Is your CEO social?
- By Jack Preston -
- Oct 17, 2012
Social Media Today have looked into the use of social media amongst many of the world’s top CEOs, discovering a lack of understanding and importance amongst the vast majority of leaders.
An IBM study released earlier this year revealed that only 16% of CEOs were participating in social media, ranking face-to-face interactions, websites, channel partners, call centres, traditional media and advisory groups as more utilised methods of customer engagement.
According to Social Media Today, the one exception to this rule is Richard Branson. The Virgin Group Founder is a self-confessed social media obsessive, who can regularly be found checking his Twitter feed and replying directly to customers. In stark contrast research has pointed towards the fact that only 3.8% of CEOs have active Twitter accounts.
“Into the social breach steps Sir Richard Branson, the clear exception to the CEO social despondency narrative,” explains Social Media Today.
“Branson embraces social. He loves social. In fact, he owns social, using it as a platform to expand his personal and corporate brand influence and reach, honestly engage with his audience, and shape events within and without his industry space.”
The approach to social media adopted by Branson is a refreshing one when put up against many of his contemporaries:”We've been using our social media channels to spread the message that we are just as interested in making a difference as making a profit…like everything, if you're having fun rather than just doing a job, you're more likely to find success.”
While in terms of a bottom line, it seems as though Branson and Social Media Today are singing off the same hymn sheet: “So what’s the bottom line? According to Branson, “Whether you are launching a start-up or leading an established company, you should start establishing your social media presence if you haven’t already.” Thank you, Sir Richard; you took the words right out of my mouth!”
Are you a CEO? If so, are you social? Do you agree with Branson about its importance? Let us know below...
By Jack Preston. Content Executive. Tweets at @JackPressedOn
