How C-Suite can use PR to build thought-leadership

By Sonam Shah, Founder and CEO, Treize Communications

Public Relations has always been a compelling way of building thought leadership for the C-Suite and with time this need is increasing. With more and more platforms to share views, growing digital penetration and increase in content consumption, the need to build an independent identity is growing within C-Suite.

This need no more stands important to just entrepreneurs but is now also imperative for all professionals across various sectors. This PR activity helps not only in chiming in a recall value, but also in showing relevance within stakeholders. With a plethora of content to consume, it is important that thought leadership is built in a right manner within the target audience.

C-Suite which consists of the top-level management in any company is the core team which runs the business, ensures the company is stable and is the team which plays a large role in decision-making. They hold a very important role in shaping trends and market analysis, thus having a great impact on stakeholders.

Top-level executives bring in a certain authority and voice of the industry to the public which has a great impact on how people perceive the organisation. Not only this, but these individuals also bring in a lot of expertise. As they are either industry veterans who have been across decades in the industry and/or entrepreneurs who have a visionary outlook. They hold massive industry experience and understanding of the industry and can add a lot of value to the media outlets as well. The knowledge and expertise they impart via PR help shape the new entrants.

Here are some reasons why C-Suite executives should have strong thought leadership:

Personal Branding:

C-Suite representatives are the ones who are usually on the ground, at events and meetings. They are the face of the company. Having a media image and presence helps build initial awareness about them while introducing themselves.

By using the right PR Tool, they can clearly articulate their expertise, values, and unique perspectives. It helps in conveying the key message and building an image they want to project for themselves and the company. With rapidly evolving media space, having personal branding is imperative.

Connect with Stakeholders:

Sharing regular opinions and views in the media helps strengthen leadership skills and reflects knowledge. Leveraging the right kind of media opportunities and outlets promptly can add a lot of value for the spokesperson. Speaking on the right trend at the right time, garners quality media publications.

The articles can then be shared on individual social media handles, which increases value within connections.

Helps build relationships with journalists and industry influencers:

By being active in sharing views and opinions on industry matters, one can build a strong network of influencers and communities. We are in times where digital presence is essential and this can help build a strong LinkedIn network. Having a clout of right industry experts helps brings in right connections and influences in a smart manner.

Platform to showcase knowledge:

Leveraging thoughtful op-eds and articles on relevant B2B publications helps them with an opportunity and platform to showcase their experience. Using the right mix of mediums, such as articles, blogs, whitepapers, videos etc. provides an opportunity to offer valuable insights and solutions to current challenges present in their industry.

It’s important to understand that once you start the journey towards building your voice in the media, remember to stay consistent. This practice can go a long way in sustaining your expertise and knowledge adding much higher recall value. Remember that thought leadership is not built overnight. It requires a steady and long-term commitment. By actively engaging in strategic PR activities, C-Suite executives can enhance their personal brand, establish authority in their industry, and contribute positively to the overall reputation of the organization.