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“Continuous learning leads to continuous improvement. Commit yourself to advancing your knowledge, skills and expertise. … Be a lifelong student.”

�ճ󾱲��� highlights a key trait of current and aspiring experts: always be learning.

Alabaster knows what she’s talking about. As a business executive with over 25 years of experience, she’s worked for many top companies.

If you’re reading this, let’s assume two things. One, you’re at least curious about the steps to becoming a thought leader in your desired field. And two, you need some suggestions for how to build the necessary knowledge and expertise.

As you’ll see, it is possible to set yourself up as a thought leader in your field. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to gather and practice the right skills and even enjoy the journey.

Let’s dive in.

1. Understand why you want to be a thought leader

2. Get your 10,000 hours

3. Be a master networker

The notion that  — and who knows you — borders on cliché for a reason. Networking is the lifeblood of your career. 

When we connect with people, we get to learn about their goals and aspirations. They, in turn, often want to know about ours.

Whether in person or online, networking gives you the chance to discuss and showcase your expertise. Maybe someone has a question only you can answer. Or, if you don’t have the answer, maybe you know someone who does. At that point, you become a connector, which is another way to gain attention and become a valuable resource for others. Then, when the time comes that you need a favor — like an interview for a new position — you’ll have a wide network of people to reach out to.

4. Leverage storytelling

OK, so you’re on your way to 10,000 hours, and you’re networking like crazy. You’re achieving expert status, but how do you differentiate yourself from the other thought leaders in your field?

By telling stories. That’s right — stories.

Think about the most impactful people you know. Chances are, they know how to  an important topic. It’s an important skill because human beings are wired for stories. It’s how we’ve communicated for millennia.

You can use that power, and display your expertise, by telling stories that resonate with others in your industry.

For instance, you could begin writing on social media, giving talks at conferences or even starting your own podcast. This will help set you apart and establish you as a thought leader.

The key, however, is to do it well. You have to be able to:

• Make complex data easy to understand
• Talk about the trends that matter
• Paint a picture for the future of your industry
• Inspire others and enact meaningful change

Do all this, and storytelling becomes the vehicle for evangelizing your expertise. It’s what solidifies your reputation and expands your reach. Just make sure your message is ready.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of SM������.