The Socially Savvy CEO

Socially Savvy CEOs are more effective in shaping the perception and communication surrounding their companies. Whether focused on internal audiences like executives and employees or external audiences such as customers, partners, shareholders and the general public, the social CEO is the most effective communicator of the corporate narrative.

Additional benefits are derived by having a social CEO, including a stronger relationship with the news media, employees feeling more informed, a perception that the CEO is more approachable and accessible and an openness and sense of transparency that has a positive impact on morale and eventually business results.

"No leader can afford to lead as they did in the Industrial Age. This is a new era with new rules. All around us, the entire world is flattening, democratizing, and socializing. It’s quite possible that as the social age matures, there will be only two types of business leaders: social … and retired." (The 7 Attributes of CEOs Who Get Social Media, HBR)

The data supporting the value derived from organizational leadership by a social CEO is overwhelming, yet data indicates slow adoption by the senior executive. 

Statistics (LinkedIn)

  • LinkedIn now has over 830 million members.

  • LinkedIn is the most-used social media platform amongst Fortune 500 companies.

  • LinkedIn is the #1 channel B2B marketers use to distribute content at 94%.

  • 59% of B2B marketers say LinkedIn generates leads for their business.

  • 65% of B2B companies have acquired a customer through LinkedIn.

Insights

  1. Social CEOs are perceived as innovative and have a positive impact on their companies' information sharing and reputation.

  2. Social CEOs put a face on and create a voice for an organization.

  3. CEOs with trepidation about social should start with internal communications, but quickly find their external voice.