courses, newsletters, and other educational content. A candle business founder could offer online courses on candle-making techniques, write detailed blog posts about home fragrance trends, and send out newsletters with DIY tips. Similarly, a DEI consultant might create training programs, host webinars on best practices for fostering inclusive workplaces, and write articles on navigating complex DEI issues. A podcaster might share insights from interviews with industry leaders, while a life coach could offer webinars on personal development and productivity.
The Well-Rounded Thought Leader: Well-rounded thought leaders combine multiple approaches to thought leadership. They facilitate conversations and connections across various topics. A candle business founder might discuss not only candle-making but also home decor, wellness, and eco-friendly living, providing a holistic view that engages a broad audience. A DEI consultant might offer insights into diversity, leadership, personal development, and organizational change, appealing to a diverse clientele. A brand agency owner might blend marketing, branding, and digital strategy, while a podcaster could cover a wide range of topics from entrepreneurship to mental health. A life coach might integrate personal development with career coaching and wellness advice.
Developing Your Thought Leadership Strategy
Identify Your Niche and Audience: Understanding who you are speaking to and what you are an expert in is crucial. For a DEI consultant, this might mean focusing on specific industries or types of organizations, such as tech companies or educational institutions. A candle business founder might target specific consumer groups, such as eco-conscious shoppers or luxury home decor enthusiasts. A brand agency owner might focus on startups and small businesses. A podcaster might target entrepreneurs and business professionals, while a life coach might cater to individuals seeking personal growth and career advancement. Ask yourself what unique perspectives or expertise you can offer and who your target audience is. Identify their top pain points to tailor your content effectively.
Conduct Research and Share Insights: Staying informed about the latest trends and developments in your field is essential. Sharing original research or insightful analyses can set you apart. For instance, a DEI consultant might publish articles on recent diversity trends and their impact on corporate culture. A candle business founder might share blog posts analyzing seasonal fragrance trends and providing data-driven insights on consumer preferences. A brand agency owner might publish white papers on the latest branding strategies, while a podcaster could share key takeaways from interviews with industry experts. A life coach might write about the latest research in psychology and personal development.
Diversify Communication Channels: Using various platforms to share your message helps reach different segments of your audience. Utilize Instagram for engaging visuals and reels, Pinterest for infographics and step-by-step guides, and a blog for in-depth articles. A DEI consultant might use LinkedIn to share professional advice, while a candle business founder might use YouTube to post tutorials on candle-making and home decor ideas. A brand agency owner might use Twitter to share quick tips and industry news, while a podcaster might leverage TikTok for short, engaging clips from their shows. A life coach might use Facebook Live to host Q&A sessions and connect with their audience in real-time.
Collaborate and Celebrate Others: Engaging with other experts and influencers in your industry can broaden your reach and add credibility to your brand. Co-host a webinar with a sustainability expert to discuss eco-friendly candle-making practices if you're a candle business founder. If you're a DEI consultant, collaborate with other consultants or HR professionals to offer joint workshops or write guest blog posts for each other’s websites. A brand agency owner might partner with graphic designers or web developers for comprehensive branding packages, while a podcaster could invite other popular podcasters for crossover episodes. A life coach might collaborate with wellness experts or motivational speakers for joint seminars or workshops.
Build a Personal Brand Website: Your website should be the central hub of your thought leadership activities. It should clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and why you are an authority in your field. Include a biography, services offered, blog, and a media kit for press inquiries. For example, a candle business founder might include a blog about candle care and home styling tips, while a DEI consultant might offer case studies and client testimonials. A brand agency owner could showcase their portfolio and client success stories. A podcaster might feature episodes and guest bios, and a life coach could provide resources and tools for personal development.
Develop a Content Strategy: Consistent, valuable content is the backbone of thought leadership. Plan your content around key themes that address your audience's needs. A DEI consultant might create a content calendar that includes regular blog posts, social media updates, and newsletters focusing on client success stories and industry insights. A candle business founder might share seasonal product launches, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated content showcasing satisfied customers. A brand agency owner might focus on branding tips, market analysis, and case studies. A podcaster could highlight interview excerpts and episode summaries, while a life coach might offer weekly tips, motivational quotes, and in-depth articles on personal growth.
Your Homework:
1. Define Your Expertise and Audience:
Write down three unique perspectives or areas of expertise you have.
Identify who your target audience is and list their top three pain points.
2. Research and Content Planning:
Spend one hour researching recent trends in your industry.
Outline a blog post or social media update based on your findings and thought leadership style.
3. Social Media Strategy:
Choose two social media platforms and plan a week’s worth of posts.
Create at least one piece of content (e.g., a blog post, infographic, or video) for each platform. Remember the tips from last issue on content creation.
4. Collaboration Brainstorm:
List five potential collaborators in your industry.
Draft a brief outreach message to propose a collaborative project or content piece.
5. Website Audit:
Review your current website and identify three areas for improvement.
Plan the steps needed to update or add these elements.
Ways to work together + grow this quarter
Become a Founding Member of La Hoja for $199 for the year and get a 60-min strategy session. Sign up here.
Join The Jefa in Training Circle by July 26th for 30% off (For Latina Changemakers Only)
Book me to speak! My calendar is open for Hispanic Heritage Month and I’m excited to talk about thought leadership for teams, leveraging entrepreneurial skills + more. See more here.
Next week will be the final part of the Revamp Your Business Growth Strategy Series so let me know - have you been loving it?
Have questions? Want to work together but don’t know how yet? Book a time on my cal - let’s have a virtual cafecito.
Until next time,
xx
