Thought Leadership Survey | Thinkers360 https://www.thinkers360.com World’s First Open Platform For Thought Leaders Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:20:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2025 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research https://www.thinkers360.com/thinkers360-announces-release-of-2025-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-research/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:20:00 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=10280 Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2025 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Key findings include specialist communities (60%) retaining their lead over conferences & events (46%) and social media (46%) as the primary destination for thought leadership content as well as planned use of AI in 2025 for research & analysis (67%), content optimization (61%), content customization…

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Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2025 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research

Key findings include specialist communities (60%) retaining their lead over conferences & events (46%) and social media (46%) as the primary destination for thought leadership content as well as planned use of AI in 2025 for research & analysis (67%), content optimization (61%), content customization (53%), and content generation & ideation (47%).

DALLAS February 6, 2025

Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader, analyst and influencer community, today announced the release of it’s 2025 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Report. The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership creators – such as individuals, agencies and brands – and thought leadership audiences and their plans for 2025.

The primary research survey was conducted between November and December 2024 among Thinkers360 Members and the global community of creators and audiences of B2B thought leadership content.

This year’s findings show that it’s all about insight that’s impactful and relevant. Authors retained the top spot as primary sources of thought leadership content and 56% of audiences are spending 4+ hours per week consuming thought leadership content. Specialist communities (60%) retained their lead over conferences & events (46%) and social media (46%) as the primary destination for thought leadership content.

In the gen AI era, thought leaders told us they plan to leverage AI to ensure their thought leadership cuts above the noise in 2025 by using for research & analysis (67%), content optimization (61%), content customization (53%), and content generation & ideation (47%). These are just a few of the many findings uncovered in this year’s report.

Key findings from the study include:

Thought Leadership Audiences (Current State)

  • Thought Leadership takes Center Stage – Today’s thought leadership challenges both traditional and modern notions. It doesn’t need to be peer-reviewed, provocative or even entertaining or concise
  • It’s all about Insight that’s Impactful and Relevant – The key is “insightful” (94%), “impactful” (93%) and “relevant” (90%) content that’s forward looking and engaging (*Rated as extremely important or very important attributes of thought leadership)
  • Authors retain top spot, consultants on the rise Authors (49%), Consultants (43%), Influencers (38%) and Executives (37%) are the primary sources of thought leadership content
  • Thought Leadership informs the full Sales Cycle from Research to Purchase Decisions – 82% cited thought leadership content as moderately important or higher for making purchase decisions
  • Specialist Communities Remain #1 Destination Specialist communities (60%) retained their lead over conferences & events (46%) and social media (46%) as the primary source for thought leadership content

Thought Leadership Creators (Current State)

  • Driving a Powerful Brand Perception Over 75% see thought leadership as extremely or very important for brand perception, customer trust and competitive differentiation
  • Unique Perspectives Build Customer Trust Brand Perception” (80%), “Customer Trust” (78%),  “Competitive Differentiation” (76%) and “Brand Awareness” (73%) are the main benefits of thought leadership content
  • The New Weekly Cadence Thought leadership cadence is increasing with over 35% of creators producing over 4 pieces per month

Thought Leadership Creators (Plans for 2025)

  • #1 Sales & Marketing Priority Over 1/3 consider thought leadership the #1 Priority within their sales and marketing strategies for 2025
  • Leveraging AI for Thought Leadership67% of thought leaders plan to cut through the noise in 2025 by leveraging AI for research & analysis
  • Specialist Communities are Key – Close to 70% of thought leadership creators plan to use specialist communities to build their thought leadership credentials in 2025
Thinkers360 - B2B Thought Leadership Outlook 2025 - Plans for 2025

Thinkers360 – B2B Thought Leadership Outlook 2025 – Plans for 2025

According to Nicholas Evans, Founder, Thinkers360, “It’s exciting to see specialist communities, such as Thinkers360, retaining the top spot for audiences to consume B2B thought leadership content – ahead of conferences, events and even social media platforms – and to see close to 70% of thought leadership content creators planning to use these specialist communities to disseminate their thought leadership content in 2025. This is an exciting time for the industry as B2B thought leaders, marketers and decision makers look beyond traditional social media platforms to make their mark and expand and diversify their networks.”

 

The complete report, including extensive analysis and interpretation, is now available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above. For media inquiries, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

 

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About Thinkers360

“Connecting global brands and audiences with the world’s foremost thought leaders, analysts and influencers on business, technology and sustainability for game-changing results”

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. The company is differentiated by its unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Thinkers360’s enterprise services help global brands find and work with thought leaders and influencers as well as showcase their own corporate executives, experts and content among the community to amplify their brands and “influence the influencers”.

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Join us on Thinkers360 Connecting Global Brands with the World’s Foremost Thought Leaders, Analysts and Influencers for Game-Changing Results!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Brands, Organizations & StartupsSign up to find and work with advisors, analysts, authors, influencers and speakers in your niche and to amplify your own executives, thought leaders, and content among our opt-in B2B analyst and influencer community with 100M+ followers on social media combined! We specialize in B2B thought leadership marketing, B2B strategic marketing, and B2B analyst and influencer relations putting your brand in front of active B2B buyers, analysts and influencers worldwide – Explore membership today!

Thought Leaders, Analysts & Influencers: To join the world’s largest opt-in B2B thought leader community and influencer marketplace, participate in our leaderboards, earn prestigious digital award badges and credentials, and build, amplify and monetize your personal and corporate brand – Sign-up today!

Readers & Writers: To contribute your own content and to browse amazing content – including articles/blogs, books, interviews, podcasts and videos, from our opt-in B2B thought leader, analyst and influencer community – Join Thinkers360 today!

Want to find and work with the world’s premier B2B advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles and portfolios, in-depth reports and analytics, warm personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your project needs at info@thinkers360.com

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

#B2B #thoughtleadership #thoughtleaders #CMO #marketing #branding #brandmarketing #productmarketing #influencermarketing #socialmediamarketing #corporatecommunications #PR #analystrelations #influencerrelations #businessinfluencers #techinfluencers

 

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Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research https://www.thinkers360.com/thinkers360-announces-release-of-2023-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-research/ Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:58:38 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=6278 Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Key findings include B2B thought leadership moving to a top priority for sales and marketing in 2023, thought leadership’s increasing cadence, and making thought leadership content highly actionable to cut through the noise in a post-truth era.  DALLAS December 12, 2022 Thinkers360, the world’s premier…

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Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research

Key findings include B2B thought leadership moving to a top priority for sales and marketing in 2023, thought leadership’s increasing cadence, and making thought leadership content highly actionable to cut through the noise in a post-truth era. 

DALLAS December 12, 2022

Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader and influencer community, today announced the release of it’s 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Report conducted in association with the British Computer Society (BCS). The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership creators – such as individuals, agencies and brands – and thought leadership consumers and their plans for 2023.

The primary research survey was conducted between September through November 2022 among Thinkers360 Members, BCS Members, and other creators and consumers of B2B thought leadership content.

Key findings from the study include:

Thought Leadership Consumers (Current State)

  • Thought Leadership takes its Own Course – Today’s thought leadership challenges both traditional and modern notions. It doesn’t need to be counter-intuitive, peer-reviewed or even entertaining or concise
  • It’s all about Insight that’s also Actionable – The key is insightful (94%), forward-looking (90%) and engaging (89%) content that’s relevant and actionable (*Rated as extremely important or very important attributes of thought leadership)
  • Entrepreneurs on the Rise as Leading Sources – Authors (43%), Entrepreneurs (42%), Influencers (42%), Academics (41%) and Consultants (35%) are the primary sources of thought leadership content
  • Thought Leadership informs the full Sales Cycle from Research to Purchase Decisions 85% cited thought leadership content as moderately important or higher for making purchase decisions (up 11% from last year)
  • The Secret for Marketers to Cut Through the Noise 53% of readers are spending 4+ hours per week consuming thought leadership content (up from 42% last year)

Thought Leadership Creators (Current State)

  • Driving a Powerful Brand Premium Close to 1/2 see thought leadership adding over 75% to the brand premium they command in the marketplace
  • Unique Perspectives Build Customer Trust Customer trust (84%), competitive differentiation (83%) and brand awareness (81%) are the main business benefits of thought leadership content creation
  • The New Weekly Cadence Thought leadership cadence is increasing with over 25% producing over 4 pieces per month

Thought Leadership Creators (Plans for 2023)

  • #1 Sales & Marketing Priority 39% consider thought leadership the #1 priority within their sales and marketing strategies for 2023
  • Continuing to Scale Up 56% of thought leadership creators plan to produce more thought leadership in 2023 than in 2022
  • Specialist Communities Are Key – Social media (74%), individual web sites (58%) and specialist communities (57%) are key for disseminating thought leadership content in 2023
  • Working in a Post-Truth Era – In a post-truth era, 73% of thought leaders plan to cut through the noise by making their content highly actionable

The complete report, including extensive analysis and interpretation, is now available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

 

ABOUT THINKERS360

“Connecting global brands and audiences with the world’s foremost thought leaders and influencers on business and technology for game-changing results”

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. The company is differentiated by its unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Thinkers360’s enterprise services help global brands find and work with thought leaders and influencers as well as showcase their own corporate executives, experts and content among the opt-in B2B community to “influence the influencers”.

###

Join us on Thinkers360 The World’s Premier B2B Thought Leader & Influencer Marketplace!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an advisor, author, consultant, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, amplify your content, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): To find and work with experts, consultants and advisors in your niche or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content among our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to find and work with advisors, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles and portfolios, in-depth reports and analytics, warm personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your freelancer needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com

The post Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey https://www.thinkers360.com/announcing-the-thinkers360-2023-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-survey/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:49:34 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=5491 Announcing the Thinkers360 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey In association with the British Computer Society Thinkers360 is conducting our 3rd annual industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined. If you are…

The post Announcing the Thinkers360 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2023 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey

In association with the British Computer Society

Thinkers360 is conducting our 3rd annual industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined.

If you are a consumer and/or producer of thought leadership content, we invite you to participate in our survey and receive a free copy of the survey results. You will also be eligible to enter our drawing for one of three free 1-Year Pro Plan Memberships to Thinkers360 to further amplify your brand.

Upon survey completion, we will send a complimentary copy of the initial survey results to all participants and more extensive results and analysis will be made available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

We encourage all survey participants to share this survey invitation with fellow thought leaders and influencers as well as other consumers or producers of B2B thought leadership content to help us reach all those who have an interest in the current state of B2B thought leadership and it’s outlook for 2023!

###

Join us on Thinkers360 The World’s Premier B2B Thought Leader & Influencer Marketplace!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an advisor, author, consultant, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, amplify your content, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): To find and work with experts, consultants and advisors in your niche or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content among our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to find and work with advisors, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles and portfolios, in-depth reports and analytics, warm personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your gig economy needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

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Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research https://www.thinkers360.com/thinkers360-announces-release-of-2022-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-research/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 05:33:05 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=4235 Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Key findings include further gains by specialist communities over social media as primary destination for thought leadership consumers, and importance of customer trust and “any time” cadence for thought leadership producers.  DALLAS October 12, 2021 Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader and influencer community,…

The post Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research

Key findings include further gains by specialist communities over social media as primary destination for thought leadership consumers, and importance of customer trust and “any time” cadence for thought leadership producers. 

DALLAS October 12, 2021

Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader and influencer community, today announced the release of it’s 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Report conducted in association with the British Computer Society (BCS). The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership creators – such as individuals, agencies and brands – and thought leadership consumers and their plans for 2022.

The primary research survey was conducted between August 24th and October 5th 2021 among Thinkers360 Members, BCS Members, and other creators and consumers of B2B thought leadership content.

Key findings from the study include:

Thought Leadership Consumers (Current State)

  • Specialist Communities Gain Over Social Media – Specialist communities (62%) forged even further ahead of social media (46%) as the primary source for thought leadership content compared to last year
  • It’s all about Insight and Relevance – The key is insightful (95%), forward-looking (90%) and relevant (89%) content that’s engaging and impactful.
  • Authors Remain Top with Academics on the Rise – Authors (52%), Academics (39%), Influencers (36%) and  Consultants (35%) are the primary sources of thought leadership content.
  • Informing Strategy and Aiding Decisions – Building subject matter expertise (84%), informing strategy (82%) and aiding decision making (75%) are the main motivations

Thought Leadership Creators (Current State)

  • Driving a Powerful Brand Premium – Close to 1/3 see thought leadership adding over 75% to the brand premium they command in the marketplace
  • Unique Perspectives Drive Customer Trust – Competitive differentiation (81%), brand perception (80%) and customer trust (74%) are the main business benefits of thought leadership content creation.
  • The New “Any Time” Cadence – Thought leadership content has evolved from a weekly and monthly cadence with creators choosing an “any time” cadence.

Thought Leadership Creators (Plans for 2022)

  • Top 3 Sales & Marketing Priority – 63% consider thought leadership a Top 3 Priority or higher within their sales and marketing strategies for 2022.
  • Scaling Up – 60% of thought leadership creators plan to produce more thought leadership in 2022 than in 2021.
  • Specialist Communities Are Key – Social media (78%) and specialist communities (66%) are tip of the spear for disseminating thought leadership content in 2022.

The complete report, including extensive analysis and interpretation, is now available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

 

ABOUT THINKERS360

“Connecting global brands and audiences with the world’s foremost thought leaders and influencers on business and technology for game-changing results”

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. The company is differentiated by its unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Thinkers360’s enterprise services help global brands find and work with thought leaders and influencers as well as showcase their own corporate executives, experts and content among the opt-in B2B community to “influence the influencers”.

###

Join us on Thinkers360 The World’s Premier B2B Thought Leader & Influencer Marketplace!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an advisor, author, consultant, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, amplify your content, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): To find and work with experts, consultants and advisors in your niche or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content among our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to find and work with advisors, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles and portfolios, in-depth reports and analytics, warm personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your freelancer needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com

The post Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey https://www.thinkers360.com/announcing-the-thinkers360-2022-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-survey/ Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:28:55 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=4010 Announcing the Thinkers360 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey In association with the British Computer Society Thinkers360 is conducting our 2nd annual industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined. If you are…

The post Announcing the Thinkers360 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey

In association with the British Computer Society

Thinkers360 is conducting our 2nd annual industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined.

If you are a consumer and/or producer of thought leadership content, we invite you to participate in our survey and receive a free copy of the survey results. You will also be eligible to enter our drawing for one of three free 1-Year Pro Plan Memberships to Thinkers360 to further amplify your personal brand.

Upon survey completion, we will send a complimentary copy of the initial survey results to all participants and more extensive results and analysis will be made available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

We encourage all survey participants to share this survey invitation with fellow thought leaders and influencers as well as other consumers or producers of B2B thought leadership content to help us reach all those who have an interest in the current state of B2B thought leadership and it’s outlook for 2022!

###

Join us on Thinkers360 The World’s Premier B2B Thought Leader & Influencer Marketplace!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, advisors, analysts, authors, consultants, executives, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an advisor, author, consultant, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, amplify your content, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): To find and work with experts, consultants and advisors in your niche or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content among our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 100M followers on social media combined: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to find and work with advisors, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles and portfolios, in-depth reports and analytics, warm personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your gig economy needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

The post Announcing the Thinkers360 2022 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
What is the Definition of Thought Leadership? https://www.thinkers360.com/what-is-the-definition-of-thought-leadership/ Sat, 03 Jul 2021 01:53:37 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=3805 What is the Definition of Thought Leadership? As part of the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey, we asked Thinkers360 members to share their definitions of thought leadership.  The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership producers and thought leadership consumers and their…

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What is the Definition of Thought Leadership?

As part of the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey, we asked Thinkers360 members to share their definitions of thought leadership. 

The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership producers and thought leadership consumers and their plans for 2021.

Firstly, we asked “Please share your definition of thought leadership.” Here’s some of the perspectives they shared with us:

  • Thought Leadership is the discipline of leading others to think deeper, see wider and embrace new changes and developments.
  • Showing the True North and providing the pathway to get there.
  • Being recognized as an authority in a specific field.
  • Knowing what’s next.
  • Shining a light on new possibilities and the route to realizing them.
  • Thought leadership is an idea that is talked about in ways that others may not have considered before.
  • Thought leadership is an expertise in a specialized field which also serves to advance that field as it is known.
  • A striking point of view that sparks further thought and action.
  • Providing relevant, actionable insights on emerging issues and trends.

Key Attributes of Thought Leadership

We found that today’s thought leadership content is far different from it’s traditional stereotype. It no longer has to be peer reviewed, counter-initiative or even collaboratively produced. In fact these, traditional notions of thought leadership such as “peer-reviewed” (42%), “provocative” (36%) and “counter-intuitive” (36%) were cited by the majority as only moderately important.

The key is insightful, forward-looking content that’s timely, relevant, impactful and engaging. Thought leadership consumers cited “insightful” (96%), “relevant” (91%), “forward-looking” (91%) and “impactful” (89%) as extremely important or very important attributes of thought leadership. It also has to be actionable, original and concise – all of which out-ranked the more traditional notions listed earlier.

Benefits of Thought Leadership (Thought Leadership Consumer Perspective)

From a thought leadership consumer perspective (i.e. readers of thought leadership content), we found that “building subject matter expertise” (89%), “informing strategy” (87%) and “aiding decision making” (80%) were rated as extremely important or very important.

While “making purchase decisions” was only rated as extremely important by 10%, a total of 82% cited it as moderately important or higher.

While motivations and benefits of consuming thought leadership content vary widely, over 78% consider it moderately important or higher across all potential benefits.

Benefits of Thought Leadership (Thought Leadership Producer Perspective)

From a thought leadership producer perspective (i.e. creators of thought leadership content), we found that “competitive differentiation” (84%), “brand perception” (82%), “customer trust” (82%) and “brand awareness” (79%) were rated as extremely important or very important attributes of thought leadership.

All ten thought leadership benefits were cited as moderately important or more by over 88% of participants.

Today’s thought leadership producers are primarily using their thought leadership content for the front end of their sales and marketing funnel to improve their brand awareness and perception, customer trust and competitive differentiation.

Even downstream benefits such as lead generation, revenue generation and brand premium were cited by over 57% as either very important or extremely important objectives.

The complete report, including extensive analysis and interpretation, is available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

###

Join us on Thinkers360 The World’s Premier B2B Thought Leader & Influencer Marketplace!

Thinkers360 is the world’s first, largest and premier B2B thought leader and influencer marketplace — including academics, analysts, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers — with over 100M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an author, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): For brand, influencer, content marketing and speaker bureau services – working with our network of premier opt-in influencers with 100M+ followers on social media – or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Newsletter

Want to find and work with authors, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader profiles, portfolios, media kits, in-depth reports and analytics, personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)?

Contact us to discuss any of your thought leadership and B2B influencer marketing needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

 

 

The post What is the Definition of Thought Leadership? first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research https://www.thinkers360.com/thinkers360-2020-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-research-report/ Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:01:07 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=2305 Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Key findings include breaking of industry stereotypes, increasing cadence, and use of specialist communities.  DALLAS (PRWEB) October 26, 2020 Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader and influencer community, today announced the release of it’s 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Report. The purpose of…

The post Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research

Key findings include breaking of industry stereotypes, increasing cadence, and use of specialist communities. 

DALLAS (PRWEB) October 26, 2020

Thinkers360, the world’s premier B2B thought leader and influencer community, today announced the release of it’s 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research Report. The purpose of the research was to better understand current and future trends with regard to both thought leadership producers and thought leadership consumers and their plans for 2021.

The primary research survey was conducted between August 24th and September 18th 2020 among Thinkers360 Members as well as among other producers and consumers of B2B thought leadership content.

Key findings from the study include:

Thought Leadership Consumers (Current State)

  • Breaking Stereotypes – Today’s thought leadership content is far different from traditional notions. It no longer has to be peer reviewed, counter intuitive or even collaboratively produced.
  • It’s all about Insight – The key is insightful (96%), forward looking (91%) content that’s timely, relevant, impactful and engaging. *Rated as extremely important or very important attributes of thought leadership.
  • “Always On” Wins the Day – Authors (49%), Influencers (43%), Entrepreneurs (40%) and Academics (39%) are the primary sources of thought leadership content

Thought Leadership Producers (Current State)

  • Driving a Powerful Brand Premium – Over 64% see thought leadership adding over 50% to the brand premium they command in the marketplace.
  • The Class of 2020 – Over 1/3 are relatively new entrants with less than 5 years producing thought leadership content.
  • Increasing Cadence – Thought leadership content now has a weekly as well as a monthly cadence with producers choosing one or the other.

Thought Leadership Producers (Plans for 2021)

  • Top 3 Sales & Marketing Priority – 68% consider thought leadership a Top 3 Priority or higher within their sales and marketing strategies for 2021.
  • Gearing Up – 64% of thought leadership producers plan to produce more thought leadership in 2021 than in 2020.
  • Specialist Communities Are Key – Social media and specialist communities are the tip of the spear for disseminating thought leadership content in 2021

The complete report, including extensive analysis and interpretation, is now available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

 

ABOUT THINKERS360

“Connecting global brands and audiences with the world’s foremost thought leaders and influencers on business and technology for game-changing results”

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, analysts, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers — with over 25M followers on social media combined. The company is differentiated by its unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Thinkers360’s enterprise services help global brands find and work with thought leaders and influencers as well as showcase their own corporate executives, experts and content among the community to build their own thought leadership profiles and portfolios and “influence the influencers”.

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Join us on Thinkers360!

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, analysts, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers — with over 25M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an author, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): For brand, influencer, content marketing and speaker bureau services – working with our network of premier opt-in influencers with 25M+ followers on social media – or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Newsletter

Want to discover and work with authors, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader reports and analytics, personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)? Contact us to discuss any of your thought leadership and B2B influencer marketing needs at info@thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and leaderboard sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@thinkers360.com.

 

The post Thinkers360 Announces Release of 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Research first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey https://www.thinkers360.com/announcing-the-thinkers360-2020-b2b-thought-leadership-outlook-survey/ Mon, 24 Aug 2020 22:29:42 +0000 https://www.thinkers360.com/?p=2166 Announcing the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey Thinkers360 is conducting industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 25M followers on social media combined. If you are a consumer and/or producer of thought leadership content, we invite…

The post Announcing the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>
Announcing the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey

Thinkers360 is conducting industry research into the current and future state of B2B thought leadership working with our opt-in B2B thought leader and influencer community with over 25M followers on social media combined.

If you are a consumer and/or producer of thought leadership content, we invite you to participate in our survey and receive a free copy of the survey results.

 

 

 

Upon survey completion, we will send a complimentary copy of the initial survey results to all participants and more extensive results and analysis will be made available to Thinkers360 members at the Pro Plan level and above.

We encourage all survey participants to share this survey invitation with fellow thought leaders and influencers as well as other consumers or producers of B2B thought leadership content to help us reach all those who have an interest in the current state of B2B thought leadership and it’s outlook for 2021!

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Join us on Thinkers360!

Thinkers360 is an opt-in network of the world’s foremost thought leaders — including academics, analysts, authors, consultants, influencers and speakers — with over 25M followers on social media combined. We are differentiated by our unique patent-pending algorithms that measure thought leadership and authentic influence looking far beyond social media alone.

Individuals: Connect and work with global brands as an author, influencer, speaker and more. Showcase your thought leadership profile and portfolio, build your media kit, and participate in our global leaderboards and opportunity marketplace: Sign-Up (free) | Newsletter

Enterprise (including brands & agencies): For brand, influencer, content marketing and speaker bureau services – working with our network of premier opt-in influencers with 25M+ followers on social media – or to showcase your own corporate executives, thought leaders and content: Request an Enterprise Consultation | Explainer Video | Newsletter

Want to discover and work with authors, influencers and speakers (including access to our unique thought leader reports and analytics, personal introductions, and our zero-transaction fee speaker bureau)? Contact us to discuss any of your thought leadership and B2B influencer marketing needs at info@www.thinkers360.com

For custom influencer lists, advertising and leaderboard sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@www.thinkers360.com.

 

The post Announcing the Thinkers360 2021 B2B Thought Leadership Outlook Survey first appeared on Thinkers360.]]>