NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BRANDfog, a global social media & digital leadership firm that helps CEOs become more visible, powerful, and influential across the web, today announced the release of the BRANDfog 2014 Global Social CEO Survey. The survey examines the business implications of social media engagement in the C-Suite, including its effects on brand image, brand reputation, brand trust and company leadership. Survey results demonstrate the growing importance of social media as a leadership tool that enhances the overall brand.
A few key insights emerged from the survey, including these three findings:
- Social CEOs Make Better Leaders: Between 2012 and 2013, the perception that C-Suite participation in social media leads to better leadership increased dramatically from 45% to 75% for US respondents. In the UK, 62% of respondents believe that CEO participation in social media leads to better leadership.
- Social CEOs Build Brand Trust: Roughly 3/4 of US respondents and 2/3 of UK respondents believe that C-Suite executives who use social media to communicate the company mission and core values are more trustworthy.
- Social Media is Essential for Successful PR: Over 2/3 of US and UK respondents agree that social media has become an essential aspect of PR and communications strategy for C-Suite executives.
“In today’s hyper-connected, information-driven world, CEOs and senior executives are expected to have an active social presence,” said Ann Charles, BRANDfog Founder & CEO. “Our global CEO survey took a close look at the US and UK markets to gauge the adoption of social media as a leadership tool. The survey results were definitive - social media is an extremely undervalued channel for managing brand reputation, building brand trust and better leadership.”
The BRANDfog Survey also found that 82% of US and 71% of UK respondents believe that executive use of social media raises brand awareness. Both US and UK respondents (85% and 75% respectively) agree that social media is a valuable public relations channel for managing brand reputation. Respondents also believed that CEOs who actively participate in social media can build better connections with customers, employees, and investors, and 80% of US respondents agreed that actively engaging on social media helps to enhance the image and reputation of C-Suite executives as forward-thinking, trend-setting leaders.
“What’s often missed in discussions about The Social CEO is the inherent risk leaders take by ignoring this powerful channel. Brand conversations take place on Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Medium, YouTube, Instagram and elsewhere even when management is not looking,” Charles continued. “And this applies to industries across the board. Smart and consistent Twitter engagement allows CEOs to create transparency, communicate strategy, and become thought leaders on key market issues. What’s more, their social presence humanizes the brand, allowing CEOs to be seen as real, accessible individuals. Today’s leaders have the ability to use social media to join industry conversations, directly influence public perception and shape the reputation of their brands.”
Full results of the 2014 survey can be found here
About BRANDfog
BRANDfog is a leading global social media & digital leadership firm that helps CEOs & C-Suite executives become more visible, powerful, and influential across the web. BRANDfog sets social strategy for CEOs to create transparency, attract new talent, deepen brand loyalty, and strengthen brand reputations. BRANDfog clients include Fortune 1000 brands across diverse industries such as management consulting, technology, finance, big data, marketing & sales, and health and wellness. Visit BRANDfog at: www.brandfog.com
