I think you'll find that becoming known for creative applications of code (e.g. Python) against certain niches will far outweigh trying to become a "Python thought leader."
Since you mentioned an interest in Internet marketing, you could quite literally write the book on, say, how law firms can attract new clients through their websites, and use that as lead generation for lawyers who want to understand the terrain (this Internet thing and how it can make the firm more money) but understandably don't have the time between lawyer-y things to actually do it themselves.
One things I'm REALLY big on is providing free educational seminars for a particular niche. You could call up a handful of local law firms, let them know you're an author who just wrote a book on how law firms like theirs can get more clients automagically through their website, and invite them to an in-person seminar where you'll dive further into the subject. You just might sell a few copies of your e-book this way, but more importantly, you'll be able to sell at scale and in a way that's not as intimidating (to the lawyer who realizes you're trying to close a deal) as a one-on-one meeting.
I think you'll find that becoming known for creative applications of code (e.g. Python) against certain niches will far outweigh trying to become a "Python thought leader."
Since you mentioned an interest in Internet marketing, you could quite literally write the book on, say, how law firms can attract new clients through their websites, and use that as lead generation for lawyers who want to understand the terrain (this Internet thing and how it can make the firm more money) but understandably don't have the time between lawyer-y things to actually do it themselves.
One things I'm REALLY big on is providing free educational seminars for a particular niche. You could call up a handful of local law firms, let them know you're an author who just wrote a book on how law firms like theirs can get more clients automagically through their website, and invite them to an in-person seminar where you'll dive further into the subject. You just might sell a few copies of your e-book this way, but more importantly, you'll be able to sell at scale and in a way that's not as intimidating (to the lawyer who realizes you're trying to close a deal) as a one-on-one meeting.