Forbes has published a report from online reputation manager Ryan Erskine, where he argues why CEOs should be on social media.

Evidence for ‘aye’

Erskine cites compelling statistics to show potential benefits of execs with strong social media presence.

He reports that 44% of a company’s market value is directly linked to its CEO’s reputation, yet 90% of CEOs are not doing what they should on social media.

In fact, 60% of them are not on social media at all.

Transparency trends

Social media can give an impression of genuine insight into the behaviour and personality of a leader.

This is particularly important because, as Erskine reports, ‘86% of Americans say business transparency is more important today than ever before’.

That corresponds remarkably with a follow-up stat: ‘86% of people are likely to take their business to a competitor when there’s a lack of transparency on social’.

‘Nay’?

Erskine’s arguments all presume that there is both an ability and capacity to do social correctly.

In fact, some personalities and situations may pose more of a risk than others when it comes to instantly publishing online statements.

While corporate transparency is prized, insight into every flight of fancy and whim has the potential to stray off-brand.

Have you ever managed a brand that’s been impacted by the social media actions of an exec?

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.