I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon on LinkedIn of late—a platform full of aspiring thought leaders. Many seem to chase influence through carefully curated images, charismatic captions, and the occasional photo of themselves speaking at prestigious events. It’s a visual spectacle, no doubt, but it’s not my style. As an introvert-extrovert half-breed, I prefer a quieter path to thought leadership—one paved with words. One paved with stories.
I’ve always felt more at home with my MacBook than with a crowd of people. The act of writing, of translating thoughts into words, is a deeply personal and fulfilling experience for me. And while others chase fleeting attention spans with short bursts of content, I’ve found my niche in the depths of long-form writing.
My particular passion lies in marketing strategy. It’s a field I’ve spent my whole adult life studying and practicing, and I’ve discovered that the best way to share my knowledge and insights is through thoughtful, comprehensive articles. My marketing newsletter, Pelantar, serves as a home for my premium ideas, while my platform 300th allows me to explore non-marketing opinions and musings.
My wish for 2025 is simple, yet profound. I yearn to empower. To ignite the minds of at least 5,000 entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and business owners. To equip them with in-depth marketing knowledge, the spark of innovative ideas, and the practical “how-tos” that can transform their ventures. My tool of empowerment? The written word.
I believe in the power of reading to transform lives and businesses. This is why I’ve poured countless hours into crafting premium content, meticulously curated to provide the utmost value. And, to ensure that this knowledge reaches those who need it most, I ask for a modest investment of just $3 per month—a small price to pay for the potential it holds to unlock their entrepreneurial dreams.
However, I’m deeply concerned by the waning reading habits across Southeast Asia. Lots of studies out there have shown a disheartening decline in reading, with Malaysians notably recording the lowest interest in recent times. This trend isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a reflection of a society potentially missing out on the profound benefits of deep reading.
We’re becoming a region of passive consumers, absorbing bite-sized information and fleeting entertainment. It’s just too much video consumption happening right now. While there’s a place for that, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the critical thinking, creativity, and empathy that reading cultivates. This decline must be reversed if we are to foster a generation of innovators and thought leaders.
I’m a Malaysian living in Southeast Asia, a region where video consumption is king. But I hope to see a shift—a movement toward a more balanced media diet where long-form writing is valued alongside viral videos. Why? Because I believe writing offers a unique path to thought leadership, one that’s particularly well-suited for introverts like myself.
Quiet people like me, by nature, tend to be deep thinkers. We’re often more comfortable with our own thoughts than with social interactions, and we’re drawn to activities that allow for introspection and reflection. Writing is a natural outlet for these tendencies. It gives us the space to explore ideas, connect disparate thoughts, and articulate our perspectives in a way that feels authentic and true.
Long-form writing is a dying art in today’s fast-paced digital world—especially now that AI is slowly taking over. Unlike short tweets or the ever-engaging Instagram stories, long-form articles allow for depth and complexity. They enable you to delve into complex topics, present detailed case studies, and build a deeper connection with your readers.
Bite-sized content is cool, no doubt about that. But in some cases, long-form writing would stand out more. It signals a commitment to quality, a willingness to invest time and effort into producing something of value. And it rewards readers with a richer, more meaningful experience.
One of the most effective ways to establish yourself as a thought leader is to focus on a specific niche. In my case, it’s the marketing strategy. By consistently producing high-quality content on this topic, I’ve been able to position myself as an authority in the field. People know that when they come to my platform, they can expect to find valuable insights and actionable advice on marketing strategy.
This isn’t to say you should limit yourself to a single topic for the rest of your life. But in the early stages of your thought leadership journey, it’s often helpful to focus your efforts on one area where you have deep knowledge and expertise. This will help you build credibility and attract a loyal following.
Thought leadership isn’t just about broadcasting your ideas; it’s about fostering a real community of engaged readers. That means responding to comments, participating in discussions, and seeking feedback. It means building relationships with other thought leaders in your field and collaborating on projects.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of becoming a thought leader through writing. If you were to ask me, I would say that it all begins with a single step – writing. Start with something simple, perhaps a short 300-word reflection on a topic close to your heart. As you gain confidence, gradually increase the length and complexity of your writing, exploring new ideas and perspectives. Remember, every word you write is a step towards solidifying your voice and expertise.
Embrace the power of platforms like 300th, a Malaysian-born writing platform with global aspirations. It’s a place where you can connect with a vibrant community of writers and readers, share your unique insights, and establish your presence in the ever-evolving landscape of thought leadership.
