Learn how to make the most out every success and failure with The Aftershock written by Kelli Poles with Mark Graham Communications.
Many businesspeople aspire to become recognized experts in their field—status commonly referred to as being a thought leader. According to Forbes, a thought leader is “…an individual or firm that prospects, clients, referral sources, intermediaries and even competitors recognize as one of the foremost authorities in selected areas of specialization, resulting in its being the go-to individual or organization for said expertise.” Further, “A thought leader is an individual or firm that significantly profits from being recognized as such.”
Perhaps your goal is to become a thought leader, or perhaps you’re already a recognized expert in your field. Whether you’re already there or working your way toward it, you likely know that thought leadership takes time, dedication, and tremendous effort. Thought leaders possess not only subject matter expertise, but also the creativity, insightfulness, and leadership skills necessary to inspire others. As such, thought leadership itself is a skill that must be honed.
For any thought leader, it’s vital that others recognize and value the leader’s influence. Much of this is cultivating a consistent, well-thought-out online presence (social media, blog, website, and so on), but writing and publishing a book can also play a key role.
How does authoring a book benefit you as a thought leader? Consider the following:
- A book establishes your expertise. Your book tells the world that you know your stuff. Whether you write the book yourself or work with a ghostwriter, the primary source of the book’s contents is your expertise in your particular field. If you work with a ghostwriter, the ghostwriter will interview you and use materials you provide to present your content in a clear, organized, and engaging manner. As the author, with your name on the cover, you will be the ultimate authority about the book’s content.
- A book shows dedication to your subject. As mentioned above, it’s common for thought leaders to publish blog posts and online articles. This content can be useful both to thought leaders and their audiences, but book-length material demonstrates a thought leader’s deeper, multilayered expertise regarding their subject.
- A book is tangible and long-lasting. Unlike web content, which can change dynamically and can become buried in online searches, a book (whether physical or e-book) is a tangible object that your audience can refer to again and again. A skilled ghostwriter will work with you to generate content that stands the test of time while simultaneously being forward-thinking and fresh in its insightfulness and practicality.
- A book builds your following. Pairing your book with social media posts, website content, and business-to-business communication allows you to gain—and maintain—readers and followers. This coordinated approach further validates your expertise about your subject.
You know your business. If your goal is leveraging that knowledge to become a recognized expert in your industry, there’s no better tool than a well-written book.
Interested in learning more? Please contact us. We’d love to help.
