Personal branding puts you in front of your brand instead of behind it. It's not about dressing you up and giving you a script. It is about taking you -- the person you really are -- and showing your audience what you're all about. 

Thought leadership is a tested concept that works. But the tactics behind this strategy have changed. So what should you know about thought leadership as it's used today? Let's look at the top thought leadership trends and how you need to respond to these trends.

Thought leadership is one of those buzzwords that gets bruited about without a lot of substance behind it.

What exactly does it mean? 

Thought leadership strategy is like climbing a mountain. There are no shortcuts. It takes a lot of time and effort to work your way to the top, but once you're there...man, what a view! You'll also have the advantage of towering over your competitors. 

We've become a review-driven society. We like to know that it's a sure thing before we lay down our hard-earned money for it. We comb through reviews to ensure we're making the right decision. And that means that, as a business, online reputation management should be a top priority.

What is thought leadership? It's a question that has troubled business owners and entrepreneurs for years. The definition seems to expand year after year, while the term itself has blown up in search engines across the internet. Everyone wants it. So how can you get it?

Thought leadership PR is especially necessary for the B2B business landscape. In an industry that often relies on expertise, credibility, and image, thought leadership builds a bridge of trust between B2B businesses and their buyers.

[Editor's note: To ensure you have the latest information, we recently updated this popular post.] 

How does your professional bio support your thought leadership strategy? Is it like a silent wingman that leaves you hanging? Or is it more a reliable friend that boldly sings your praises to others? When done right, a bio undergirds your business goals and moves others to reach out to you.

A vision statement adds strength to your thought leadership PR strategy. It's gazing into the future, envisioning how your company will look in 5 to 10 years. It allows others to be able to appreciate what you're working towards, and support it. Your employees now have a roadmap for the future.