Why? Perhaps they’re too busy working on their bottom line; consider social media ‘too risky’, believe there’s no measurable return on investment or… they’re extremely dedicated to keeping their privacy (and doing a good job). Either way it seems CEOs, and successful ones at that, are absent when it comes to social media.
However, these platforms have and will continue to change the way companies do business, the way they collaborate with customers and staff. Engagement on social media platforms can therefore be seen as one of the best ways for CEOs to stay connected and relevant in today’s high-powered business world.
The constant struggle we as PR professionals face is trying to prove this to CEOs and show them how social media can be one of their most powerful tools. In a nutshell, Facebook, Twitter, Google +, LinkedIn and Pinterest can help them understand their customer or client, the market and the competitor better. Think of it as an opportunity for advancement, real-time market research and a new way to communicate.
TEN UNDENIABLE BENEFITS
To help you convince your CEO they should engage in social media, I’ve scoured the web, read many articles, listened to many arguments and hand-picked what I personally think are the top ten benefits.
1. It shows the company is innovative and the leader is engaged.
2. It gives the company and brand a human face or personality, helping to build consumer trust.
3. It helps the CEO build good relationships with news media.
4. It helps find and attract new customers within and outside the key demographics.
5. Around only 1 in 5 CEOs have a social media account, instantly giving your brand a competitive edge.
6. It’s an easy, quick and effective way to share news and information about the company with clients, suppliers and employees.
7. CEOs who participate in social media are more likely to be seen as good communicators, open and accessible.
8. Consumers are more likely to trust a company whose CEO engages on social media, as they’re perceived to be more transparent.
9. More and more professionals would prefer to work for a company whose leadership team is active on social media.
10. In large firms, it gives employees a chance to communicate directly with the CEO, helping to build staff morale.
I’ll leave you with these inspirational CEOs who are engaging in, and conquering the social media world, as well as an infographic from CEO.com capturing a few key findings from their Social CEO Report. Best of luck!
