Social networks have become central to the lives of many consumers, yet many chief executives aren’t engaging with them deeply. A recent study of Fortune 500 CEOs found that 61% have no public-facing social media presence. Moreover, of those leaders who are present, 70% have accounts on only one network. This is a major missed opportunity. Some 64% of Americans say they like it when CEOs engage on social media because it helps them to better understand businesses, and 54% believe that executives who engage on social media are more trustworthy. In other words, it’s time for CEOs to dive into social media fully. So, where’s the best place to start? Which networks are the right ones to focus on? What are the keys to connecting deeply with audiences? To find out, check out MDG Advertising’s new infographic, 3 Things Every CEO Should Do to Succeed on Social Media. It highlights key approaches that every leader can employ to increase the effectiveness of their social media efforts. The areas covered include: + Starting with LinkedIn: The business network is the most popular with CEOs for a good reason; find out how to make the most of your profile and optimize your presence. + Picking other networks-and sticking with it: CEOs can’t be on every network outside of LinkedIn, but they should be on some; learn how to determine which are the right ones for you. + Avoiding being boring: Social posts from CEOs are often dull, despite the executives being personally engaging; find out how to avoid this huge pitfall. To learn more, check out 3 Things Every CEO Should Do to Succeed on Social Media. Source: http://www.mdgadvertising.com/blog/3-things-every-ceo-should-do-to-succeed-on-social-media-infographic/

1. SOURCES: BUFFER, CEO.COM, DOMO, G&S BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS, HARRIS POLL, HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW,
KISSMETRICS, KRC RESEARCH, MCKINSEY, TRACK SOCIAL, WEBER SHANDWICK.
Twitter: @MDGadvertising.com
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Things Every CEO
Should Do to Succeed
on Social Media
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Despite the ever-increasing importance
of social media in consumers’ lives,
many chief executives remain hesitant
to dive in completely.This is
a huge mistake; engaging on
social networks can have
a huge payoff.
A survey of senior managers found that
76% believe it's a good idea for their
CEO to be on social media. Why?
75%say it gives the company a human face
78%say it has a positive impact on the company’s reputation
80% say it’s a good way of sharing news
69%say it makes the company a more attractive place to work
70%say it has a positive impact on business results
If you’re a leader who’s
hesitated to make the leap,
the time to fully engage is now.NOW
1. Start with LinkedIn
LinkedIn is, by far, their most popular social network.
CEOs
of Fortune 500 CEOs have active
LinkedIn accounts
32% of CEOs who are active on just one
social network are on LinkedIn
70%
This popularity is due to the power of the platform; the network is a hub for co-workers, press,
peers, customers, and future employees. That’s why it should be the first focus of every CEO.
To make the most of LinkedIn, it’s important to:
Get a good headshot and include
your full work history
Solicit endorsements,
include press mentions,
and add skills
Regularly like, comment,
and reshare others’ content
2. Pick a few other platforms—and stick with it
57
It’s essential to engage on social media
beyond LinkedIn. Why? Because other
platforms offer access to vastly different
audiences, as well as other methods
of communicating.
2
post to
YouTube
post publicly
to Twitter
57
are active
on Facebook
So how do you pick which additional networks to engage on?
LOOK AT YOUR GOALS AND COMFORT LEVEL
Examine
demographics:
Networks differ widely in age,
gender, and geo breakdowns
Think about behavior:
Consumers use different platforms
for very different reasons
Decide on visual vs. text:
Use the networks that suit your
preferred communication style
Remember response time:
On platforms like Twitter,
you’re expected to react quicker
EXPERIMENT TO FIND THE RIGHT FREQUENCY AND CONTENT
Generally, it’s better
to post more than less;
it keeps audiences engaged
It’s okay to reuse content
across different networks
and repost pieces
Reposting
other people’s content
can go a very long way
3. Don’t be dull
Many CEOs come across as unengaging
on social media, despite being warm and
dynamic in person.To avoid coming across
as bland, have a hand in your posts
and stay relatable
56%
of senior managers
think it’s risky for
CEOs to participate
in social media
CEOs can’t post
every piece, but
they should see
everything
You don’t have to
be controversial,
but it’s okay to
share bold ideas
Don’t worry
about perfection;
focus on coming
across as yourselfEnsure that your
opinions and
personality aren’t
lost in posts
Social networks give CEOs the chance to put forth ideas, understand issues,
and connect with people deeply. That’s an incredible opportunity that,
if tackled well, can benefit both the business and the individual immensely.
OF THE FORTUNE 500 CEOs
ON SOCIAL MEDIA