How to Go From Writing to Recognition

Welcome back to my LinkedIn newsletter!

A couple of months ago, I was hosting one of the monthly live webinars for members of my Recognized Expert community featuring three longtime participants: Richard Bistrong, Ron Carucci, and Luis Velasquez. They generously opened up about their journeys—sharing the highs, the lows, and how they navigated the often nonlinear path to becoming a recognized expert in their fields.

This conversation has stayed with me, not just because of their individual achievements, but because of what they represent: consistent effort, community support, and the power of strategic focus over time. In this newsletter, I want to share a few of their most powerful lessons, because no matter where you are in your own journey, their stories offer insights you can use.

Focus on relationships, not just reach

Richard Bistrong shared that one of the biggest shifts in his thought leadership journey was moving away from focusing on "likes" and instead centering his work on connection. He realized that real impact comes from writing and speaking in ways that make people feel seen—especially those who are navigating the same challenges he once faced. That kind of authenticity builds trust, and over time, it led to invitations, writing opportunities, and recognition that simply chasing metrics never could.

Consistency beats brilliance

Ron Carucci offered a powerful reminder: "No one gets discovered on their couch." As someone who has published over 110 articles in Harvard Business Review, Ron emphasized the importance of persistence. It’s not about writing one perfect piece or waiting until you feel ready—it’s about showing up repeatedly and learning through doing. He also shared the hard-won lesson that recognition and personal validation are two different things. If you're not careful, external wins can start to feel like they define your worth. Ron encouraged us to stay grounded by remembering that sharing our ideas is an act of service, not a referendum on our value.

Know your audience and speak to them

Luis Velasquez has written for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and other top outlets—and he credits that visibility with more than $400,000 in revenue. But what made the difference wasn't just good writing. It was honing in on who his audience really was. As a coach working with executive leaders, Luis realized he needed to write in a way that addressed their real-time concerns and aspirations. His story is a great example of what happens when you combine credibility with strategic empathy. You start creating content that doesn't just impress people—it moves them to act.

These are just a few of the insights we covered, but they reflect the essence of the Recognized Expert journey: being intentional about your message, consistent in your efforts, and generous in how you show up.

Just this week, I shared that five members of the Recognized Expert community contributed to the latest Harvard Business Review special issue on personal branding—nearly a quarter of the entire magazine. It’s a moment that makes me proud, not because of numbers, but because it shows what's possible when smart, mission-driven professionals support each other and keep at it. You can read that post here.

If you’re looking for a way to amplify your voice, clarify your brand, and build a community that truly has your back, I invite you to learn more about the Recognized Expert program. Enrollment is open through this Monday.

You can find all the details at dorieclark.com/rex.

Wishing you health and success,

Dorie