Traction Inc.

In the age of content marketing, thought leadership is a highly coveted position. And while it may seem random (or largely based on luck), there is actually a science to becoming a thought leader. Earning the respect and trust of your audience doesn't happen overnight or at random. It takes continuous demonstration and strategic content marketing to position your brand. By engaging in these 4 strategies, you'll begin to see growth and success as a thought leader in your industry.

Henry Ward Beecher, a Congregationalist clergyman, was one of the first individuals to be identified in writing as a thought leader in 1887. It is a term that has been used for more than a hundred years, often used in reference to another instead of as a self-descriptor. Today “thought leader” or “thought leadership” can be seen in job description, company mission statements and sprinkled in resumes. What is thought leadership exactly? More importantly, what does it mean to truly be a thought leader and how can you become one?

Whether you’re starting a new business from scratch or taking the reins of an already-existing company, you’ll want to make your mark as a successful new owner/operator. That’s why, even if you have years of experience in your chosen industry, it’s essential for you to find a top-notch business mentor.

Starting a business can be risky and scary. Many people are afraid of failing but are still willing to take a risk for the potential success they may have. If you are thinking about starting a business, you need to be sure that you properly prepare if you want to better your chances of ultimate success.

Just like you spring clean your home, it's necessary to evaluate and sometimes overhaul important areas of your business. There are several ways to spring clean your business to keep it running as smoothly and effectively as possible.

With so much emphasis on the bottom line, mentoring can sometimes take a backseat to profit and revenue; but, as any successful entrepreneur will tell you, mentoring is a crucial component of any successful business. A good business mentor builds employee confidence and morale — and by doing so, boosts motivation and enhances job satisfaction and performance.

When your business grows, you are undoubtedly thrilled. After all, expanding and becoming increasingly profitable has always been your goal. That happy expansion can also come with some serious pains. Growth alone is not enough. Your business's health requires a in-depth management plan, one a business coach can help you devise. Don't let your success do you in.

The mere mention of growth can be a scary proposition for many business owners. Without growth, however, your business can become stagnant, maybe even boring, and crumble over time. It’s important to understand why you may be resisting business growth, why growth is so important and how a small business coach  can help you develop the right growth strategy.