Using Thought Leadership in Start-Ups | Eric Youngstrom | 444

When launching a startup, there's a lot to think about.   Product, investors, marketing. But what about thought leadership?  Should entrepreneurs consider making thought leadership a priority early in their venture? Thought leadership plays an important role in startups, and our guest on this episode, Eric Youngstrom, is just the person to tell us why. Eric is the Founder and CEO of Onramp Funds Inc, which provides expertise in eCommerce, fiancé, and software development to startups.     Eric has a proven record of success in start-up technology companies, and brings us his insight about why thought leadership should be top-of-mind for startups. Eric explains that startups need to tell a specific story: what problem you solve, why you care about seeing it solved, and why your solution works. This story must reach buyers and potential investors - and even new hires, convincing them of the longevity and value of your startup. And the best way to tell that story is through thought leadership content. Eric goes on to discuss how thought leadership needs to open up conversations and share their ideas. Sharpening your insights, and listening to the insights of others, will only make your brand stronger. Your content can also be a recruiting pitch, bringing in top talent that shares your passion and wants to be part of a better solution. Any successful startup is going to need a savvy team of salespeople. Eric shares how thought leadership is important for the sales team, helping them understand and share the organization's goals and values right from the moment of hiring. We learn how the early years of the company are critical to developing the organization's reputation, reaching one wave of employees and then the next, and ensuring that the culture is instilled in new hires as the company grows. This episode is full of great advice for creating thought leadership that makes an impact right from the start. Don't miss it! Three Key Takeaways: ·* Startups need to be able to tell everyone what the problem they are solving is and why it matters. This needs to be done in a way that sets you and your unique idea apart from those that have come before you. * Thought Leadership is not a short term investment. By creating content that tells your story over years, you will gain trust, brand recognition, and customers. * The sales team is the last line between you and the customer. Ensure your thought leadership is understood by those teams and that it aids them in their job.