The 3 dimensions of consistency every expert or thought leader needs to master
Most people think consistency means posting more. The truth: real authority comes from a deeper kind of consistency
Everyone talks about consistency when building a professional presence. "Post regularly," they say. "Stick to a schedule." "Show up every day."
But here's the problem: most people think consistency means publishing frequency. They're measuring the wrong thing.
Publishing regularly does matter. But true consistency - the kind that builds lasting professional authority - runs much deeper than hitting the ‘publish’ button on schedule.
Real consistency operates on three levels that most people never stop to consider.
The three dimensions of professional consistency
Here's what most advice gets wrong: it treats consistency as one-dimensional.
But entrepreneurs and professionals who build lasting authority and influence understand that consistency operates on multiple levels simultaneously.
Under-index on any one of these dimensions and your efforts to build authority will feel scattered, no matter how often you publish
1. Consistency of voice
Your voice is your professional DNA. It's the unique combination of what you stand for, how you think, and how you express those thoughts to the world.
This isn't about finding a "brand voice" from a style guide. It's about crystallising the authentic intersection of your principles, your perspective, and your personality. Over time, your journey literally becomes your voice - all the experiences, insights, and hard-won lessons that only you can share in your own unique way.
When you package this voice through content, whether that's articles, podcasts, keynotes, or even casual LinkedIn comments, you're making a declaration: "This is why what I say matters, and why it's true to me."
Example: A sustainability consultant who consistently frames every piece of content around "long-game decision-making." That through-line becomes her signature - it’s recognisable, trusted, and distinctly hers. Whether she's discussing supply chains or executive leadership, the lens stays consistent.
I’ve followed Ann Handley of MarketingProfs for a good while now. Ann consistently advocates that marketing should be human, helpful, and honest, and I feel the content she produces - from LinkedIn posts and comments to keynotes to her popular newsletter - reflects this ‘make marketing more human’ ethos more often than not.
2. Consistency of tone
If voice is your professional DNA, tone is how that DNA expresses itself in different environments.
Are you warm and encouraging? Bold and provocative? Analytical and methodical? Your core tone should be recognisable across contexts, even as you adapt to different formats and audiences.
You can modulate tone, of course. A keynote might be more commanding, a LinkedIn post more conversational. But wild swings create cognitive dissonance. People sense the gap, and over time, it can erode the trust you've worked to build.
The test: If author and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk - known for his high-energy, direct, "tell it like it is" delivery - suddenly started offering gentle, whispered meditations, it would feel jarring. Not because change is bad, but because it goes against everything his audience has come to expect.
The contrast: Ann Handley maintains the same warm-but-authoritative tone whether she's writing her newsletter, delivering a keynote, or posting on LinkedIn. Her delivery style is instantly recognisable across all formats - friendly and approachable, yet clearly expert. This consistent tone reinforces trust because audiences know exactly how she'll show up, regardless of the context.
3. Consistency of presence
This is the dimension most people miss entirely. Presence isn't just about what you say or how you say it, it's about showing up strategically in ways that reinforce your authority over time.
Think of this as your professional sovereignty in action. It's the platforms you choose, the rhythms you establish, the partnerships you pursue, and the deliberate way you maintain visibility where it matters most to your audience.
Example: A financial advisor who publishes a thoughtful LinkedIn analysis every other Tuesday, hosts a quarterly "market outlook" webinar, and selectively appears on four industry podcasts per year. The cadence is predictable and professional without trying to be everywhere at once.
A couple of real-life examples of what that looks like in action:
US lawyer and argument expert Jefferson Fisher (pictured below) demonstrates strategic presence by starting with daily Instagram Reels filmed in his car, before methodically broadening his platform to include YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok and a podcast - building his authority step-by-step rather than trying to launch everywhere simultaneously.
And, using Ann Handley again as an example - Ann maintains strategic presence through her fortnightly Annarchy newsletter, semi-regular LinkedIn posts (along with a consistent stream of comments), and selective high-value speaking appearances. She shows up reliably where her audience expects marketing insights, without trying to be everywhere at once.
Why this framework changes everything
When you align voice, tone, and presence, you create the foundation for genuine professional authority. This consistency builds four critical elements in sequence:
Visibility → People see you consistently
Credibility → People believe what you say
Affinity → People connect with how you say it
Trust → People rely on you for insight and guidance
Each element builds on the previous one. You can't skip steps, and you can't fake the foundation.
The compound effect
Here's something I don’t believe people often think about: consistency is a strategy that compounds over time.
Every time someone encounters your work, they're either reinforcing or questioning their existing perception of you, even if it’s subconsciously. Consistency means that encounter strengthens the connection or relationship, regardless of whether they discovered you yesterday or two years ago.
In a noisy, algorithm-driven environment where everyone is shouting for attention, the credible founders and experts who build lasting influence are those who show up with clarity, integrity, and a consistency that deepens rather than just repeats.
The bottom line: Consistency isn't just about frequency. It's about creating a coherent professional identity that people can recognise, trust, and rely on, whether they encounter your work today or three years from now.
That's how you build authority that lasts - not because you post the most, but because you show up with a depth of consistency few can match.
Onwards!
TY
In case we haven’t met yet …
Hi, I’m Trevor. I help genuine founders, experts and thought leaders build visibility, influence and trust - on their terms, in their voice.
Would you like to discuss how I can help you in a mentoring capacity to build your profile and reputation as a trusted and credible expert or thought leader in your industry? CLICK HERE TO BOOK A NO-OBLIGATION 20-MINUTE ZOOM CALL