Social media isn’t just for kids — it’s quickly become a universal communication platform for all ages. Years ago, businesses were faceless organizations and the customers and employees knew nothing about its leaders.
Now, the leaders of even the largest brands in the world are very public and accessible, thanks to social media. Look at Mark Cuban, Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg as an example. They are constantly sharing insight and providing feedback on social media that the public, but more importantly, their employees, can absorb. If you’re not active on social media, it’s time to make a change. If you’re a business leader, here are four reasons why it’s beneficial.
1. You become human.
When a business leader is on social media they appear to be human in the eyes of company employees. They become more easily relatable to, and many employees will find that they can connect and communicate on a personal level via social media.
“Social media has made it possible to follow and communicate with virtually anyone. As a business leader, you need to understand that you will have customers as well as employees following you on social media. Employees like to see that you are human. Sharing your day-to-day as well as hobbies and interests can help indirectly strengthen your company,” says Jake Braun, CIO of Chopper Exchange.
If employees reply to your posts, engage back — the two seconds it takes can spark more productivity and instill a positive mindset, both of which contribute to the success of your business.
2. You can easily communicate with your employees.
Social media is a platform that allows for easy communication, and smart business leaders will use this opportunity to welcome and encourage feedback. “Savvy leaders will let it be known that they welcome feedback, questions and comments via social media. When you have that kind of transparency and open door, it makes your team feel like they can approach you with anything. By taking their feedback into consideration, you show them that they are an important part of the team,” explains Emily Reiffer, General Manager of Digital Monopoly.
You can also use social media as a platform to announce company information, news, as well as highlight key employees and team wins. When people are praised over social media they feel a sense of accomplishment, especially if they know other employees will see their recognition.
3. You can recruit new talent.
“Your company is only as good as the team you have in place. Being active on social media allows you to attract top talent, as the new work-force generation is attracted to companies with leaders that are forward-facing,” explains Christoph Engelhardt of SaaS Email Marketing.
Millennials especially, are drawn to companies that have very visible and accessible leaders. By putting yourself out there on social media you will be creating a more attractive company in the eyes of future talent. Social media has become a must-do, rather than an afterthought or something to do when there is time.
4. You can share your expertise.
As a leader, it’s your job to make those around you more successful. Social media gives you the opportunity to share your insight and messages across a variety of platforms and in different content formats.
“The information you share can come in the form of a tweet, a long-form LinkedIn post or a YouTube video. Find ways to share your expertise in an effort to make those around you more successful. Leaders help the entire team rise to the top,” says Jeff Greco of Greco Neyland, PC.
Not only does this approach help your employees and organization, but this kind of social media content can help position you as the authority within your industry. True thought-leaders are those that go above and beyond to provide valuable insight and information.
