In today’s noisy digital world, broadcasting your expertise means pushing out polished content that sounds smart—but fails to connect. It’s when professionals share insights that inform but don’t transform. The result? Posts that look good on LinkedIn yet leave no lasting impression. True thought leadership isn’t about output or visibility—it’s about resonance. It makes your audience think differently, not just applaud politely.

Sign #1: You’re Writing Like a Brochure, Not a Human

If your content reads like a business presentation (“In today’s fast-changing landscape…”), you’re likely broadcasting your expertise. Audiences crave texture and authenticity—not buzzwords. Instead of “ecosystem optimization,” say “companies are duct-taping old systems together and praying for the best.” That specificity builds trust and shows you’re actually in the trenches, not just selling from the sidelines.

Sign #2: You’re Selling Insight Instead of Sharing It

Many professionals mistake frameworks for ideas. Real thought leadership starts with observation, not self-promotion. Ask: What tension, shift, or question does my audience quietly wrestle with? Instead of describing your method, narrate the moment of discovery that led you there. That’s how you turn expertise into empathy—and content into connection.

Sign #3: You’re Talking at People Instead of With Them

Broadcasting your expertise often sounds like a lecture. Leading, however, feels like a conversation. Great thought leadership invites readers to co-think: “Here’s what I’m noticing—do you see it too?” When you ask better questions, you activate curiosity, not compliance. That’s where trust—and true influence—begin.

The bottom line: stop broadcasting. Start resonating. Write what only you can see, in a voice only you can use.