Executive influence online
Executive Power: Dominate Your Online Presence
How to Develop Executive Presence for Senior Leaders & Directors by Kara Ronin
Title: How to Develop Executive Presence for Senior Leaders & Directors
Channel: Kara Ronin
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the wild west of the internet: Executive Power: Dominate Your Online Presence. Forget the perfectly curated LinkedIn profiles and the sanitized PR statements. Today, we're going deep. We're talking about wielding your digital self like a seasoned gunslinger, and trust me, it's messier, funnier, and WAY more complicated than it looks.
The Hook: From Zero to Digital Hero? (More Like Zero to Slightly Less Zero)
Let's be honest, the idea of “dominating” anything online sounds a little…aggressive. Like, are we talking about battling trolls at dawn with witty retorts? Building a digital empire from your pajamas? Yeah, that's the dream, isn't it? But realistically, most execs are starting from somewhere between "vaguely aware of the internet" and "slightly terrified of accidentally tweeting something stupid." And that’s okay! Seriously, it’s okay. Because what we’re really aiming for is… influence. Think of it as planting your flag in the digital landscape, and strategically watering it so it grows into something, you know, significant. We're not after world domination here, (although…maybe a small side hustle involving virtual real estate, wink)
Section 1: The Shiny Side – Show Me the Money (and the Influence!)
So, why bother even trying to “dominate” your online presence (there, I said it again!)? What's in it for you, besides potential existential dread? The benefits are, frankly, numerous:
- Brand Building, Baby!: Your online presence is your digital first impression. Seriously, people are Googling you. (I know, I've done it to myself…it’s a scary rabbit hole). A strong online presence allows you to control the narrative, shaping how people perceive your expertise, your company, and you. It's like having a virtual billboard that you get to design. (And update…frequently, ugh!)
- Thought Leadership Bonanza: Positioning yourself as a thought leader elevates your status. Sharing insights, commenting on industry trends, and providing valuable content establishes you as an authority. Think of it as a digital soapbox… for GOOD, hopefully. It strengthens your profile, and it can make you the go-to expert everyone on LinkedIn is talking about.
- Networking Nirvana: The internet is a vast, interconnected web. A strong online presence helps you connect with industry peers, attract top talent, and even secure potential clients. LinkedIn, Twitter, hell, even TikTok (if you’re brave/young enough) are all opportunities to build relationships. It is the art of being seen and heard.
- Crisis Management Champ: Inevitably, something will go wrong. A strong online presence helps you control the damage if a crisis hits your company or your reputation. It provides a platform for you to publicly address issues and reassure your audience. It's like having a fire extinguisher ready when things start smoldering, not just hoping it just smolders away.
The real-life example: I once worked for a CEO who, bless his heart, was convinced he didn't NEED a digital presence. Fast forward to a minor PR mishap (let's just say it involved a poorly worded company memo). Because he hadn’t cultivated a presence, the narrative spun out of control, and he was completely powerless. No blog to clarify, no tweets to counteract, just…radio silence. It was a total digital disaster.
Section 2: The Shadow Side – Where the Pixels Bite Back
Alright, now for the fun part. The reality check. Because, as anyone who's ever spent five minutes on Twitter knows, the internet is not always rainbows and unicorns.
- Time Suck Supreme: Building and maintaining a compelling online presence takes time. Writing blog posts, curating content, responding to comments – it's a constant effort. Sure, you can delegate, but at the end of the day, it's still your reputation on the line. It’s like having a second career. One that never sleeps.
- The Trolls Among Us: Hide your pitchforks, people! The internet is home to some…interesting characters. Criticism, both constructive and frankly abusive, is part of the game. Developing thick skin and a strategy for handling negative comments (or, let's be honest, downright nasty ones) is critical. Remember, you will never please everyone, and sometimes you just gotta block and move on.
- The Perils of Perfection: Trying to be perfect online is exhausting. It's also inauthentic and boring. The constant pressure to appear flawless can lead to burnout and a disconnect from your audience. People connect with real, flawed, human beings. So, embrace the occasional typo, the unguarded moment, the "oops, I said that" blunder. (Within reason, of course.)
- The Echo Chamber Effect: The algorithms love to serve you what you already like. Building an online presence can trap you in an echo chamber of like-minded individuals. This reinforces your existing beliefs, but it can also close you off from diverse perspectives and hinder your growth. Consciously seek out dissenting opinions… or at least, acknowledge they exist.
Anecdote Time: Several years ago, I tried to be a "Twitter guru." I spent hours crafting the perfect tweets, analyzing analytics, and obsessing over engagement. I was, let’s just say, not a natural. I was more prone to posting selfies from my bathroom. (Not smart, guys, not at all smart). I burnt myself out and realized the whole thing was draining all my energy. So, I took a break, and when I came back, I just… decided to be myself, imperfectly and honestly. And guess what? My engagement increased (and my sanity did too).
Section 3: Navigating the Minefield – Strategies and Survival Tactics
So, how do you build a powerful online presence without losing your sanity or becoming a caricature of yourself? Here's the survival guide.
- Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve? Thought leadership? Brand awareness? Lead generation? Knowing your "why" helps you focus your efforts and measure your success.
- Know Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach? What platforms do they use? What content do they consume? Tailor your approach to resonate with your target audience.
- Content is King… and Queen… and the entire Royal Court: Create high-quality, valuable content that showcases your expertise. Blogs, articles, videos, podcasts… explore what works for you. Don't just talk, provide insights, teach lessons, and start conversations.
- Consistency is Key: Showing up is half the battle. Aim for a regular posting schedule. Consistency builds trust and keeps you top-of-mind. But, don't overdo it. Remember the burnout thing we talked about?
- Engage, Don't Just Broadcast: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and build relationships. Be authentic, be human, and don’t be afraid to show some personality.
- Seek Help (Seriously): You don't have to do this alone! Consider hiring a social media manager, a content strategist, or a PR consultant. It's an investment in your brand, and it frees up your time to actually run your business.
- Monitor And Adapt: The digital landscape is ever-evolving. Keep an eye on your analytics, track your performance, and adjust your strategy as needed. What worked last year may not work today. Trends change, and so should you.
Section 4: The Role of AI in Your Online Destiny (and the looming robot revolution)
Let's talk about the elephant in the virtual room: AI. This isn’t some futuristic fantasy, it’s here. AI tools are becoming indispensable for content creation, social media management, and even reputation monitoring. They can help you with tasks like:
- Content Generation: ChatGPT and similar tools can draft blog posts, social media updates, and even scripts for videos. (Proceed with caution, and always edit, edit, edit!)
- Social Media Scheduling: Automate posting across multiple platforms to maintain a consistent presence without sacrificing your life.
- Sentiment Analysis: Tools can track social media mentions and gauge public opinion about your brand. This has the potential to spot problems before they get out of control.
- Competitor Analysis: AI can analyze your competitors' online strategies, helping you identify opportunities and threats.
The downsides: Over-reliance on AI can lead to generic, impersonal content. Maintaining your unique voice and perspective is vital. Also, be aware of biases that could be programmed into AI. (It's a real thing, look it up!) And don't neglect the human element. AI is a tool, not a replacement for genuine human interaction.
Section 5: Executive Power: Dominate Your Online Presence - The Future is Now (and It’s a Little Weird)
So, where do we go from here? The future of online presence for the executive class is… blurry, but exciting. Here’s what I'm thinking:
- Video is King (Still!): Short-form video will continue to dominate. Get comfortable on camera. The days of the stiff, posed headshot are fading.
- Authenticity Reigns Supreme: People are craving genuine connection.
5 Rules for Communicating Effectively with Executives by Dr. Grace Lee
Title: 5 Rules for Communicating Effectively with Executives
Channel: Dr. Grace Lee
Hey there! Let's talk about something super important, especially these days: Executive influence online. Seems like everyone is online, right? From Aunt Mildred sharing her cat's latest shenanigans to mega-corporations vying for your attention. And guess what? Executives are definitely in the mix, trying to navigate this wild digital landscape. It's a fascinating world, full of opportunities, pitfalls… and a whole lot of noise! So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s unpack this. Forget the dry textbooks—we're going for real talk here.
Why Does Executive Influence Online Matter Now? (Spoiler Alert: It's Huge.)
Think about it: the old days of a CEO just, you know, running the company and letting the PR department handle the "online stuff" are… well, so last century. Today, your online presence—especially as a leader—is everything. It's your digital handshake, your first impression, and, let's be honest, a significant factor in whether people trust you, your company, and even your vision.
It's not just about posting carefully curated LinkedIn articles (though, yes, that's part of it!). It's about building genuine connections, showing a human side, and positioning yourself as a thought leader. "Thought Leader" sounds fancy, I know, but basically, it boils down to being someone people listen to. And in an era of instant information and constant scrutiny, that’s gold. It's about building a personal brand as a C-suite leader, and that brand influences the overall brand.
The Anatomy of Awesome Executive Influence Online: Forget the Robots, Embrace the Real You.
Okay, so how do you actually do this? How do you build executive influence online? Let's break it down into some key areas:
Your Digital Foundation: This is your starting point. Do a Google search of your name. What pops up? Does it align with how you want to be perceived? Is your LinkedIn profile up-to-date? (Seriously, make sure it is! It's practically your online resume.) Think of this as your online 'home', it all starts here.
LinkedIn: Beyond the Static Post: LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers (though there’s nothing wrong with that!). It's a powerful platform for thought leadership. Share your insights, comment on relevant articles, and engage in thoughtful discussions. Don’t just post; participate. And let's be real, generic platitudes? Snooze-fest. Share your perspective, even if it’s a little… unconventional.
Twitter/X: The Art of the Soundbite (and the Occasional Tweetstorm): Okay, Twitter, or X, call it what you will, can be chaotic, I know. But it's also a place where conversations happen fast. Executive influence online on these platforms demands concise, insightful commentary. Learn to craft engaging soundbites and don't be afraid to inject personality. The key is to stay on top of important developments and speak up about them, in your own voice. (and watch out for those tweetstorms, you can exhaust the audience quickly)!
Content is King (But Consistency is Queen): Writing blog posts, recording videos, or creating a podcast can be incredibly impactful. (And it doesn’t have to be super fancy, I promise!) Share your expertise, address industry challenges, and provide valuable insights. The tricky part? Staying consistent. Choose a frequency you can maintain, even when your schedule is bonkers.
Beyond the Platforms: The Importance of Being You: People sniff out fakeness a mile away. Your executive influence online hinges on your authenticity. Be genuine, be transparent, and don’t be afraid to show your true self. I've seen so many executives try to sound like… well, like other executives. It just doesn't work!
Real-Life Anecdote/Hypothetical Scenario: I once worked with a CEO who was terrified of social media. He thought it was fluffy and a waste of time. He was a brilliant strategist, incredibly insightful… but completely absent online. We begged him to write a few blog posts, to share his thoughts on a critical industry development. He finally agreed, and the result? Amazing. The posts were candid, funny, and filled with practical advice. His LinkedIn profile exploded with engagement, he started getting invited to speaking engagements… and his "fear" turned into enthusiastic participation. It showed that Executive influence online is about taking a leap of faith, not about being perfect. He realized, very quickly, that being himself was the single most valuable asset he had.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (The Digital Landmines)
Okay, so we know what to do. Let's also talk about what not to do.
- Being a "Corporate Robot": Dry, impersonal content is a snooze-fest. People want to connect with people, not faceless entities.
- Ignoring the Comments/DMs: Engagement is a two-way street! Respond to comments, answer questions, and build relationships.
- Getting Defensive: Criticism is inevitable. Learn to respond thoughtfully, and sometimes – yes, rarely – admit you might not always be right!
- Thinking it's a "Set It and Forget It" Scenario: Building and maintaining executive influence online is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort and adaptation.
- Chasing Perfection: Perfection is the enemy of good. Don't be paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. Just be authentic and keep learning.
Advanced Strategies: Level Up Your Online Game
Once you have the basics down, here are some strategies to take your game up a notch:
- Focus on Specific Niches: Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on a specific area of expertise. What are you truly passionate about? What are you uniquely positioned to comment on?
- Partner Up: Collaborate with other influencers, thought leaders, and organizations in your industry. Cross-promotion can expand your reach immensely.
- Consider Paid Advertising (Judiciously): Once you have a solid foundation, paid advertising can help amplify your content and reach a wider audience. (But don’t go overboard!)
- Track and Analyze Your Performance: Analyze your insights, and iterate. What content resonates? What platforms are most effective?
The Messy, Wonderful Reality: Executive Influence Online is a Journey
Look, here's the honest truth: Building executive influence online isn't always easy. There will be days when you feel like you’re shouting into the void. There will be mistakes, missteps… and the occasional nasty comment. (Yes, even the best of us get the occasional troll!)
But the rewards are huge. You'll build stronger relationships, establish your credibility, and amplify your message. You’ll inspire others. You'll humanize your brand. And you'll become a more effective leader in a world that demands a strong online presence.
This isn't just about posting on LinkedIn, and it is not a short-term 'fix'. It's a commitment. It's a journey. Embrace the messiness, the imperfections, the moments of doubt… and the triumph.
Now, over to you! What are your biggest questions about building executive influence online? What are your biggest challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's have a real conversation! Are you ready to level up your online game?
Executive Power-Ups: Secret Webinars & Virtual Events You NEED to SeeInformation session on Wharton Executive Education's Executive Presence & Influence program by Emeritus
Title: Information session on Wharton Executive Education's Executive Presence & Influence program
Channel: Emeritus
Executive Power: Let's Get Real About Owning Your Online World
Okay, so "Executive Power" – sounds… imposing. What *actually* does it mean for my online presence?
Ugh, right? Sounds like a boardroom power grab. Look, here's the deal: "Executive Power" in this context essentially means you're the boss. You're the CEO, the Chief Everything Officer, of *you* online. It means you’re calling the shots, deciding what people see, and (hopefully!) crafting a narrative about yourself that doesn’t make you cringe. It's less about controlling the internet and more about controlling YOUR corner of it.
I remember when I first tried to “take control.” I’d been lurking on LinkedIn for years, mostly just liking cat pictures. One day I decided to be *serious*. I spent like, a week writing this incredibly pretentious post about "disrupting the paradigm of asynchronous communication." It was utter garbage. I reread it and cringed so hard I thought my face would fall off. The next day I deleted it, took a deep breath, and got a therapist and now I'm just trying to remember my goal.
Do I need to be a tech wizard to get this "Executive Power" thing going?
Absolutely not! Thank goodness. You don't need to code or build a website from scratch. Thank the internet gods for that. We’re talking about the basics – managing social media accounts, maybe a simple website or portfolio if you're feeling fancy (or if your industry demands it). The key is *consistency* and *understanding your audience*. You need to tell your story, not build the Death Star.
I once interviewed a UX designer who had ZERO website skills. Not to put her down, but it was obvious. She was so talented, but her online presence told a story of "I'm great but I'm not sure what to do about it." It hurt me a little. So I helped her get a website, but it was a disaster, so I started one of my own...and now I'm here.
What do I do if I HATE the idea of social media? It makes me want to hide under the duvet.
Oh, honey, I get it. Social media can feel like this relentless parade of… well, *stuff*. The key is to find platforms that feel comfortable and don’t make you want to throw your phone across the room. Maybe it's LinkedIn for professional stuff, or just Instagram for sharing pictures of your dog (because, let's be honest, dogs are the internet's currency). Focus on quality over quantity. Pick one or two platforms and do them well. It truly is about what you feel you can do, which is the point isn't it?
I have a friend who despises Twitter. Absolutely loathes it. But she's a brilliant writer. So I told her, "Just write a blog." She had some of the best takes on the internet. Then she started a podcast. Seriously. Then she deleted both and started a newsletter. And now she lives on a boat. I can't help, but I can tell you, she is happy. Find your happy place.
Content is King, right? But...what content? I'm boring! My life is just coffee and spreadsheets.
Okay, first of all, coffee and spreadsheets are PERFECT content. Especially if you work in finance. The key is to find the *angle*. What's unique about *your* coffee consumption? Are you a spreadsheet guru? Can you break down complex financial concepts in a way that doesn’t make people’s eyes glaze over? That's gold! Think about what you know, what you're passionate about, and what your audience cares about.
I tried writing about the perfect cup of coffee. It turned into a rant about the "coffee industrial complex." I'm not even sure what I meant by that. And the spreadsheets? I'd probably mess that up. I've tried learning excel and I have yet to do it. It's embarrassing.
Dealing with trolls and haters... how do you even *begin*?
Ugh. The internet has a bottomless well of negativity. Honestly? You have a few tools, though some take more effort than others. Don't feed the trolls. Block and delete. Report if necessary. And then, and this is the most important part, don't let it get to you. It's not personal. They probably hate their own lives. And by all the gods, don't engage.
I got into a Twitter argument once. I was so upset. Then I realized I was yelling at a bot or some kid who could care little about my opinions. I felt like a total idiot. Now, I try to ignore them. It's good advice, but I struggle. I'm a people pleaser, so I want everyone to like me. This is a job in itself.
Okay, so, like, what if my online presence is a mess? All old, embarrassing stuff? Can I *fix* it?
YES! Absolutely. Clean it up! Think of this as a digital spring cleaning. Go through everything. Delete old posts, update information, make sure your profiles are consistent and, you know, *you*. Apologize to a former colleague if you need to. The internet is forever, but it's also forgiving (sometimes). Take control of what people see. It's a slow process.
I once found an embarrassing blog I thought I had deleted. Years later. It was painful. The whole thing was about "the dangers of big government". My politics have changed a million times since then. I cringed hard, deleted everything, and prayed no one else would find it. It was a wake-up call. You're allowed to grow, change, and evolve.
How often do I *need* to update my online presence? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Send help!
Okay, breathe. It depends. It's not a race. If you’re a serious content creator, daily is probably a good idea. For most people, once a week or even once a month is fine. Pick a schedule you can realistically maintain. Consistency is key. A dead profile looks worse than an active one. Don't overthink it and don't let perfectionism paralyze you. I'm still working on this one.
I remember when I was setting up a Youtube profile. I spent hours trying to get the lighting perfect. I’m not kidding. Then, I was sure I would only use the best equipment. Then I did 3 videos and thought the time was not worth it. So I took a break. Now I'm thinking about it again. You get the point. I have commitment issues.
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