In 2025, credibility is currency — and trust is the real algorithm.
We’ve entered an era on LinkedIn where posts fade, trends shift, and engagement spikes come and go — but meaningful relationships compound. And when it comes to influence, those who are quietly building genuine ties with thought leaders today are setting themselves up for unmatched relevance and reach tomorrow.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t about transactional networking. This is about co-creating credibility.
If you think simply liking posts, dropping emojis in the comments, or sending “love your content” DMs is enough — it’s time to level up. Thought leaders in 2025 are savvy. They know the difference between someone who wants proximity to influence and someone who wants to grow with them.
Let’s Redefine Thought Leadership
Thought leadership isn’t about being a know-it-all. It’s about being the one who notices what others overlook — and then says it in a way that actually sticks.
It’s not about having a content calendar or chasing engagement. It’s about having original thoughts — ones that challenge the norm, spark conversations, or shift how people approach their work.
A real thought leader doesn’t just “share insights.” They introduce new angles, new questions, and sometimes, new language. They build context, not just content.
You know you’re in the presence of a true thought leader when:
You screenshot their post to think about later.
Their ideas make it into your team meetings.
You feel smarter just from reading their comment.
That’s the level we’re talking about.
So, building long-term relationships with thought leaders isn’t just about networking — it’s about showing up where real thinking is happening and becoming part of that conversation.
Ready to move beyond the comments? Here’s how to truly connect with the minds shaping LinkedIn.
1. Study Their Ecosystem — Not Just Their Posts
The smartest connectors in 2025 aren’t just engaging with the thought leader — they’re building presence in the leader’s entire ecosystem. That means:
Following their podcast, newsletter, or YouTube channel.
Engaging with people who regularly comment on their posts.
Attending their LinkedIn Live sessions or events and asking sharp questions.
Why it works: You show you’re serious, not surface-level. And when you interact across platforms, your name starts to build recall in their mind —before you ever send a DM.
2. Move From Commenter to Collaborator
Forget “Nice post!” That’s invisible. What works now is co-thinking — treating the comments section as a place to build on their ideas, challenge them respectfully, or add real-time insights from your own domain.
Example: If they share a prediction about AI disrupting hiring, respond with:
“Brilliant take. We’re seeing a similar trend at mid-sized startups — but it’s playing out differently for early-stage teams. Sharing a pattern we noticed…”
2025 Tip: Some thought leaders now spotlight their favourite comments in follow-up posts or even invite those contributors to LinkedIn Audio panels or co-authored pieces. You can literally comment your way into a collaboration.
3. Don’t Pitch — Position Yourself with Value
The DMs are still where the magic happens — but only if done right.
A powerful DM doesn’t sell. It starts with context, offers alignment, and ends with zero pressure.
Here’s a 2025-tested framework:
“Hey [Name], I’ve been following your takes on future-of work culture. I built a short case study on how our team implemented async systems based on one of your posts — and I’d love to share it with you if you’re open.”
No cold pitch. Just value, relevance, and clarity.
4. Build Parallel Thought Leadership
You don’t need a massive following — you need relevance.
Start posting content that runs parallel to their ideas but from your perspective. Tag them occasionally (not excessively), and frame it as:
“Inspired by [Name]’s insight on XYZ — here’s how it’s playing out in my niche.”
When you show that you’re applying their thinking in the wild and evolving it, you become more than a follower. You become a peer in the conversation.
And that’s the goal: to shift from follower → contributor → collaborator → co-creator.
5. Offer Platforms, Not Just Praise
Thought leaders are looking for meaningful exposure just as much as you are.
Invite them to a micro-event, a curated roundtable, or a co-created post.
Feature them in a blog, newsletter, or internal AMA session at your company.
Create content for them, not just about them.
In a world of “Can you give me a shoutout?”, be the one asking, “Can I give you one?”
6. Use LinkedIn’s New Collaborative Features to Co-Create Thought Leadership
As of April 2025, LinkedIn has rolled out “Collaborative Articles 2.0” and AI assisted Co-Authoring Suggestions, helping professionals contribute to thought leadership topics directly alongside industry experts.
This shift is a game-changer for relationship building you no longer have to just comment or tag — you can now co-create content with the very people you’re trying to connect with.
When a thought leader publishes a collaborative article, you can request to contribute — and if your addition is insightful, it gets highlighted alongside theirs.
LinkedIn’s AI now recommends potential co-authors based on your niche and history of engagement, making it easier to start meaningful collaborations.
2025 Tip: Prioritize contributing to collaborative articles related to your field and the interests of thought leaders you follow. When they see you consistently co-authoring high-quality insights, you naturally transition from a name in their inbox to a name in their network.
From Noise to Network — This Is Your Edge in 2025
In a digital landscape where everyone is vying for visibility, your relationships will become your differentiator.
You don’t need to be the loudest. You just need to be the most genuine, intentional, and valuable presence in the room — even if that room is virtual. Thought leaders aren’t gatekeepers; they’re collaborators waiting for the right people to show up with purpose.
Here’s Your Next Step:
Audit your current connections. Identify 3–5 thought leaders whose content and values align with your goals.
Engage deeply and consistently. Start meaningful conversations in the comments — weekly, not randomly.
Post content that adds to their narrative. Share your perspective, apply their insights, and tag them thoughtfully.
Send one strategic DM this week. Keep it value-led, personal, and ask nothing in return.
Offer them a platform. Whether it’s a shoutout, article mention, or invite to your podcast — give before you ask.
Join FindCollab. Get matched with thought leaders open to genuine collaborations, with real data to track outcomes.
Want to connect with the right thought leaders faster — and collaborate meaningfully?
Click here to sign up now: https://www.findcollab.com/signup-brand and discover how FindCollab helps creators, brands, and professionals grow through intentional connections.
