Insights and thought leadership for Africa’s marketing professionals
Issue 3 2024 of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking industry professionals, provides in-depth insights.
LEADERSHIP
By our News Team | 2021
How do you do thought leadership right? Handled effectively, it can build a powerful brand for individuals and businesses.
Thought leaders have the creative courage to move past the ‘now’ and to demonstrate a vision for how things could be. They share ideas about a topic that seems radical and ahead of its time – which is what attracts desirable audiences.
These independent thinkers are fuelled by a confidence that drives them forward. They have a vision which is contagious to their intended audience. There is no time to waste discussing the current zeitgeist (the mood of the present) when ‘what can be’ is more exciting.
A concept might not be completely new, but a thought leader’s take on it most certainly is. The writer or speaker is leading the thinking on a topic or theme – not just reporting on it.
There’s a risk, though: given the volume of fake news, thought leaders can’t simply wax lyrical about a revolutionary idea. It has to be research-based and coherent. It has to answer the questions, ‘Why should this information matter to me? Can it improve the ROI of my business, make me happier, or bring clarity where there is confusion?’
What formats are most effective?
If thought leadership is a strategic objective for your business, think about how each article, blog, visual or voice-based story you put out contributes to your overarching brand story.
What do you want to tell, and what formats are most effective in conveying that message? Does all thought leadership have to be blog-style articles? What about a podcast or a 60-second video? How do you cut through the clutter with a magnetic message that attracts the right kind of attention?
Build trust and connection with ideas that teach audiences something in a few minutes minutes that they can apply for a lifetime.
There has to be an actionable takeaway, a friendly dare or a call to action. Be clear about what you want to say, how best to say it and understand why you think it is important to say it at all. Now that’s an idea worth spreading.
Source: By Samantha Page of John Brown Media, issued by Dentsu
Issue 3 2024 of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking industry professionals, provides in-depth insights.
Unesco says ‘lack of rigorous critical evaluation of information’ highlights an urgent need to enhance creators’ skills and fact-checking.
Choice has around 100 discount retail stores in SA and Namibia. Pepkor sees potential to triple its retail footprint in the medium term.
Touted as the next big thing, Africa’s Metaverse mania appears to have died down. Is it yesterday’s news, or quietly evolving?
CIMG National President outlines many successes in a busy year that included the release of two reports and collaborations across Africa.
Company says expanding its production capacity is an important move to meet the growing demand in SA for its snack brands.
Continent defies expectations, given that the luxury market is under pressure in certain other regions of the world, most notably China.
Marjane City concept adapts its offerings to fit local neighbourhood preferences, rather than focusing solely on low prices.
With a growing interest in case studies from Africa, understanding the case study formats and knowing how to write one has become crucial.
Latest Ipsos Global Trends report reveals a stark contrast between African consumers’ optimism and general global scepticism.
The humble business card is surely one of the oldest, simplest and most cost-effective marketing tools we have. Is it still relevant?
Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.
Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.
Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.