10 Strategies Rising Thought Leaders Can Use to Get Started in Building Their Online Leadership Platforms

In today's rapidly evolving world, thought leadership has emerged as a potent force, capable of influencing industries, inspiring innovation, and establishing authority.

​It's about sharing unique perspectives, insights, and expertise to shape the future and guide others toward success.

Effective thought leaders don't just disseminate information; they ignite conversations, challenge the status quo, and offer innovative solutions to complex problems. They possess a deep understanding of their field, coupled with the ability to communicate their ideas in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

The impact of thought leadership extends far beyond individual success. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, encourages collaboration, and propels industries forward. By sharing their knowledge and experience, thought leaders empower others to reach their full potential and contribute to a better future.

​Becoming a thought leader requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine desire to make a difference. It involves actively engaging in industry discussions, sharing valuable content, and building relationships with others in your field. By consistently providing insightful commentary and innovative solutions, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority and inspire others to follow your lead.

Ultimately, the power of thought leadership lies in its ability to shape the future. By sharing your unique perspective and expertise, you can inspire innovation, drive positive change, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

And in this empowering lesson, I want to teach you 10 strategies to help you begin cultivating your online leadership platform using thought leadership techniques.

10 Strategies Rising Thought Leaders Can Use to Get Started

​Before we dive into this new teaching, let’s review our working definition of thought leadership:

​Thought Leadership is the art of influencing the masses to make substantial changes that bring healing, deliverance, and empowerment on a local, state, or national level. Using the power of the written and spoken word, thought leaders convey their expert knowledge through carefully crafted content that delivers actionable solutions to our world's most challenging problems. — Coach Felecia Killings

For leaders enrolled in The CCM Leadership Ministry and Academy, I teach them the importance of implementing the principles of Conscious Conservatism into their leadership platforms.

​The essence of Conscious Conservatism is to demonstrate how moral conservatism empowers us to create social, political, and economic empires based on Kingdom principles. As leaders, our 'consciousness' stems from our awareness of spiritual laws that, when applied correctly, guarantee our success. We conserve these truths and implement these values to solve problems in our communities. And as a result of doing things this better way, we can expect better results that last for generations to come. — Coach Felecia Killings

​Now let’s explore 10 methods to help you get started on your journey.

​1. Identify and Dominate Your Niche

The foundation of any successful online platform is a clearly defined niche. Don't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, focus on a specific area where you possess deep knowledge and passion. This allows you to attract a targeted audience genuinely interested in your expertise.

• Research: Thoroughly investigate potential niches. Are there existing thought leaders? What are they doing well and where are there gaps?
• Passion: Choose a niche you're genuinely enthusiastic about. Your passion will shine through in your content and make it more engaging.
• Specificity: The more specific your niche, the easier it is to stand out. For instance, instead of "marketing," consider "marketing for sustainable businesses." Or instead of “life coaching,” consider “life coaching for Millennial single mothers.”
• Audience Needs: Identify the problems your target audience faces and how your expertise can solve them. Tailor your content to address these needs directly. Understanding your audience is paramount to offering value and building loyalty.

2. Create High-Value, Consistent Content

Content is the engine that drives your online platform. It's how you demonstrate your expertise, build trust, and attract followers. However, not all content is created equal. Focus on delivering exceptional value that educates, inspires, or entertains your audience.

• Solve Problems: Create content that directly addresses the challenges your target audience faces. Offer practical solutions and actionable advice.
• Original Research: Conduct your own research and share your findings. This positions you as an authority and provides unique insights.
• Case Studies: Showcase your success stories and demonstrate how you've helped others achieve their goals. People trust results.
• Maintain Consistency: Establish a regular content schedule and stick to it. Consistency keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

3. Leverage the Power of Social Media

Social media is an indispensable tool for building your online platform. It allows you to connect with your audience, share your content, and expand your reach. However, it's crucial to use social media strategically.

• Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on the platforms where your target audience spends their time. Don't spread yourself too thin trying to be everywhere. (Consider how I use Twitter Class as a method for consistent social media engagement.)
• Engage Actively: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in relevant conversations. Build relationships with your followers.
• Optimize Your Profiles: Ensure your profiles are complete, professional, and optimized for search. Use relevant keywords and a compelling bio.
• Use Visuals: Incorporate images and videos into your social media posts. Visual content is more engaging and shareable.

4. Network Strategically with Other Leaders

Networking is essential for expanding your influence and reaching new audiences. Connect with other thought leaders in your niche and build mutually beneficial relationships.

• Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and other industry events. These are great opportunities to meet other thought leaders and learn from their experiences.
• Engage Online: Connect with other leaders on social media. Comment on their posts, share their content, and participate in relevant discussions.
• Collaborate on Projects: Co-create content, co-host webinars, or collaborate on research projects. Collaboration allows you to tap into each other's audiences and expertise.
• Offer Value: Focus on building genuine relationships based on mutual respect and value exchange. Don't just ask for favors; offer your help and support as well.

5. Engage Authentically with Your Audience

Building a loyal following requires genuine engagement. Don't just broadcast your message; actively listen to your audience and respond to their needs.

• Respond to Comments and Questions: Acknowledge and respond to comments and questions promptly. This shows you value your audience's input.
• Ask for Feedback: Solicit feedback on your content and your platform. Use this feedback to improve your offerings and better serve your audience.
• Run Polls and Surveys: Engage your audience by asking for their opinions on relevant topics. This can provide valuable insights and generate discussion.
• Create a Community: Foster a sense of community among your followers. Encourage them to connect with each other and share their experiences.

6. Use Analytics to Guide Your Decisions

Data is your friend. Use analytics to track your progress and identify what's working and what's not. This allows you to optimize your strategy and maximize your impact.

• Track Key Metrics: Monitor metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and conversion rates.
• Identify Trends: Analyze your data to identify trends and patterns. What content resonates most with your audience? Which platforms are driving the most traffic?
• A/B Test Your Content: Experiment with different headlines, formats, and calls to action. Use A/B testing to determine what performs best.
• Adjust Your Strategy: Use your insights to adjust your strategy and focus on what's working. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

7. Maintain Unwavering Consistency

Consistency is key to building a strong online platform. Establish a regular content schedule and stick to it, even when you're busy. This keeps your audience engaged and ensures that you're always top of mind.

• Create a Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance and schedule it using a content calendar. This helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambles.
• Batch Your Work: Dedicate specific blocks of time to creating content. This allows you to focus and be more efficient.
• Repurpose Your Content: Repurpose your existing content into different formats. Turn a blog post into a video, a podcast episode, or a social media series.
• Automate Your Processes: Use automation tools to streamline your workflow and save time. Schedule social media posts, automate email marketing, and use project management software.

8. Explore Different Content Formats

Don't limit yourself to just one type of content. Experiment with different formats to see what resonates most with your audience. Variety keeps things interesting and allows you to reach a wider audience.

• Blog Posts: Share your expertise and insights through blog posts. Optimize your posts for search engines to attract organic traffic.
• Videos: Create videos that educate, entertain, or inspire your audience. Videos are highly engaging and shareable.
• Podcasts: Share your thoughts and insights through podcasts. Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience on the go.
• Infographics: Present complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Infographics are highly shareable.

9. Invest in Your Personal Branding

Your personal brand is your online reputation. Invest in building a strong personal brand that reflects your values, your expertise, and your unique personality. A strong personal brand helps you stand out from the crowd and attract opportunities.

• Define Your Brand Values: Identify the values that are most important to you and let them guide your actions and your content.
• Craft Your Brand Story: Tell your story and share your journey. People connect with authentic stories. More importantly, learn to tell the story of your target audience.
• Develop a Consistent Visual Identity: Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery across all your platforms. This helps create a cohesive and recognizable brand.
• Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and strengthens relationships.

10. Hire the Right Coach or Mentor

Building an online leadership platform can be challenging, especially in the beginning. Consider hiring a coach or mentor who can provide guidance, support, and accountability. A good coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, develop a strategy, and stay on track.

• Look for Experience: Choose a coach or mentor who has experience building successful online leadership platforms.
• Seek Alignment: Find someone who aligns with your values and your goals.
• Check References: Ask for references and speak with other people who have worked with the coach or mentor.
• Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, choose someone you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to guide you.

In summary, building a thriving online leadership platform requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent execution. By focusing on identifying your niche, creating valuable content, leveraging social media, networking, engaging with your audience, utilizing analytics, maintaining consistency, exploring diverse content formats, investing in your personal brand, and seeking guidance when needed, you can establish yourself as a respected authority and expand your reach in the digital landscape.

And this is the kind of training I deliver to rising leaders who have an empowering, God-focused message that must be delivered on a national scale using the virtual space.

This week, The Foundation is hosting open enrollment for new members to join The CCM Leadership Ministry and Academy.
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On the first Saturday of every month, I conduct online group coaching and training to our members using the principles of Conscious Conservatism and my signature training program called Dominating Thought Leadership.

As a recurring member, you will receive:

• Lifetime access to our premium training;
• Lifetime access to our supportive leadership network;
• Lifetime access to our 10-part Dominating Thought Leadership training materials (manuals, ebooks, workbooks, recorded leadership Zoom calls) at no additional charge (a $1,500 value);
• And lifetime access to our VIP discounts, which include 50% OFF rates to attend our annual CCM Leadership Convention.

Become a member of The CCM Leadership Ministry and Academy today and join us for our next scheduled leadership call this Saturday.

Until next time, Beloved, be blessed.

And as always, let’s grow together!
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• Coach Felecia Killings