5– Think visually

‘thought leader’: a knowledgeable and influential person whom clients trust and turn to for advice – a very powerful position to be in.

You believe the perceived wisdom to be outdated or otherwise suspect. • You are likely to be in a position to suggest practical steps to tackling the problem or opportunity identified.

Original ideas • With important implications • Backed by evidence • Clearly expressed • Publicly discussed • Strongly influencing the opinions of others

Thought leadership projects are great opportunities to actually do something in partnership with clients – something that’s not selling and not chargeable hours.

For instance, highlight what people should do to take advantage of the opportunity you have identified or protect themselves against the problem you are warning them about.

6 – Practicality The importance of your thought leadership having practical applications

– Clarity Are your ideas expressed in simple, clear, memorable English?

You will recall our definition of thought leadership: • Original ideas • With important implications • Backed by evidence • Clearly expressed • Publicly discussed • That strongly influence the opinions of others