26/07/2024
THE CEO THAT THRIVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA (Part 1)
Let's discuss how Ghanaian Chief Executives and other “C” Level managers can benefit from a thriving social media presence and its impact on businesses here in Ghana or Africa as a whole. The endorsement of leadership or “headship” holds quite a high significance in the scheme of things.
This article discusses 8 benefits of a CEO’s social media presence.
1. INDUSTRY NETWORKING & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
There are teething issues in every industry, and social media has widely democratized information dissemination. While a lot of fake news and misinformation does its own harm within the realm, there is also a genuine thirst for professional well well-thought-through through educative content. By carefully carved content, a CEO can easily turn followers into disciples and eventually grow them into diverse competitive strengths. Sharing industry insights and expertise on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook establishes the CEO as a thought leader. This not only enhances the CEO’s brand and persona but also positions the company as a leader in its field. Curious minds on social media will make your profile a source of clarity on issues bothering your industry.
2. FUTURE EXPANSION
There are situations where social media already announces your exploits in various markets before your physical presence gets there. Facebook and other platforms allow you to target people of certain characteristics such as geographical locations, age, gender, and other details. With these facilities, a savvy CEO can easily target new markets on social media with specific customer personas in mind. In this case, Facebook makes sure that it shows your advertisement to just the group of people you chose from the specific age groups and locations. Some CEOs may also have dreams of delving into policy making or taking up some responsibilities from their respective governments. Your social media followership is indeed your evidence of public acceptance. A good number of active organic followers is actually your testimonial.
3. DIVIDENDS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
With Facebook and other platforms that pay some dividends for certain categories of users, your company can build its income potential over time and earn extra money for using those platforms. That would be a cool extra income over time. You can WhatsApp or call our team for a free consultation on this (+2330548172938)
4. THE HUMAN FACE OF THE COMPANY
Positive Public Perception: A CEO who is visible and transparent on social media is often perceived as more approachable and trustworthy. This positive public perception can enhance the overall reputation of the business. In that position, the CEO is the master of the brand’s tone and texture. The chief career of the brand's image. His seeming accessibility in the digital space can deepen people’s connection and loyalty to the brand. The CEO also brings along the influencer effect which can influence his followers to crave the products or services that come from the company. Buyers connect better with brands and institutions when they establish a certain connection with the human faces behind it
5. CRISES MANAGEMENT
A direct line of communication between the CEO and the public can be invaluable for addressing customer concerns, clarifying misunderstandings, and sharing company updates promptly. In times of crisis, the CEO’s social media presence can be crucial for swift and effective communication. Addressing issues directly can help manage the narrative and mitigate any negative impact on the brand. Followers of such CEOs are usually “foot soldiers” in waiting because they have already established a relationship with the “big man”. It is very easy in moments of crisis to have these followers to heighten whatever PR strategy the company deploys to solve a problem
6. DRIVING ENGAGEMENT AND SALES
A CEO’s endorsement or promotion of products and services on social media can drive engagement and boost sales. Their influence can encourage followers to try the company’s offerings. Practically, when the marketing team embarks on a campaign with a video, written, or image content, the CEO can make it a habit of sharing those contents on his page randomly. The results would be that platform algorithms would start building synergy and connections across the two accounts and this would appeal to a wider audience. This same synergy would yield results among staff who are also social media users.
7. INCREASED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
An active social media presence allows the CEO to connect with other industry leaders, potential partners, and influencers. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations and business opportunities. One major function of the algorithms that operate underneath the social media interface is to connect people with similar interests and behavioural traits. The social media platforms take notes and records of the topics you discuss or frequently mention, the images and profiles you interact with, and the links you click on. They use that to identify and establish connections among like-minded people who share the same or similar interests. So Facebook can easily link you to the next Chinese partner your business needs or your next supplier in a different country without any effort from you
8. ATTRACTING THE BEST TALENT:
Potential employees often look at a company’s leadership when considering job opportunities. A lot would “nose” around social media and garner information on your corporate culture. A CEO who is active on social media can attract top talent by showcasing the company’s culture, values, and vision. Possibly, social media can aid the CEO and HR department in finding out the history of who they are finally employing from among shortlisted applicants.
These are just a few of the corporate fortunes that could be accessed by top-level corporate leaders for their organizations.
Part 2 of this article will focus on the possible challenges they may face with their social media presence and how that can be smoothly mitigated
