This is a guest post by LGL Community member Scott Huntington.
Although many companies caution workers about using social media, utilizing sites like Twitter and LinkedIn can go a long way in positioning you within your own company and as a leader in your industry. Obviously you need to be smart about how you use social media. Never lambast your company or post anything inappropriate.
1. Share Expertise
A good example of using LinkedIn to develop online leadership is the profile of Keith Springer, president and founder of Springer Financial Advisors. Springer publishes tips on stocks, what is currently going on in the market and his personal reasons for the ways he invests. This not only keeps his co-workers up to date, but also offers advice for others in his niche.
2. Establish Authority
Another important aspect of utilizing the online world to establish authority is lending credibility to your posts or blog writing. While you may have multiple degrees in your field and years of experience, it’s still important to cite reliable studies from trusted sources, such as universities and well-known research firms. Make sure you add a bit more information to any topic you cover so that people understand you aren’t just regurgitating information, but you truly understand the topic.
If you are really ambitious, write a short book on the subject you know best. You’ll earn quite a lot of respect from your employees and your peers.
3. Get Off the Computer and Into the Real World
Although you can make connections online, you should also be attending events in your industry. As you meet people at conferences, speeches you give or even social gatherings, share what you do and ask them to connect with you online. These in-person connections are much more likely to read, share and promote your content than those who’ve never actually met you.
4. Utilize the Right Platforms
While online leadership is about utilizing online social media platforms, which platforms you choose can be just as important as how many followers you have. If your business focuses on technology, you can connect with like-minded people on Google+ and LinkedIn, but Pinterest probably isn’t going to bring you a lot of traffic. Study who is using each type of platform, analyze which social sites your competitors are on and start adding your voice to the mix to gain the online leadership skills necessary in today’s global marketplace.
If you liked this, you may also enjoy Scott’s previous LGL post. How to Be a Manager When Your Employees Are Older Than You.
Interesting that many companies are still not social media savvy in this day and age, but many are not!
I have it to be a great way to established credibility and develop relationships.
Great post and love how you’re encouraging companies and organizations to take it to the next level.
LaRae, Thanks so much. Yes, I agree, some companies are so scared of employees saying something wrong that the impose strict policies. Better to focus on creating and environment where employees are raving fans and promotors of the companies they work for, and feel connected to the mission… then you don’t have to worry.
Thanks for the comment Larae! I think the problem is more that people are ON social media, but not using it to their advantage as well as they could. So many have profiles that are not filled out or optimized for success.
Great article Karin, very well researched. Social media is something that isn’t being leveraged to its full potential in a business capacity, I feel. Using the right platforms can be make or break, for instance an interior designer could flourish by investing time in Pinterest and Instagram that could otherwise have been wasted on Twitter!