The Role of the CIO
Adult usage of LinkedIn & Pinterest grew by 6 +% in 2014 while Facebook did not grow significantly .
The Secret to Winning
Social Media Strategies
You ’ ve likely encountered them in the news — social media strategies gone south — misinterpreted hashtags , inappropriate photos , or poorly timed posts . A lack of strategy can move companies to unwelcomed headlines .
Social media puts a company ’ s brand and message in the customer ’ s hands 24 / 7 . Plan ahead when crafting a social media strategy . Consider risks and opportunities , and determine how your company will respond to significant or immediate events — because it ’ s in those moments that a company can get in front of a story . A plan enables that flexibility .
Here are three things to consider when developing or revising a social media strategy :
> Be punchy and creative , but act with intention . Many of the mishaps leading to Twitter-wide apologies involve companies that may have acted in haste — responding to a trending topic without fully understanding the scope . Consider if the timing and wording of posts are fail — and fool — proof . Run potential posts by someone from a different generation and gender . If a post doesn ’ t pass the test , reconsider or rework it .
> Weigh potential outcomes . Some of the biggest social media flops have come from messages that result in unwelcome negative press . In one instance , a financial institution launched a seemingly innocent Q & A session without anticipating possible brand-damaging questions from unhappy customers . Build in safeguards and opportunities to review or flag issues .
> Consider non-traditional and creative connections for getting your message or brand out , but be strategic . Think through the possible outcomes of partnering with a mission , individual , or cause . Ensure it resonates with your company ’ s mission , brand values , and vision .
Some of the most successful social media campaigns come from partnerships or digital-age product placement with well-received pop sensations or celebrities . Take the EOS ( Evolution of Smooth ) lip balm sensation , for example . The company became popular among young consumers after major celebrities posted photos of themselves using the product on social media , giving multi-billion-dollar brands a new rival .
From Information to Integration :
The Role of the CIO
With the rise of interconnected devices and networks , the Chief Information Officer isn ’ t just responsible for information technology or hardware .
The new role of the CIO is the Chief Integration Officer , bridging the gap between business initiatives and IT . This role encompasses the collaboration and standardization of data within a company , as well as aligning the company ’ s tech with overarching business strategies . A Chief Integration Officer holds an enterprise-wide view of how individual projects , products or processes integrate in the business . This individual ensures there are no redundancies within the company-wide tech sphere or within individual departments . CIO roles include :
ÎÎUNDERSTANDING ALL LINES OF BUSINESS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR TECH INTEGRATION AND STRATEGY . This translates to CIOs keeping an eye on strategy and innovation in the tech sphere . With this knowledge a CIO can quickly implement a strategy or pivot to a more appropriate path .
ÎÎORGANIZING IT ASSETS . It ’ s crucial to have a steady grasp on the different systems and networks at play , their limits and plans for upgrade or customization .
ÎÎFOCUSING ON FLEXIBILITY . As a CIO , it ’ s crucial to remain flexible . How can you leverage the benefits of disruptive technologies with your current operational needs ? Balance the drive for innovative solutions with everyday demands . Similarly , being agile means having the ability to quickly adapt to new programs and software , as well as plan and predict future shifts in the company ’ s IT needs .
Sterling National Bank can work with your business to find new opportunities for financing tech . Contact Client Services or your relationship manager at 855.274.2800 .
CONNECT TECHNOLOGY SUMMER 2015 // SNB . COM | 21