I believe we all have leadership potential. Whether you are young or old, shy or outgoing, you have potential waiting to be tapped. It is merely up to you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you. You have to make the hard decisions. You have to do the work. And while it may seem insignificant, you have to make your voice heard, especially on social media.
Here are 5 indisputable social media skills every leader must possess.
Share with a plan In order to be an effective leader on social media, it is essential that you create content on a regular basis and with intentionality. Target your content creation to your audience and seek to bring value with every tweet or post.
Be engaging. Social media is not a mouthpiece. It is a two-way communication system for you to engage in meaningful dialog with your network. Embrace this revolutionary medium and reach out and touch those whom you may never have had the opportunity to meet.
Be timely. True thought leaders are those whose insights into current events are sought out. If something notable happens in your niche, make a point to acknowledge it and use it as an opportunity to educate and/or offer assistance to those dealing with the issue.
Be real. There is nothing more off-putting than another contrived, robotic social media presence. If you’re going to be active, be authentic. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. Be reasonable. Don’t assume that you won’t offend anyone, but if your favorite team is playing on Saturday, by all means, cheer them on (#GoEagles).
Have fun. Perhaps a bit redundant after the previous skill, but important enough to deserve its own section. Remember, life is all about priorities. At the end of the day, social media, while very important to building your leadership platform, is just another line item on your to do list. Seek out and get involved in things about which you are passionate. Join relevant groups/conversations/forums. Tell a joke. If it isn’t fun, it becomes work and no one wants that.
How do you feel about my list? What do you think makes the mark of a leader on social media?
Congrats on getting married! So awesome! I think it’s a great list, Reade. I would say leaders on social media are always ahead with where social media is going. they are creative with it and trying things out before anyone else does to see if it works for them. Leaders in social media are innovative.
Thanks, Adam!
Glad you liked the list. I think leaders have an inherent desire to tap into the newest and best mediums for expressing themselves and furthering their message, making social media a necessity.
Great post Reade! Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on getting married! Welcome to the ranks of the newlyweds!
Thanks, Daniel! Happy to be a part of the club!
Congrats on getting married!
Thank you, Glenn!