How do you become a thought leader? Is there any benefit to your bottom line? In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Carol Cox shares how you can become a thought leader in your space. She covers the definition of a thought leader, the power of sharing personal experiences, and how to speak your brand with her VOICE method. Don’t miss it!
Carol Cox is the founder of Speaking Your Brand®, a coaching and training company that helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and thought leadership platform, so they can grow their businesses, make a bigger impact, and become influencers in their fields.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] LuAnn Live + Book
[2:05] Wingnut hourly consulting
[2:48] Mini news sesh: Pinterest Story Pins
[8:59] Who is Carol Cox?
[10:49] Carol’s definition of a thought leader
[15:52] The power of sharing personal experiences
[21:40] What “Speaking Your Brand®” means
[24:19] Carol’s “VOICE” method
[27:13] The container for your thought leadership
[30:28] How to start writing your message
[35:30] What Up Wingnut! Round
[38:16] How to connect with Carol Cox
[43:28] Blooper Reel!

Connect with Carol Cox
Get Carol’s thought leadership workbook at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/darla/
Speaking Your Brand® Podcast
FREE Live Virtual Summit on April 1st, 2021
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Friend on Instagram

Resources & People Mentioned
A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Vol. 2
A Well-Designed Business Podcast
BOOK: Me and White Supremacy
BOOK: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
BOOK: The Signature of All Things: A Novel

Carol’s definition of a thought leader
What is a thought leader? According to Carol, a thought leader is someone who talks about things in their niche or circle of influence that aren’t often discussed. Maybe this person has a unique take on it. They’re direct + bold and put out original content. 
They’re presenting that content in a “thought leadership container.” They’re creating something that their audience can participate in. A thought leader must be passionate. What do you get on a soapbox about? Sharing that message can help other people and ultimately help them understand themselves better. You become a mirror or reflection so they learn more about themselves through your journey.
When Brene Brown’s TEDx talk took off years ago, she talked about her research around shame and vulnerability. Her talk became so popular because she put herself into it. She applied her research to herself and shared her story. 
Sue Monk Kidd (a novelist) said, “The deeper we go into our own personal experience, the more it becomes a universal experience.” The more you share the details of your story—not generically—the more the audience puts themselves in your shoes. 
Speaking Your Brand®
Carol takes a broad view of the term “speaking.” It can mean traditional public speaking, podcast interviews, panel discussions, and even sales conversations. Speaking Your Brand® means, “How are you communicating to your audience what you do, why you do it, how it helps, and who it helps?”
Think about the audience on the other side. What is their goal? What is it that they want? How can you have a dialogue with them so that they understand that you are a great fit for them based on your process, your expertise, and your values?
How do you do that? With Carol’s VOICE method. 
V: Your viewpoint that’s unique. What is it that you get on a soapbox about that otters aren’t talking about or doing?
O: Open, bold, and direct communication. Don’t sugarcoat the information that you provide. 
I: What is your individual story that you universalize? 
C: What is the container for your message? 
E: Be emotive, real, and vulnerable in your content and your delivery. 

How do you figure out what your container for thought leadership is? How do you get your audience involved in what you’re doing? Listen to hear Carol’s t