Q SELL MORE WITHOUT EVEN BEING THERE 151 seen as a thought leader as your name moves higher in search engine rankings. As I've already said, be sure you are paying attention to websites that are focused on your industry. Nonprofit trade associations manage many of these sites, and nearly all include discussion boards and blogs covering key industry issues. Take the time necessary to write high-quality responses to questions and blog posts. Don't think you need comment on anything but those topics that strike you as being important. Writing Articles for Websites Some sites even allow you to submit longer-form articles for publication. It is vital that your intent is to authentically share valuable information. If it sounds like you are making a sales pitch, the people who read these sites and run them will as- sume you are just trying to advertise. You'll lose credibility faster than Google can complete a keyword search. Your objective is to contribute meaningful insights, advance your industry, and allow others to see you as a person they can respect as an industry expert. In the process, you are also cre- ating awareness for yourself, because when you contribute to industry-recognized sites, your industry peers will notice you. Raising Your Profile in Trade Associations If you are going to belong to a trade association, you might as well help lead it. There's no sense in merely being a member. You are either all in or not in at all. Volunteer to help with association activities. Yes, it takes time, but you'll create valu- American Managememt Association · www.amanet.org