As we inch closer to the end of 2024, many executives are looking ahead to new career opportunities in 2025. But here’s the reality—making a career move is more competitive than ever, especially in today’s flat market. With economic uncertainties and a surge in corporate restructures, the landscape for job seekers is tough. However, there is an underutilized strategy that could dramatically improve your chances of standing out: leveraging your thought leadership in tandem with a robust networking strategy.
The Power of Thought Leadership on LinkedIn
Did you know that only 1% of LinkedIn users post content regularly and consistently? That’s a staggering opportunity to differentiate yourself. Posting regularly puts you in the elite minority who stay top of mind for key decision-makers—whether they are recruiters, headhunters, or board directors. When I scroll through my feed, I remember the people who consistently post insightful content. That visibility matters, especially when you’re targeting an executive role or board appointment.
Thought leadership isn’t just about sharing your expertise—it’s about staying visible in a noisy, fast-moving world. It’s your way of saying, “I’m here, I’m relevant, and I bring value.”
Why Thought Leadership and Networking Should Go Hand-in-Hand
When you’re pursuing an executive role or a board seat, your thought leadership strategy should complement your networking efforts. Why? Because simply reaching out to people with “gimme gimme” emails doesn’t work. Trust me, as someone who runs a busy recruitment practice, I often forget conversations from a few weeks ago—no matter how great a candidate is. I need constant reminders of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Thought leadership gives you a reason to stay on people’s radar without pestering them. Instead of sending a generic “just checking in” email, imagine reaching out with this:
“Hi Bill, I saw that you just won a major contract—congratulations! I thought you might find this thought leadership article I wrote relevant to your industry. Let’s keep in touch.”
Now that’s a sophisticated way to re-engage. You’re not just asking for something—you’re offering value.
Video: The Undervalued Game Changer
Let’s talk video. It’s underutilized but incredibly powerful. You don’t need a Hollywood-level production; a simple, authentic video can make a huge impact. Video content increases engagement and keeps you in the minds of recruiters and hiring managers. When you show up in someone’s feed with a video, it’s like having a virtual meeting that sticks in their memory.
I see this all the time. A video from a candidate can trigger me to remember our conversation and think, “Oh, they would be perfect for this upcoming role!” So, if you’re not incorporating video into your thought leadership strategy yet, you’re missing out.
Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions
Here’s a critical point: when you’re engaging with executive recruiters, board search consultants, or industry leaders, it’s not just about landing an interview. It’s about building rapport and becoming someone they want to keep in touch with.
Think of it like this: in the e-commerce world, potential customers need to see a brand multiple times before they buy. The same principle applies here. People need several touchpoints to get to know you, trust you, and eventually consider you for roles or board seats. Basic email exchanges aren’t enough—you need to interact with them meaningfully over time, and thought leadership is the perfect vehicle for that.
Strategic Steps to Take Right Now
If you’re serious about making a career move or securing a board appointment in 2025, here’s how to maximize the last few months of 2024:
- Establish Your Thought Leadership: Start posting regularly on LinkedIn. Share your insights on industry trends, leadership strategies, or innovations in your field. Keep it relevant and valuable to your network.
- Create Videos: Don’t be afraid to use video to share your thoughts or provide updates. It’s a powerful way to stand out, and with so few people doing it, you’ll immediately differentiate yourself.
- Strategic Networking: When reaching out, don’t just ask for a meeting—offer something of value. Reference an article you’ve written or congratulate them on recent successes. This shows you’ve been paying attention and aren’t just focused on your own needs.
- Plan for 2025: Use the last weeks of 2024 to strategize for the new year. Identify your career goals, get your personal branding in order, and make sure your resume is updated with your latest achievements. If you lay the groundwork now, you’ll be ahead of the curve when the job market picks up again.
Final Thoughts
In a world where competition for top roles is fierce, standing out is essential. By combining a robust thought leadership strategy with a well-planned networking approach, you’ll position yourself as the candidate to watch in 2025. Thought leadership isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about staying visible, relevant, and memorable. And when only 1% of LinkedIn users are doing it consistently, it’s a game-changing strategy that can set you apart from your peers.
So, what are you waiting for? Start sharing your insights, build those meaningful connections, and let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year.