Perhaps you’re a leader with years of experience under your belt. Or maybe you’re just getting started, and you see how bigger voices dominate your field. Either way, you might be wondering how to evolve from a capable professional into a name that truly stands out.
That’s exactly where our trademark Authority Maturity Model shines. It’s a step‑by‑step guide to growing your influence, becoming an in‑demand expert, and measuring your progress at every turn.
I sat down with Beth LaGuardia Cooper on my podcast, Build Your Authority. Beth is the Chief Marketing Officer here at The Authority Company. She broke down the five stages of her model: Emerging, Tactical, Operational, Strategic, and Differentiated.
If you’re ready to trade in random efforts for a systematic plan, here’s how the model lays out a clear roadmap to help you expand your impact and know whether it’s working.
Why Do We Even Need a Model?
First off, building authority isn’t just about ego. Leaders who seek authority want a bigger sphere of influence, more opportunities, and a platform to make a meaningful difference in their industry. Yet, up until now, the question has always been, “How do I get there? How do I measure it?”
Enter the Authority Maturity Model. It addresses the two big questions:
- What Plan Do I Follow? It shows you exactly which steps and milestones to focus on.
- How Do I Measure Success? Concrete metrics ensure you can see (and celebrate) your progress.
The 5 Stages at a Glance
1. Emerging
You have solid knowledge in your field—maybe you’ve got the right degree or the right role—but you’re just starting to apply it in a real‑world context or share it publicly. This can be an “on‑ramp” to deeper authority, or it might describe someone whose broad experience hasn’t been spotlighted yet.
Clues You’re Here
- You have some credentials but minimal public presence.
- You might still be absorbing best practices rather than shaping them.
2. Tactical
At this stage, you’re doing some things right: speaking at conferences, guesting on a panel, or maintaining a moderately active social feed. However, these efforts may be somewhat ad hoc and not tied to a larger vision or plan. The good news is you’ve dipped your toe in the water.
Clues You’re Here
- You occasionally speak at industry events but haven’t formalized an approach.
- You post on social media, though sporadically and without a unifying message.
3. Operational
You’ve realized real results and are more methodical about building your authority. You’re no longer randomly choosing conferences or social posts; you set and track tangible goals. People start seeking your viewpoint because of your reliable expertise.
Clues You’re Here
- Authority building is integrated into your overall business or personal strategy.
- You’ve got a plan for content creation, social engagement, or media outreach.
- You see clear returns: inbound clients, partnerships, or revenue streams traceable to your presence as an authority.
4. Strategic
This is where authority becomes a key differentiator in your business and personal brand. It isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s woven into how you grow, hire, innovate, and lead. Media platforms begin inviting you for interviews. Keynote invitations roll in. You likely have a published book or are on your way to writing one, and your social media is vibrant and engaged.
Clues You’re Here
- You consistently show up in industry press and mainstream coverage.
- You have a published book (or a strong plan in the works).
- Speaking engagements, collaborations, and media requests come in regularly.
- You’re recognized as a visionary, not just an expert.
5. Differentiated
The ultimate peak, though few aim (or need) to go this far.
At Differentiated, you’re the first name people think of for your niche—and sometimes, they won’t even consider someone else. Major media wants your take. Clients will not negotiate on price because they want you, specifically, to be part of their success story. Essentially, you’re the go‑to figure in your domain.
Clues You’re Here
- You no longer have to “market” in the traditional sense; your reputation precedes you.
- Your name is synonymous with your area of expertise.
- You can devote your time to exactly the speaking or consulting opportunities you want.
Leveraging the Model to Get Results
When you begin working with the Authority Maturity Model, the first step is clarifying your ultimate goals. Some leaders want to grow their business by attracting new clients; others want to make an impact by sparking a wider conversation or mentoring the next generation.
Once you’ve identified your target, the model helps you determine your position on the continuum. That might mean asking: “Have I published a book on my core topic? Am I fielding inbound media requests? Am I systematically growing an audience on platforms I own or control?”
As you start progressing, you’ll find that certain multiplier moves can fast-track your authority. Writing a book is one example: having a published work on your subject conveys instant credibility and a depth of knowledge. Another multiplier is speaking at top conferences, which puts you in front of influencers and potential partners.
By emphasizing such assets, you can often jump from one stage to the next more quickly.
Additionally, keep in mind that this road map isn’t a single lane. Your circumstances, market conditions, and personal goals may change over time. Regularly revisiting your plan allows you to pivot if new opportunities arise or your audience migrates to new platforms.
Ultimately, the model ensures you remain intentional about each step you take toward greater influence.
Why This Framework Matters
Many leaders think of building authority as a vague collection of activities, like updating LinkedIn or speaking at a random seminar. By using the Authority Maturity Model, you align all those activities with a common purpose: each action moves you closer to the next stage of authority in a measurable way.
Here are the key principles to keep in mind:
- Clear Action Steps. A structure that moves you from “just dabbling” to systematic authority building.
- Logical Measurement. Each stage has tangible signals—like inbound media requests, a dedicated content strategy, or a published book.
- Long‑Term Impact. Don’t chase vanity—think about how this journey can transform who you are and the opportunities that come your way.
As Beth puts it, the Authority Maturity Model is a living, breathing map. Your end goals can shift, and the media situation can evolve, but having a framework ensures you can pivot intelligently.
Final Takeaway
If you’re a leader, an entrepreneur, or an aspiring industry visionary, know that authority is an ongoing effort. Yet the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Each stage you level up, you’ll see immediate results—whether it’s bigger sales, new media appearances, or personal satisfaction in seeing how your ideas change people’s lives.
Looking to get a snapshot of where you fall on the model? Visit theauthoritycompany.com to find the assessment and see how you stack up—or connect with Beth directly on LinkedIn. Authority might initially feel intangible, but with the right framework and a strategic outlook, you can plot a course to become a recognized force in your field.
And as you scale the mountain, you’ll discover exactly what you’re capable of, not just for your brand but for your own personal growth.
Be sure to listen to my conversation with Beth on the Build Your Authority podcast.