Authors, the secret sauce of thought leadership isn’t just about putting your ideas out there.
It’s about adding a personal connection to the mix.
Greg Koukl: Taking Influence to the Next Level
I was already a fan, devouring his books and podcasts long before we ever met. But when Greg Koukl, author and host of Stand to Reason, sat down for lunch? That personal connection took his influence to a whole new level.
I’ve since taught his material at church, trained my kids in his tactics, and bought even more of his books.
And he probably still doesn’t know I exist.
Ed Kless: From Value Pricing to Life-Changing Impact
Then there’s Ed Kless, co-host of The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker. I’d already been following their work on value pricing for a while. But after lunch with Ed, value pricing became special and personal.
My wife became a premium vocal coach, breaking free from the chains of hourly rates.
And my kids?
They’ll never believe their worth is tied to a time sheet, if I can help it.
That one lunch didn’t spark my learning—it made it personal.
David K. Naugle: A Lifelong Influence
I’d taken every class I could of my favorite professor, Dr. Naugle, before he won Christianity Today's Book of the Year (on his first book!).
His work was already foundational for me, but his personal impact is what made his books part of our family’s permanent library.
I was already a fan of these guys. Their books and podcasts had me hooked long before we ever met.
But the added personal connection?
That’s what multiplied their influence in my life.
How You Can Multiply Your Influence
You don’t have to sit down for lunch with every reader, but even small personal touches—engaging in comments, answering DMs, or a quick meet-up—can turn a fan into a lifelong advocate.
Want to take your influence as a thought leader to the next level? Here’s how:
- Engage with comments on your posts.
- Drop a personal DM to a reader (it’ll blow their mind).
- Be open to a face-to-face meet-up—it can change generations.
Your content gets people interested.
But personal connection?
That’s what turns it into real influence.