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How to Build Thought Leadership on LinkedIn

  • Writer: Stephanie Bickel
    Stephanie Bickel
  • Jun 10
  • 2 min read

By: Stephanie Bickel

Communication Strategies

A client recently shared:

“I want to establish myself as a thought leader in the retail industry. I attend conferences, meet with vendors, and I’ve started connecting with other industry leaders. I’m posting on LinkedIn and planning to launch a newsletter, but I want to be more intentional and build momentum. How do I actually establish my reputation as a thought leader?”

Thought Leadership Isn’t About Broadcasting - It’s About Helping Others Win


If your goal is to be the loudest in the room, you’ll burn out quickly.If your goal is to be the most useful, most curious, and most consistent, you’ll build a reputation that lasts.

Thought leaders don’t just share content - they share perspective. LinkedIn is a powerful platform to do exactly that.


Here's What’s Working Right Now on LinkedIn (Especially in B2B and Retail)


Comment Like a Leader


  • Show up in conversations that matter. Comment meaningfully on 3–5 posts a day.

  • Add insight, not just agreement. Try:

    • “What I’d add to this…”

    • “We’re seeing a similar shift in retail tech…”

  • This positions you as a peer, not just a reader.


Turn Conversations Into Content


  • Vendor demos, customer calls, and conference takeaways are goldmines.

  • Each conversation can become:

    • A quote with your interpretation

    • A trend you’re watching

    • A question for your audience to weigh in on


Use Visual Proof


  • Post photos from events, behind-the-scenes moments, or team interactions.

  • Tag others, thank them, and share one key takeaway.

    • Example: “Here’s what I learned at NRF from [@speaker]: The future of checkout isn’t speed - it’s connection.”


Leverage Thought Leader Proximity


  • Bring well-known voices into your internal meetings, webinars, or panels.

  • With permission, share a clip, quote, or insight—and tag them.

  • Bonus: Add a CTA like “Who else should we invite next?”


Start a Weekly Insight Series


  • Choose a predictable format:

    • Retail Trends Friday

    • Monday Morning Insight (3-Minute Read)

  • Keep it consistent, short, and high-value.

  • End with a strong engagement question. (“How are you seeing this trend play out?”)


Build and Nurture a Contact List


  • After conferences or key conversations, reach out directly:

    “I’d love to include you in future insights or events we’re hosting.”

  • With permission, add them to your CRM or newsletter list.


Final Thought

Thought leadership is a habit, not a headline. Show up. Speak up. Stay curious. The reputation you build will reflect the value you consistently bring.



Are you looking for personalized support building your thought leadership?


Inside Speak by Design University, you can bring your real-world questions - like how to grow your visibility, sharpen your messaging, or lead with more impact - and get direct coaching from Stephanie Bickel.


Join our next live cohort (starting the 1st of next month) and get tailored guidance on your communication goals. Visit Speak by Design University to sign up and bring your next big question.

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