How to Be Seen as an Innovator in Your Industry

When we think of innovators, we often picture the big names: the ones who build rockets, create tech empires, or disrupt entire industries. But innovation isn't limited to billion-dollar ideas or global platforms.

True innovation happens in the everyday. When you see things differently, experiment with new approaches, and turn challenges into opportunities. It's about bringing fresh thinking into familiar spaces and consistently showing up with ideas that move things forward.

The good news? You don't have to be loud or flashy to be seen as an innovator. You just have to be intentional, curious, and open to changes that spark innovation.

Steps to Be Seen as an Innovator

Step 1: Question the Rules

Every industry has its "shoulds," the unspoken ways things are supposed to be done. Innovators don't necessarily reject them, but they do question them.

Ask why. Why does it have to be this way? What would happen if I flipped the approach? Is this still the best way to serve my audience?

That curiosity is what leads to new ideas and breakthroughs. In my own work, questioning the language around marketing, like shifting from "funnels" to "trees" turned something mechanical into something people could relate to and engage with. Sometimes you don't need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to rename it so people actually want to use it.

Step 2: Share Your Thinking as It Evolves

You don't need to have all the answers before you start sharing your ideas. Innovators invite people into the process. They talk about what they're testing, what's working, and what they're learning along the way.

When you're open about your journey, people start to see you as someone who's thinking ahead, not because you're perfect, but because you're curious and transparent. That honesty builds trust and positions you as a leader others want to follow.

If you've tried something new lately, even if it didn't quite work, talk about it. Share what you discovered. Innovation thrives on experimentation, not perfection.

Step 3: Stay Consistent

Innovation isn't a single moment, but a rhythm. The people we recognise as thought leaders aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest ideas, they're the ones who consistently show up to share them.

Each post, podcast, article, or workshop you create is a seed that grows your authority over time. When you regularly share your reflections, insights, and experiments, people start to associate your name with fresh thinking and progress.

Think of innovation as planting an orchard, not a single tree. It's steady growth over time that strengthens your presence and influence.

Step 4: Keep Learning

Innovators are learners first. They stay curious, explore new ideas, and surround themselves with people who challenge how they think. They read widely, try new tools, and stay open to perspectives that stretch their comfort zone.

The more you expand your knowledge base, the easier it becomes to connect dots others can't see, and that's exactly where innovative ideas are born.

Key Takeaway

Being seen as an innovator isn't about being first, the loudest, or the most polished. It's about being brave enough to question, test, and share. When you consistently show up with curiosity and creativity, people start to see you as a forward-thinker. And before long, you'll be the one they turn to for new ideas.

Your Next Step

Look at one area of your business where you've been playing it safe and ask:

• What would innovation look like here?

• How could I reframe this process, product, or message in a way that feels fresh?

• What's one small experiment I can run and share the results from?

You don't have to overhaul everything. Just start with one change, one idea, or one new perspective. That's where innovation begins.

Resources to Help You Lead with Fresh Ideas

The Marketing Tree (Coming Soon)

I'm currently working on my new book about rethinking marketing as a growing ecosystem rather than a rigid funnel. It's all about shifting perspective, nurturing sustainable growth, and creating marketing strategies that truly connect.

While it's on its way, you can start exploring the concept right now with the .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}