Here’s a wake-up stat: 78% of companies who post content on LinkedIn outsell their silent partners who just lurk. If 2026 is your year to stop watching and start sharing your expertise, listen up. Of course, visibility goes beyond just social media. It’s keynotes you give, Roundtables you run, awards you win and stages you appear on. It’s all part of being influential.

According to Gartner Research, 57% of buying decisions happen before buyers contact you. They’re Googling expertise in their industry. If your content doesn’t show up, you don’t exist. Edelman Research proves 61% of buyers trust industry experts versus only 17% who trust sales reps. Why send an unqualified rep when you can demonstrate expertise first through content, videos, and posts? Demand Metrics shows content generates three times more leads at 62% less cost than cold calling. When you become an expert in their pain and talk about solutions, you’re 300% better than cold outreach.

The Simple Four-Step Plan

First, super-niche into one industry and one expensive pain point. Write down how clients talk about that pain – their exact words become titles for your content. Second, list every time you solved that problem: the issue, the client, how you helped, the results. Third, create two to three posts weekly (not daily – keep it manageable) using case studies, your thoughts, and advice.

Share stories in written or video format. Fourth, engage where your prospects are – their associations, events, boards. Many of my clients fill their year by volunteering on target client association boards, not their own industry associations.

Make It Stick

Commit to predictable publishing – weekly live streams, newsletters, or LinkedIn posts. Regular content makes you a trusted authority. Clients binge-watch my content before hiring to understand what I know and how I help. Comment back on LinkedIn responses – I’ve landed collaborators in one day from comments.

Fill your feed with your exact target, be clear about the industry you serve and pain you solve, then build your network with those people. Start small, but start in 2026.

Want to reposition your messaging to grow your leads? Follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, watch my Podcast onYouTube or connect with me on LinkedIn –and let’s talk.