Panel discussions, virtual round tables, ‘fireside chats’, studio interviews, webinars, conference keynotes – all speaking opportunities that position your CEO/senior exec/yourself as a thought leader (terrible phrase, I know). You might do it alongside other industry leaders or on your own with the interviewer/host. All these occasions position you as an expert, where you can showcase your knowledge and expertise, and put your brand in the mind of the viewer.
It’s GREAT visibility for your brand – IF you do it well. Usually communications consultants and Media Trainers such as myself recommend a soft sell. I once interviewed an exec in a ‘sponsored content opportunity’ who didn’t want to mention his company at all! That’s going a bit too far – “Fred Bloggs, Cyber Security Expert” is possibly a bit too vague. Although you do see it, when people are consultants or work for many different clients, or are semi-retired.
I saw my webinar hosting work rise about 400% in the pandemic 2020-2022 (obviously, we were all at home and all conferences/press briefings/seminars were being done remotely). And – while I certainly enjoyed it – I ALSO saw corporate executives grow into the role.
As a presenter/facilitator, I always start by asking them (off-camera, in the warm-up) ‘Do you enjoy this sort of thing, or not really!?’ Usually they say, ‘Oh well it has to be done, right?’ But after a session with me, they come out smiling! I ease them through the experience, keep everything moving, facilitate a deep-dive into their subject and help them forget they’re on-camera. After all, they know their subject backwards – or should – and I am just helping them forget their nerves, access their passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of the topic, and show their expertise to the viewer.
So, my point is: if you’re thinking of holding a webinar, a Virtual Round Table, a panel discussion or whatever you want to call it – get in touch. We’ll have a ball, get your message across and position you as a voice of authority/trusted advisor and (OK I’ll say it) a thought leader.
