Smart CEOs Use Social for Listening

Thump a turtle and watch the turtle’s head jerk back into its shell.

That’s the reaction you get when you mention “social media” to some CEOs. When I encounter CEOs with heads buried deep, I don’t let the term “social media” trigger a dead-end debate. I try to move past semantics fast:

People have always been social and they always will be. Technology is now allowing people to connect, communicate, share, build, invent, conspire and celebrate in new ways. While technology may change, the need to be social won’t.

That comes from Mike Maddock his Forbes article: Why Future CEOs Must Quietly Embrace Social Media which I urge you to read. Mike’s message to CEOs reluctant to invest in social is simple: “Whenever you hear ‘social media,’ eliminate the second word.” That’s wise counsel for highly social animals who are “biologically hard-wired” to interact with others.” We can’t escape our “social brain.” In fact, our social interactions are fundamental to our business success. And, if you think that social media is just a marketing or business development tool you’re making a big mistake. Social changes how we communicate and engage with each other. Social technologies are transforming society. Dave Kerpen’s message to CEOs is powerful:

Your employees are on social networks. Your customers are on social networks. Your shareholders are on social networks. Your nimble, startup competitors are on social networks. If you’re not on on these social networks, you not only risk looking like you’re out of touch, you risk actually becoming out of touch.

Make sure to read Dave’s Linkedin article: Memo to CEOs: Go Social or Go Home A willingness to change is the mark of a strong leader:

• Take a small step and invest part of your time in social
• The bigger value to social media for business isn’t in the talking, it’s in the listening
• Find a way to listen that works for you

I leave you with Richard Branson‘s social media advice to business leaders: “Be authentic and organic. It can’t be forced or it won’t work. And most importantly, have fun.” How are you using “social” to listen? Has listening well positioned you to show empathy to the right person at the right time? How has that contributed to your bottom-line?

Related Links

1. The 1 Thing Every Business Executive Must Understand About Social Media
2. All Business Customers Can Be Reached by Social Channels
3. 14 Stats to Inform Your 2014 Social Marketing Strategy
4. The Anti-Social CEO’s Guide To Social Media
5. Why I Was Wrong About Twitter

Cartoon: Created by artist, Duane Mack©