Thought leadership

Stephen Garrett is the man behind Kudos, makers of some of the most successful programmes on British TV over the last decade, including Spooks, Hustle, Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. A little over a decade ago he was staring down a barrel.

Three quarters of senior executives say that thought leadership is the most effective way for a consulting firm to market its services, a recent survey we carried out reveals.  Thought leadership, we know, can help ensure a consulting firm is invited to pitch for a piece of work; it strengthens existing relationships by providing a reason to stay in touch and is a vital door-opener where new clients are concerned.  Another survey we’ve just completed shows that it even plays a role in the decision about which firm goes on an organisation’s Tier 1 preferred supplier list.

Enough about me. Let’s talk about you….

What do you think about me?

I love that joke. It is the perfect metaphor for so many things. And it’s something that I refer to frequently when talking to clients.

The fact is, people are obsessed with themselves. OK, maybe that’s a bit strong. But it is fair to say that if you can make what you’re communicating about me, and not just about some random “other” who may or may not be like me, I am far more likely to listen to you, really hear you, understand you and, perhaps most importantly, remember you (and your message.)