The Path from Expert to Thought Leader: Is it for You?

Importance of self-promotion

Differentiating yourself from the competition is key, as this will help you to stand out and attract customers.

Are you an expert or professional looking to unlock your full potential? Have you considered becoming a thought leader or are others already thinking of you as one? Becoming a thought leader could open up a world of opportunity for you and allow you to share your expertise with a wider audience. But what are the advantages of becoming a thought leader? In this blog, I will be discussing the definitions of experts, professionals, and thought leaders. I’ll also be outlining the identity transformation and skills needed to become a thought leader. Finally, I’ll share the benefits of becoming a thought leader and the best way to make it happen. 

Why is it important to become a thought leader?
For professionals, the decision to become a thought leader is one of the most important ones you can make.  Being a thought leader allows you to establish yourself as someone to watch in your industry. It gives you the authority to shape conversations and create trends around topics related to your field. When people recognize you as an expert and go-to source for advice and information, it can help to generate more interest in your business and bring more customers to it. Furthermore, becoming a thought leader can be an invaluable way to stay ahead of the competition.

Thought leaders are constantly learning and adapting to new trends, technologies, and opportunities. By being at the forefront of these developments, you can gain an edge over your competitors and create a name for yourself that stands out from your colleagues, competitors, and peers.  Additionally, as a thought leader, you can help to set the standard for the industry, which can make it easier for you to attract strategic partners and other collaborative opportunities. 

There are three aspects to consider:
1. Identifying whether you are better suited to being an expert or a thought leader.
2. Understanding what it means to be a thought leader.
3. Adjusting your identity and mindset to the role.

That is the surface level, now let's go deeper.  

Identifying whether you are better suited to being an expert or a thought leader
Identifying whether you are an expert or a thought leader is an important step for individuals who are transitioning from one of the professions to starting their own business as a coach or consultant. Experts are considered those with extensive knowledge and ability based on research, experience, education, and occupation in a particular field who can be called upon to give advice on their respective subjects. Thought leaders, on the other hand, are experts of experts who consistently answer the biggest questions in the minds of their target audience, and who are often asked to speak as keynote speakers at public events, conferences, and webinars.

When determining if you are an expert or thought leader, ask yourself if what you do fits into either of those categories. If you are an expert, you have credentials, a reputation, and demonstrated experience and expertise that give you credibility with many of the people who will choose to hire you. If you are a thought leader, you also have new solutions to old problems or old solutions to new problems, and you are creative, original, and able to consistently shed new light on problems that others in the field continue to struggle with. Ultimately, having an understanding of your expertise and how it is perceived by others is an important part of crafting a successful business.

One way to identify which type of professional you are is to consider the type of work you do. Are you an expert who is primarily focused on providing specific advice or services, or are you a thought leader who is constantly looking for new ways to solve problems and create innovative solutions? If you are an expert, you may be sought out for your in-depth knowledge and experience on a particular subject, and you may be asked to write, speak, or consult on the topic. Thought leaders, however, may have a broader approach and may be asked to give keynote presentations, moderate panel discussions, or even produce online content.

It can also be useful to assess the impact that your work has had on your industry or the people you serve. Are you consistently providing value that is being recognized and appreciated by those who come in contact with your work? Are you creating change in your field, whether through practical advice or through more creative solutions? These are all indicators of whether you are an expert or a thought leader. By understanding this, you can better position your business and leverage your expertise for success.

Understanding what it means to be an expert, a professional, or a thought leader
Understanding what it means to be an expert or thought leader requires a clear understanding of the terms. An expert is someone who has extensive knowledge and ability in a certain field, based on research, education, and experience. Professionals are members of a profession who have been educated, trained, and indoctrinated in the standards, ethics, and obligations of a profession. They typically must be relicensed on a regular basis and complete CEUs to maintain their status.  Professionals often maintain professional liability insurance and can have their license suspended if they do not meet strict standards.

Thought leaders are the most entrepreneurial of experts, and their expertise is often based on a combination of personal experience and formal credentials. It is important to consider the role of credentials when it comes to being an expert or thought leader, as some people may value them more than others. You can be a professional, an expert, and a thought leader.  An example of this would be an attorney who became a specialist in intellectual property law and worked exclusively with entrepreneurs and founders whose work became trademarked and licensed and then wrote a book and became a sought-after speaker at law schools and legal conferences based on their original and proprietary process for working with start-ups and knowledge-based entrepreneurs.  

It is important to note that becoming an expert or a thought leader doesn’t happen overnight, and can take decades. It requires dedication, hard work, and commitment to becoming one. It involves a deep understanding of the topic or field, as well as a willingness to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. It is also important to have the right attitude and the right mindset so that one can stay motivated and continue to produce quality work. Additionally, thought leaders must have the ability to influence and inspire people with their ideas and must be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Finally, having a network of other experts and thought leaders is essential in order to gain the credibility and recognition one needs to establish oneself as an expert or a thought leader.  Thought leadership is a challenging but rewarding role that can open up many opportunities and create sustainable career satisfaction. 

Adjusting your identity and mindset to your new role 
Adjusting your identity and mindset to your new role is a critical step in transitioning from a professional to a coach or consultant. This involves letting go of the status and identity you have become accustomed to in your profession, as well as becoming comfortable with sales and marketing. Learning to self-promote, in addition to leveraging your network is often one of the biggest struggles. 

One of the psychological hurdles for professionals who are beginning to build an online presence is the fact that the term ‘expert’ has evolved in recent years, and that many people have built successful businesses online based on their personal lived experiences, without years of education and training required of professionals.   This can be frustrating or cause resentment but the people you hope to influence as a thought leader will be the ones who value your background, so those individuals are not your genuine competition. 

Adjusting your identity and mindset to your new role as an entrepreneurial thought leader requires becoming comfortable with sales and marketing, and being willing to talk about your expertise on stages, podcasts, media interviews, and more. Additionally, it is important to remember that there are many qualified, credentialed experts in a particular field who have different ideas about how things should be done, so being willing to discuss and perhaps even debate may represent additional opportunities to demonstrate your wisdom and perspective. 

It is important to also understand the importance of self-promotion in order to get your business off the ground and develop momentum. This involves taking advantage of social media, networking events, and other digital platforms to get your message out to the world. Additionally, it is essential to have a well-defined brand and message that highlights your unique skills and qualifications and resonates with your target audience. Differentiating yourself from the competition is key, as this will help you to stand out and attract customers.

Finally, when adjusting your identity and mindset to your new role as an entrepreneur, it is important to remember that this is a process that requires patience and dedication. As you adjust your identity and mindset to your new role, you can look to other leaders in a variety of industries for inspiration, and use their stories of success as motivation for your own journey. With the right attitude and dedication, you can become successful as an entrepreneurial thought leader and make your mark on the world.