Social Media

No longer an optional component, social media is the new normal and has become an essential part of the business world.

Social Media vs Social Networks

Essentially, social media is a platform for broadcasting information, whereas social networking is a platform for communicating with one another. Social media is a communications channel, whereas, in social networking, the communication has a two-way nature.

Social media refers to the collection of online communication channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration.

Social networks are a form of online communication. Social networks are an interactive computer platform for creating and sharing information, ideas, professional interests and other expressions through virtual groups and networking.

The different types of social media platforms include:

• Social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+).
• Microblogging (Twitter, Tumblr).
• Photo sharing (Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest).
• Video sharing (YouTube, Facebook Live, Periscope, Vimeo).

For executives in a variety of industries, social media provides the opportunity to gain control and remain relevant in a digital world, by establishing a presence on relevant platforms. Executives gain the opportunity to experience greater career growth and success, securing their place in a fast-paced, competitive global environment.

Some of the key takeaways from the Digital 2020 July Global Snapshot published on the 21st July 2020 are: More than half of the world now uses social media. 4.57 billion people around the world now use the internet, of those users, 346 million new users have come online within the last 12 months. – smartinsights.com

By networking directly with potential clients, experts and thought leaders in the same field, executives can also keep abreast of networking opportunities and events such as conferences and lectures or industry developments. Social networks are another avenue for executives to share their expertise, build awareness and humanise their brands.

CEOs rely on social media for gaining new perspectives, learning about industry opinions, connecting with a more diverse audience, and making informed decisions.

Some of the most successful CEO’s who make the most of social media channels have the opportunity to gather feedback, gain community insight, and connect with colleagues and new talent. Analyses have shown that those who engage through social channels are some of the best regarded in their field, according to the Harvard Business Review. As a study by Weber Shandwick elaborates, CEOs who maintain an effective online presence better position themselves to reap career and reputational benefits.

1. Listen
2. Learn
3. Engage
4. Influence
5. Convert

1. Who is my audience?
2. Which social media platforms do my audience use?
3. What do I want to achieve with social media?
4. What does my social network portfolio look like and what should it look like?
5. How much time can I give to social media?
6. What type of content will I create, if any?
7. What are my competitors doing on social media?
8. How will I measure social media?

- The All-In-One Social Media Strategy Workbook

https://socialbusiness.hootsuite.com/rs/hootsuitemediainc/images/Social%20Media%20Strategy%20Workbook.pdf

- Social Media Strategy Workbook - Octave Digital

https://www.nicva.org/sites/default/files/d7content/attachments-articles/octave_digital_social_media_strategy_guide_workbook.pdf

- Social Networking for Career Success [2nd Edition]

https://support.ebsco.com/LEX/Social-Networking-for-Career-Success.pdf