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Thought Leadership Positioning: Shaping Success in a Competitive Landscape

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 By Ishola Ayodele "In a world inundated with content, it is those who invest in thought leadership that emerge as the trusted advisors, forging stronger relationships and unlocking new avenues of business growth."  In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, where expertise is abundant and competition is fierce, standing out as an Organisation, brand or consultant demands more than just knowledge and experience. It requires a strategic approach to establish oneself as a trusted authority in the field. This is where the concept of "Thought Leadership Positioning" comes into play, serving as a powerful tool for Organisations, brands or consultants to differentiate themselves, build credibility, and drive success.   Defining Thought Leadership In their 2021 study titled "The Tensions of Defining and Developing Thought Leadership Within Knowledge-Intensive Firms," scholars William S. Harvey, Vince-Wayne Mitchell, Alessandra Almeida Jones, and Eric Kni...

The Danger of Me-Too PR: Leveraging Case Studies for Strategic Impact

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 By       Ishola Ayodele                                                             Introduction: In the dynamic field of public relations (PR), the contrast between strategic and impulsive reactions stands as a pivotal determinant of success or failure. This dichotomy underscores the inherent dangers of impulsive PR initiatives, especially those that blindly follow trends and risk offending cultural or religious beliefs unintentionally. Such actions can swiftly tarnish brand reputation, alienate audiences, and erode trust, as evidenced by numerous high-profile blunders in recent memory.   Conversely, Strategic PR approaches prioritize foresight, planning, and a nuanced understanding of audience sensitivities. By anticipating potential challenges and proactively addressing ...

Stealing the Thunder: How Voluntary Self-Disclosure Enhances Credibility

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 By Ishola Ayodele The recent escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the two Binance executives detained by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has sparked widespread public outrage, with many viewing it as a national embarrassment. This incident adds to a series of previous crises that have tarnished Nigeria's reputation on the international stage. For instance, In 2017, when President Buhari returned from medical treatment abroad and resumed work from his residential quarters rather than the official presidential office, Garuba Shehu's statement about the office being infested with rats became a subject of ridicule, reflecting poorly on the nation's governance. Similarly, in 2014, a money laundering scandal involving a jet linked to the Nigerian government carrying nearly $10 million in cash into South Africa further damaged the country's reputation. The delayed response from the Nigerian government exacerbated the reputational damage of the country...

"THE GOLIATH TRAP: HOW NOT TO HANDLE DAVID VS. GOLIATH CRISES"

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 by Ishola Ayodele In 2019, a Republican Congressman from California decided to filed a lawsuit against a parody X (formerly Twitter) account named “Devin Nunes' Cow.” The parody account had been critical of Nunes and his policies, using satire and humor to comment on political matters. The lawsuit drew significant attention and criticism, with many arguing it was an attempt to stifle free speech and silence dissenting voices. The “Devin Nunes' Cow” X account which has just less than 120 followers suddenly saw a surge in following surpassing 500,000. Congressman Devin Nunes escalated his own crisis and garner more sympathy and support for the X account.    This is why I often say that, “in the world of public relations, navigating crises is often akin to a delicate dance, especially when the parties involved are perceived as unequal adversaries.” The recent debacle surrounding the conflict between Chioma Egodi and Erisco Foods Limited which is continuation of product ...