How X (Twitter) Can Transformed an Introvert To A Thought Leader

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER’S SERIES

Ten (10) lessons learned to become a Thought Leader

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In 2014, one of my staff sent an email with startling news he had gathered from the Internet. I was unexpectedly named the №20th Thought Leader in IoT by the 2014 Onalytics Report — “The Internet of Things — Top 100 Thought Leaders”.

This accolade was a surprise and a moment of pride and revelation. The recognition stemmed mainly from my engagement on X (formerly known as Twitter), where I had been actively sharing insights and knowledge about IoT.

From then onwards, I received several accolades from different organizations and websites (Take note: this is different from the paid version that most people receive nowadays).

Some of the notable ones are:

Top 50 B2B Thought Leaders, Analysts & Influencers You Should Work With In 2024 (APAC)
– Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on the Internet of Things (February 2019) and Digital Disruption (October 2019) by Thinkers360,
– Top 50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders by World CSR Congress 2017
– Top 10 in IoT Top 100 Influencers by Postscapes 2017 & 2018

However, not all accolades are based on X alone; for example, Thinkers360 uses a unique patent-pending algorithm, as mentioned on their website:

Our differentiation from the various influencer leaderboards on social media, and other randomly-compiled lists on the web, is that our patent-pending algorithm takes a holistic view of thought leaders and experts, beyond their social media activity, and looks across all the hats they may wear — such as academic, author, consultant, entrepreneur, influencer, and speaker — and all the types of thought leadership content they produce. — Thinkers360

Thus, it’s important as a thought leader that we need to have our blog, too.

This experience not only underscored the influence of social media in professional branding but also highlighted ten (10) lessons about the power of digital platforms in establishing thought leadership.

1. Consistency is Key

My journey on X began with a simple desire to share what I knew and believed about IoT. Over time, this consistent sharing of articles, insights, and personal commentary helped me build a dedicated following. Consistency in posting keeps your audience engaged and helps you build an online persona that reflects expertise and reliability.

2. Quality Over Quantity

While consistent activity is crucial, the quality of the content shared is paramount. Each tweet, retweet, or shared article was selected or crafted to add value to discussions around IoT. This focus on quality ensures that your audience finds your contributions worthwhile, encouraging deeper engagement and broader sharing.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Engagement goes beyond posting content. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and acknowledging others’ content helped me build a community around my social media presence. This interaction is about spreading knowledge and learning from others, a hallmark of authentic thought leadership.

4. Leverage Networking Graphs

The Onalytics report highlighted the importance of how individuals influence various audiences through network graphs. Understanding and leveraging these connections can amplify your reach and impact. I could extend my influence beyond my immediate followers by engaging with key influencers within the IoT space and participating in broader discussions.

5. Recognize the Power of Niches

IoT is a vast field, but my focus was often on specific niches within this domain that were less saturated but had significant potential for impact. This strategy helped set me apart, giving me a unique voice that could offer fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge.

6. Adapt and Evolve

Technology constantly changes. We must adapt to new trends, platforms, and technologies. IoT has expanded, leading to discussions on technical aspects, ethics, and policies.

7. Share Your Journey

Authenticity resonates with people. Sharing successes, challenges, and learnings from my journey as an IoT professional has helped humanize my online presence. This openness fosters trust and encourages others to share their experiences, creating a rich, interactive community.

8. Commit to Continuous Learning

Thought leadership is not a static achievement but a dynamic process. Continual learning and updating one’s knowledge base are critical. Engaging with the latest research, industry reports, and innovative practices has kept my content relevant and insightful.

9. Give Back to the Community

Throughout my journey, giving back has been a cornerstone — whether through mentoring, webinars, speaking engagements, or collaborative projects. These contributions enrich the community and establish your role as a knowledgeable leader committed to the field’s growth.

10. Stay Humble

Recognition as a thought leader should not be an end in itself but a platform for further growth and contribution. Staying humble and approachable ensures you remain open to new ideas and connections, vital for sustained relevance and influence in a rapidly changing field.

The recognition Onalytics bestowed upon me was a powerful reminder of the impact I can make through my contributions. It emphasized the transformative potential of social media to shape my professional identity and enhance my brand.

Most importantly, it underscored our crucial role as thought leaders to drive meaningful change and progress in our respective fields.