Vivian started her banking career 20 years ago as a teller at a small local bank. She worked hard, always eager to learn more about the industry.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and she moved up the ranks, working at various major financial institutions.
But Vivian faced numerous challenges along the way, from navigating complex regulations to leading teams through economic downturns. However, she persevered, eventually becoming a VP at a major bank.
Now well-known in the sector, Vivian is regularly invited to speak at conferences and contribute to trade journals.
Her journey from teller to thought leader wasn’t easy, but these days, she helps over 30,000 banking professionals stay ahead of industry trends.
Here’s how she established herself on LinkedIn and how you can do the same.
Understanding thought leadership
Thought leaders are recognized as authorities in their field. They share knowledge and insights to educate and influence others.
In banking, thought leaders can shape discussions on innovation, regulation, customer experience, and financial trends.
Vivian realized that to be seen as a thought leader, she needed to regularly share her expertise and unique perspectives.
This approach not only boosted her personal brand but also helped others in the industry.
You can also become a thought leader by consistently sharing valuable information and engaging with your audience on LinkedIn.
Creating a strong LinkedIn profile
A compelling LinkedIn profile is the foundation of thought leadership. Here’s how Vivian optimized her profile, and how you can do the same:
Profile picture and headline
Choose a professional and approachable profile picture. Vivian selected a clear, high-resolution photo in business attire, reflecting her role in banking.
Her headline reads: “VP at Bank of america | Financial Services Expert | Advocate for Innovation in Banking.” This concise headline tells visitors exactly who she is and what she stands for.
Summary and experience sections
The summary section is your chance to tell your story. Vivian wrote a compelling narrative about her journey in the banking industry, highlighting her passion for innovation and her vision for the future of banking.
Example:
“With 20 years in the banking industry, I have navigated various roles from teller to VP.
My mission is to drive innovation and enhance customer experience in financial services.
Let’s connect and explore how we can shape the future of banking together.”
In the experience section, detail your roles and achievements. Use bullet points for clarity and include measurable results where possible. For example:
- Spearheaded a digital transformation project that increased online banking usage by 30%.
- Implemented new customer service protocols that improved client satisfaction by 25%.
Skills and endorsements
List relevant skills such as “Digital Banking,” “Risk Management,” and “Customer Experience.” Reach out to colleagues and industry peers for endorsements to boost your credibility.
Recommendations and networking
Ask for recommendations from previous supervisors and colleagues. These testimonials add authenticity to your profile.
Also, make an effort to connect with professionals in the banking industry, including those you meet at conferences and seminars.
By following these steps, you can create a strong LinkedIn profile that positions you as a knowledgeable and approachable professional in the banking industry, just like Vivian did.
This will set the stage for your journey to thought leadership.
Content strategy for banking thought leadership
To establish herself as a thought leader, Vivian knew she needed to share valuable content regularly. Here’s how she crafted her content strategy, and how you can do the same:
Identifying your niche
Vivian focused on digital banking and customer experience, areas that aligned with her expertise and were of growing interest in the industry.
Identifying your niche helps you stand out and attract an audience interested in your specific area of knowledge.
Creating a content calendar
A content calendar helps you stay organized and consistent. Vivian planned her posts for each week, ensuring a mix of content types to keep her audience engaged.
Types of content to share
Industry news and updates
Sharing the latest advancements in banking technology and regulations keeps your audience informed and positions you as a source of current industry knowledge.
Example post: “The latest trends in fintech are reshaping the banking industry. Here’s what you need to know.”
P.S. Start your search by browsing our selection of banking and payments white papers.
Case studies and success stories
Share stories from your own experience to illustrate your expertise and achievements.
Example post: “At XYZ Bank, we increased online banking adoption by 30% through a targeted digital transformation project. Here’s our approach.”
Expert opinions and insights
Offer your thoughts on industry trends and future developments to show your expertise and thought leadership.
Example post: “The future of banking lies in embracing digital innovation. Here’s why and how we can get there.”
Educational content
Create how-tos, tutorials, and informative articles to educate your audience.
Example post: “A step-by-step guide to improving customer experience in banking.”
Visual content
Use infographics, charts, and images to make complex information easier to understand.
Example post: “Understanding the customer journey in digital banking, explained in one infographic.”
Videos
Record interviews with industry experts, host webinars, and do live Q&A sessions to engage your audience more interactively.
Example post: “Join me for a live Q&A with a leading fintech innovator on the future of banking.”
By diversifying her content, Vivian kept her audience engaged and interested.
You can do the same by planning a variety of content that showcases your expertise and keeps your followers coming back for more.
Engagement and interaction
Engaging with your audience is crucial for building a strong thought leadership presence. Here’s how Vivian interacted with her followers:
Responding to comments and messages
Vivian made it a point to respond to comments on her posts. This showed that she valued her audience’s input and fostered a sense of community.
She also replied to messages promptly, building stronger connections.
Joining and participating in relevant LinkedIn groups
By joining groups related to banking and financial services, Vivian participated in discussions, sharing her insights and learning from others.
This not only expanded her network but also increased her visibility in the industry.
Collaborating with other thought leaders
Collaboration can expand your reach and credibility. Vivian worked with other thought leaders in the industry to co-author articles and host webinars.
This helped her reach a broader audience and establish herself as a key player in the banking sector.
Through these engagement strategies, Vivian built a loyal and interactive following.
By actively participating in discussions and collaborating with peers, you too can enhance your thought leadership presence on LinkedIn.
What to avoid
While building her thought leadership presence, Vivian learned there were certain things to avoid:
Avoiding overly promotional content
Vivian ensured her posts did not sound like advertisements. Instead, she focused on providing value and sharing knowledge, which helped her build trust with her audience.
Steering clear of controversial topics
Vivian avoided polarizing topics without proper context. She knew that engaging in such discussions could harm her reputation and alienate her audience.
Refraining from sharing unverified information
Before sharing any news or updates, Vivian always verified the information. This practice ensured that her audience could trust what she posted, maintaining her credibility.
Avoiding irrelevant content
Vivian kept her content focused on banking and financial services.
She knew that her audience followed her for her expertise in these areas and avoided posting irrelevant content that could dilute her message.
By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can maintain your credibility and ensure your content remains valuable to your audience.
Measuring success
To understand the impact of her efforts, Vivian tracked her progress using LinkedIn analytics. Here’s how you can measure your success:
Key metrics to track
Monitor engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares, as well as follower growth and profile views.
These metrics can help you understand what content resonates with your audience.
Using LinkedIn analytics
LinkedIn’s built-in analytics provide valuable insights into your content performance. Vivian used these tools to refine her strategy, focusing on what worked and improving what didn’t.
Gathering feedback
Vivian regularly asked her audience for feedback. This not only helped her improve her content but also showed her followers that she valued their opinions.
By tracking these metrics and gathering feedback, you can continuously improve your LinkedIn strategy and ensure your content remains relevant and engaging.
Final thoughts on becoming a LinkedIn thought leader in banking
Becoming a LinkedIn thought leader in the banking industry is a journey.
By optimizing your profile, sharing valuable content, engaging with your audience, and measuring your success, you can establish yourself as a respected voice in the field.
Start building your thought leadership presence today and watch your influence grow.
Additional resources
Top LinkedIn groups for banking professionals
- Retail Banking Professionals Network
- Banking Professionals Private Network
- Investment Banking Business Analyst & Project Managers
- Finance & Banking, Fintech, Regtech Professionals Worldwide
- Payments; Fintech, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, MPOS, Mobile Banking
Ready to take your LinkedIn thought leadership to the next level?
Get in touch to see how we can help you craft a powerful LinkedIn presence.
Whether you need help with profile optimization, content strategy, or engagement tactics, our experts are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today and start your journey toward becoming a recognized leader in the banking industry.
