Thought leadership consists of companies establishing a relationship with and delivering something of value to their customers that aligns with their brand and company value. In the process they go beyond merely selling a product or service and establish their brand and company as the expert in that field and differentiate themself from competitors. Laurie Young focuses on the tools, techniques and effects of thought leadership as a marketing principle. His book Thought Leadership provides a topical analysis of what thought leadership is, how it works, how to create a thought leadership strategy and what the results are likely to be. Analyzing both the strengths and weaknesses of this core marketing technique, Young provides marketing strategists with the tools and knowledge required to fully take advantage of this often mysterious, but always effective marketing technique.