The Power of Subject Matter Experts
You know those individuals at your IT services company who possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields? The ones that everyone in the office turns to when they need guidance on complex technical issues? Well, my friend, those are your subject matter experts (SMEs), and they hold the key to unlocking your company’s true potential as thought leaders.
Subject matter experts are the keepers of your organization’s most valuable asset – institutional knowledge. Their decades of experience in solving complex problems and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the IT industry make them an invaluable resource. But here’s the thing – simply having these SMEs on your team isn’t enough. You need to leverage their expertise and position them as the industry’s go-to thought leaders.
The Difference Between SMEs and Thought Leaders
Now, you might be asking, “But aren’t all subject matter experts automatically thought leaders?” Well, not quite. While there is certainly a significant overlap between the two, the key difference lies in visibility, credibility, and a drive for long-term growth.
Thought leaders, you see, make a conscious, proactive effort to broaden their horizons in these three areas. They actively seek out speaking opportunities, build industry credibility through publishing and accreditations, and constantly push the boundaries of their expertise. They’re the ones who carve out a path for others to follow, setting the course for where professionals in the field will focus in the future.
Strategies for Turning SMEs into Thought Leaders
So, how do you transform your subject matter experts into thought-leading superstars? Let me share a few key strategies:
1. Boost Visibility
Visibility is the cornerstone of establishing leadership in any industry. This means not just immediate visibility, like meeting someone at a conference or having them read an article, but also continuous visibility and saturation of your SMEs’ expertise across various channels, from LinkedIn to industry journals.
Encourage your SMEs to collaborate with other industry experts and contribute to the broader discussion. Participating in industry discussions will introduce them to other thought leaders, broadening their thinking and opening up new possibilities for professional collaboration.
2. Cultivate Credibility
Having your SMEs create impactful content for your company’s website is a powerful way to showcase their expertise and credibility. But don’t just throw them in front of a computer and expect magic to happen. Provide as much assistance as possible, from conducting interviews to polishing and promoting the content.
One common strategy is to have the SME publish an article, either on your website or in an industry journal, and then have both the SME and the company promote the piece on social media and via email.
3. Specialize, Don’t Generalize
One common pitfall that subject matter experts often fall into is the belief that they must be experts at everything happening in the industry. But the truth is, the riches are in the niches. Encourage your SMEs to focus on a specific topic or niche within their field of expertise and position themselves as thought leaders in that area.
For example, an IT security expert might choose to focus on thought leadership around cloud-based security solutions, while a software engineer could position themselves as a thought leader in DevOps practices. By narrowing their focus, your SMEs can build credibility and momentum in a particular subject, rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades.
4. Innovate, Don’t Imitate
Finally, it’s critical for your subject matter experts to offer innovative, disruptive, or exceptionally valuable insights into their area of expertise. A true thought leader stands out because they know an exceptional amount about the industry and its best practices, and then push this information even further.
Encourage your SMEs to explore novel, unique, and interesting topics that drive the conversation to new and innovative places. This kind of forward-thinking, innovative content will help position your experts as the industry’s go-to thought leaders.
The Impact of Thought Leadership
Transforming your subject matter experts into thought leaders is a strategic approach that can elevate your IT services company’s reputation, industry influence, and overall success. When leveraged correctly, they can provide your firm with a wealth of knowledge and content, becoming a valuable asset in your marketing and business development efforts.
By focusing on visibility, industry collaboration, content creation, niche specialization, and innovation, you can empower your subject matter experts to lead meaningful conversations in your field, positioning your IT services company as a trusted authority in the industry.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash the power of your SMEs and turn them into the thought-leading superstars they were born to be.
The Rewards of Thought Leadership
The benefits of establishing your IT experts as thought leaders are far-reaching. Not only does it expand your company’s reach and enhance brand awareness, but it also boosts credibility and can ultimately attract more clients and business opportunities.
Think about it – when consumers are looking for a reliable, trustworthy IT services provider, they’re more likely to choose a company associated with recognized industry thought leaders. By positioning your SMEs as the go-to experts in their respective fields, you’re creating a competitive edge that sets your business apart from the rest.
Moreover, thought leadership allows your IT experts to contribute to the advancement of the industry, fostering innovation and positive change. Their expertise and insights can inspire and influence others, solidifying your company’s reputation as a forward-thinking, industry-leading organization.
Conclusion
Transforming your subject matter experts into thought leaders isn’t a quick or easy process, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By implementing strategies that focus on visibility, credibility, specialization, and innovation, you can empower your IT experts to become the industry’s most trusted and influential voices.
Remember, social media is a powerful tool in this journey, offering your SMEs a platform to showcase their expertise, build relationships, and connect with their target audience. So, let’s get your IT experts out there, sharing their knowledge and shaping the future of the industry. It’s time to turn them into the thought-leading superstars they were born to be!
