Research Note: 7 Characteristics of a Thought Leader

Have you said this to yourself?

If only I could somehow get through to everyone I want to reach… I could help so many people with what I know, and what I know how to do.

Or... perhaps this:

If only I could get to the point when clients come to me... when I'm a word-of-mouth occurence in my market... when the proverbial flywheel gains some momentum.

Both of these happen to thought leaders.

When you've built a reputation as a thought leader in your market (however widespread or niche-driven that market may be), there's no doubt that your business will benefit from it, and you reap the personal benefit of helping others out. But you're only as ready to tackle this path as you're prepared to work hard, be patient, and invest serious time and energy.

How Thought Leaders Think

Our RainToday Research team recently completed research on How To Become A Thought Leader, studying the many facets of what motivates current thought leaders in professional services such as:

• What helps thought leaders succeed in connecting with their markets?
• What's rewarding and what's risky?
• How long it takes to become a thought leader?
• What makes a difference along the way?

Here are the "7 Characteristics of a Thought Leader's Mindset". Ask yourself the following questions to get started thinking through whether or not you want to head down the path of becoming a thought leader.

7 Characteristics Of A Thought Leader's Mindset

ONE: They love what they do, which gives them a deep source of energy and motivation.

• Are you passionate enough about your area to push toward thought leadership?
  
  
• Do you have the personal connection to your subject that will sustain you for years to come?

TWO: They feel driven to teach others what they know, with no strings attached.

• Are you a natural teacher?
  
  
• Do you enjoy helping others learn new ideas?

THREE: They realize that in order to make an impact, build their reputation, and grow their business, they need to reach out and communicate with people outside their immediate circle of prospects and clients.

• Are you ready to expand your existing network?
  
  
• What will you need to do to prepare yourself for this stretch?

FOUR: They take risks with their messages. They're contrary, controversial, on the edge of what most people in their market believe and implement.

• Where do you stand on the issues in your field?
  
  
• How can you frame your message in a way that helps people sit up and take notice?

FIVE: They balance confidence in their skills and opinions with a genuine interest in learning from others (their clients, colleagues, mentors, and market).

• What don't you know about your field, about your market?
  
  
• What opportunities can you create to learn from others?

SIX: They are comfortable risking today's time (giving speeches, writing articles, doing interviews, volunteering for industry organizations, often for little or no pay) for tomorrow's potential benefit, when karma… and a devoted market network… will bring them new business, public affirmation, high-profile invitations, and generally solid esteem built on the reputation they've grown over the years, little by little.

• Are you ready to spend time and energy on initiatives that you'll see benefit from sometime in the future, but not immediately?

SEVEN: They keep working, connecting, and communicating long after they've achieved relative fame and success. They don't take their success for granted, and they approach their work with the realization that there is no “end point” to being a thought leader. Every day requires doing the work.

• How long do you plan to work toward this goal?
  
  
• What's the best way for you to stay motivated to keep going, day after day?

Want to learn more? Download the RainToday.com research report How To Become A Thought Leader.

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"7 Characteristics Of A Thought Leader"