TLA 3: establishing candidate commitment

The previous email described how you might identify potential candidates for your thought leadership programme. You now need to ensure that your candidates are prepared to make the necessary commitment.

Thought leadership requires expertise, intent to be recognised by the market, and willingness to cultivate new habits and routines. Your candidates need to understand what is involved—and be prepared to make that commitment. 

Ask them to complete a self-assessment to build their awareness. This should cover:

• What is your topic/expertise/area of focus (industry, business initiative, other) for your thought leadership?
• Why do you want to participate in the thought leadership programme?
• What would be your objectives when participating in the programme?
• The thought leadership training lasts [x] weeks, and you are expected to put aside [y] hours per week. Are you prepared to make this commitment? When would be a good time for you to start?
• What is your LinkedIn address?
• What is your LinkedIn SSI (Social Selling Index)? [Find out from https://www.linkedin.com/sales/ssi )
• What is your Twitter address? If you do not have a Twitter account, please create one before submitting this form.
• Have you ever participated in a tweetchat?
• Do you have any experience of writing blogs? If so, please provide a link to one or two previous articles.
• Do you have any other social media experience? Please specify.
• What, if any, is your experience of working with the marketing team on campaigns?