This recent Forbes article looks at the importance of the C-Suite to have a position online.

If you think about it, your buyers, your prospects, your employees, your future employees, your investors and future investors and online, on social media.  Looking at you and making judgements about if they buy from you, come and work for you and do they invest in you.

Forbes say

“Let’s be clear from the very beginning: A CEO's reputation is a big deal! It's a super valuable asset that can help make or break a company. A survey published in 2015 found global executives believed almost half (45%) of their company's reputation could be attributed to their CEO. And get this: they predicted that the link between a CEO and a company's reputation would only get stronger—50% of executives thought a CEO's reputation would matter even more in the coming years.”

"By 2019, another study found that "74% of decision makers believe their customers moderately to considerably tie the perception of a brand to their perception of its executives.""

In this article, I share data that connects a CEO's personal brand with how much a investor will make in that company. 

Is there a link between a personal brand and cold, hard business outcomes? - This research says there is ... 

The most-followed CEOs on social media secure greater investment in fact 20% more investment on Linkedin and 5.4% more investment on Twitter

LinkedIn is the social media platform of choice for startup leaders, 94% of unicorn CEOs are on Linkedin

No Social Media = No Reputation

"Social media isn't just a place for photos and videos—it's a powerhouse for CEOs to boost their companies. Many top managers, however, are still concerned about why they should dive into the social media sea. Little do they know, these platforms play a key role in shaping the online reputation of a CEO and the entire company.

Even if a CEO's posts aren't setting the internet on fire with likes and comments, just being there leaves a mark. It's like a digital signature saying, "Hey, we're here, and we're part of the conversation."

Let's break it down: Employees prefer working for CEOs who use social media by a 4 to 1 ratio. It's not just about cat memes; it's about communicating values, building the company's reputation and flexing corporate leadership muscles, especially in rocky times. And a CEO's social media presence can also be a trust-building machine for the brand.

So why does it matter? Because having your CEO on social media creates a direct line for feedback from everyone—employees, potential hires, customers, investors and more. It's like having a virtual suggestion box that goes straight to the bigwig who can actually make things happen.

Making Waves Online

The reality of today's business world is that brands and companies simply need to leave a digital footprint on the internet. This digital mark is a dynamic force for engagement and communication. Beyond mere visibility, it's a strategic asset that, when wielded effectively, empowers companies and their leaders to forge genuine connections, fuel innovation and navigate the ever-changing business terrain.

Embrace the potential of a robust digital presence to stay relevant and chart a successful course in the modern environment.

Boosting Values, Authenticity And Trust

Brand promotion and top management promotion are intertwined for success. The brand's triumph is linked to leadership's ability to embody core values. Top management shapes the brand image, and their actions influence how it's perceived.

Active involvement in brand promotion adds authenticity. Conversely, effective brand promotion enhances the visibility and reputation of top management. Customers and investors often associate brand success with leadership competence. This synergy can strengthen the company's market position, attracting talent and investors.

As I said, the reputation of the C-suite is much more than just a subset of the overall brand. The C-suite's reputation is a critical corporate asset that acts as a shield during crises and enhances the market value of the business. The present moment is ripe for investing in the online reputation of your brand and cultivating the image of top management. It's not just a strategic move. It's an essential step in securing a resilient and esteemed position in the ever-evolving business landscape.

 

Want to know more about social selling, check out my new book

"social selling techniques to influence buyers and changemakers - 2nd edition".

In this brand new edition, I have updated all the text, I have also got 15 practitioners, so people who are doing this already to explain how they are get (practical) business benefit. From the CEO that has been running a digital business for over 18 months to sales leaders who use social selling every day.  

Articles on how these business have and are implementing digital, from Mercer, Telstra Purple, Ring Central, Cyberhawk, Namos, Ericsson, DLA Ignite and more.

What does Mark Schaefer, Marketing guru think of the book "social selling - techniques to influence buyers and changemakers - 2nd edition"? watch the video here

It's available on Amazon worldwide.  Link to Amazon.com here and Amazon.co.uk here.