THOUGHT LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Using Your Voice, Post-Election

An Update from Curley Company Media Center by Kate Urbach

As we transition to the next phase in politics, we’ll not only see a new administration in Washington, but also welcome new members to the House and Senate, along with new leaders in state and local governments across the nation. The changes in the political landscape create new challenges and new opportunities, and possibly an ideal time to position yourself as a thought leader. As you consider leaning in and sharing your voice, here are some things to keep in mind:

💬 Know when it’s time to use your voice. Does the issue impact your employees or customers? Does it tie directly to your company or indirectly through partners, affiliates, etc.? Do you have a strong POV? If yes, then proactive communication should be considered. Speaking up early can help to set the tone and shape the narrative.

📣Position yourself and your organization as a resource. Change brings about questions and expert views are being sought out by both the media and policymakers. On background conversations can be a great way to share your knowledge and shape a narrative.  By offering your unique perspective you can establish yourself as a go-to resource for journalists. And, if you are willing to go on record, you can strengthen your position as a thought leader.

🎯 Focus on your message. To build trust, it’s important to understand what is important to your audience. In today’s ever-shifting landscape ask yourself: Why is this message important to policymakers? What does it mean for communities? How does it impact the economy and jobs? Having a compelling message resonates with their needs and helps to further your position as a trusted authority in your field.

💡 Generate thought-provoking content. What makes a leader stand out is a unique and differentiated point of view. That means sharing real insights, lessons learned, the good and the bad. The best thought leadership content isn’t about self-promotion, it’s about providing value to the audience.

As we head into 2025, thought leadership will become an even more critical aspect of communications strategies. Curley Company is focused on helping companies develop thought leadership strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Not sure where to start? Let’s talk more, we’re experts in this area.