Thought Leader Content Skill

Create content that establishes expertise, builds audience, and drives engagement across platforms.

Core Principles

The 4 Pillars of Thought Leadership Content

1. Unique Perspective - Say something others aren't saying
2. Practical Value - Give readers something they can use
3. Authentic Voice - Sound like yourself, not generic AI
4. Strategic Timing - Post when your audience is receptive

Content That Builds Authority

DO:

• Share specific experiences with concrete details
• Admit mistakes and what you learned
• Take positions (even controversial ones)
• Teach frameworks others can apply
• Connect ideas in unexpected ways

DON'T:

• State the obvious as insight
• Use generic advice everyone's heard
• Hide behind safe, consensus opinions
• Write in corporate-speak
• Pad content with filler

Content Frameworks

The Hook-Story-Insight-CTA Framework (HSIC)

HOOK: Attention-grabbing opening (1-2 lines)
STORY: Specific experience or observation (3-5 lines)
INSIGHT: The lesson or framework (2-3 lines)
CTA: What reader should do next (1 line)

The Problem-Agitate-Solve Framework (PAS)

PROBLEM: Name the pain your audience feels
AGITATE: Make them feel it more deeply
SOLVE: Present your solution/insight

The Contrarian Take Framework

1. State the common belief
2. Explain why you disagree
3. Present your alternative view
4. Back it up with evidence/experience
5. Acknowledge valid counterpoints

The Framework Framework

1. Name your framework (make it memorable)
2. Explain what it solves
3. Break it into 3-5 steps/components
4. Show example of application
5. Give reader homework

Platform-Specific Guidelines

LinkedIn

Optimal Format:

• 200-300 words (sweet spot)
• Single idea per post
• Use line breaks liberally
• Start with hook that stops scrolling
• End with question or CTA

What Works:

• Personal stories with professional lessons
• Contrarian takes on industry topics
• Behind-the-scenes insights
• Career/leadership lessons
• Framework posts

Structure:

[Hook line - standalone impact]

[Context/story - 2-3 short paragraphs]

[Insight/lesson - clear takeaway]

[CTA or question to prompt engagement]

Twitter/X

Optimal Format:

• Threads: 5-10 tweets
• First tweet must stand alone
• One idea per tweet
• Include visual if possible

What Works:

• Numbered lists/frameworks
• Rapid-fire tips
• Hot takes on news
• Breakdown of complex topics
• Personal wins/fails

Thread Structure:

Tweet 1: Hook + promise ("Here's how I...")
Tweet 2-N: Deliver the content
Final Tweet: Summary + CTA (follow, repost, etc.)

Articles/Blog Posts

Optimal Format:

• 800-1500 words
• Clear structure with headers
• Scannable but deep
• Include 1-2 concrete examples

Structure:

Title: Clear, specific, searchable
Intro: Hook + what reader will learn
Body: 3-5 sections with headers
Conclusion: Summary + next steps

Newsletter

Optimal Format:

• 500-800 words
• Personal, conversational tone
• Value delivered immediately
• Consistent format/sections

Structure:

Personal opener (what's on your mind)
Main insight/story
Practical takeaway
Quick links/resources (optional)
Sign-off

Voice Profile Integration

Before generating any content:

1. Load voice profile from memory

2. Apply voice constraints:

   • Use their vocabulary
   • Match their sentence patterns
   • Follow their structural preferences
   • Maintain their tone

3. Verify voice match:

   • Does this sound like them?
   • Would they actually say this?
   • Are there any "avoid" words present?

Hook Types & Examples

The Surprising Stat

"87% of startups fail at exactly the same thing."

The Contrarian Opener

"Stop networking. It doesn't work."

The Story Tease

"I lost $50,000 in one decision. Here's what it taught me."

The Question

"Why do senior engineers get stuck at their level?"

The Direct Statement

"Your morning routine is killing your productivity."

The List Promise

"5 things I'd tell my 25-year-old self about building wealth."

The Pattern Interrupt

"Everyone's talking about AI wrong."

The Confession

"I used to think hustle culture was the answer. I was wrong."

Content Quality Checklist

Before publishing any content, verify:

• Hook would stop YOUR scrolling
• Core insight is actually valuable
• Examples are specific, not generic
• Voice matches profile (no robot-speak)
• No clichés or overused phrases
• CTA is clear and natural
• Length is right for platform
• Would you engage with this post?

Memory Integration

Store Successful Content

After content performs well:

Category: ["content-patterns", "high-performing"]
Content: "[Platform] post about [topic] performed well.
Hook style: [type]. Key elements: [what worked].
Engagement: [metrics if available]."

Recall Before Writing

Before generating content:

Query: "voice profile [platform] content patterns"

Common Content Mistakes

1. Burying the lead - Put the good stuff first
2. Generic advice - Be specific or don't post
3. No point of view - Take a stance
4. All theory - Include real examples
5. Corporate voice - Write like a human
6. Weak hooks - First line must earn the second
7. Missing CTA - Tell them what to do
8. Wrong platform fit - Match content to medium