Hundreds of CEOs today use social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more. However, social-media use by mid-market companies often can be a tougher path for CEOs and owners than it is for their counterparts at other companies, because larger firms have more marketing resources, while startups tend to be founded by young and typically tech-savvier individuals and have much less management hierarchy.
Think about a time when you received amazing customer service. Now think about how rare it was that you experienced that level of customer service. In this day of social media and the omnipresent “review” of businesses and services, one would think companies would do their best to provide top-notch customer service at every turn. Yet it’s surprising how few companies really take the time and effort to provide service outstanding enough to increase customer loyalty.
The chief executive officer of the United States of America now has a Twitter handle. Should every CEO and company chief have the same? Many CEOs already do, but are you using it effectively, in a way that benefits the company and builds the brand?
Every week seems to bring some new revelation of trouble for the manufacturers that once dominated the U.S. and global processed-food business: Kellogg, General Mills, Kraft, Campbell Soup, PepsiCo, ConAgra and the like. And it equally brings news of some upstart brand that is helping to reorder this massive business with some new innovation in products, packaging, marketing or all three: Annie’s, Amy’s, Plum Organics, Chobani, Lifeway cultured-yogurt drinks, and Vita Coco coconut water.
Since Tim Cook and Howard Schultz stood on their soap boxes and advocated for gay rights and race relations, respectively, more CEOs have taken to the pulpit to speak their minds on social issues. Their opinions are also more frequently showing up in their strategies.
From embracing failure to understanding the ‘sharing’ economy, knowing how your customers’ behavior, and their customers’ behavior, is critical for developing a long-term strategy of success and growth.
One of the most under-appreciated factors in the success of a middle-market business—or any company, for that matter—is for the enterprise to have a cohesive internal identity and culture that is authentic and resonates with employees, helping to retain them and keep them happy.
Is there a misalignment between your company’s sales strategy and your business strategy? Perhaps you are driving toward significant growth, but your sales force is chasing small accounts that will never result in enough revenue for your company to achieve your goals. Or, maybe your sales team is focusing their efforts on landing large accounts when your business strategy is to grow by diversifying your client base with multiple smaller accounts. Either way, a misalignment between your sales strategy and business strategy results in lost growth opportunities for your organization.
Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift in mid-market firms’ use of online marketing. More and more firms are looking to online tools like content marketing, social media, search engine optimization, email marketing and more to connect with prospective clients and nurture leads. But why should you, as the CEO, care about online marketing? The reason is, because it impacts your firm’s bottom line.
Companies have long been convinced of the ROI that can be generated by performing good will. From enhanced brand reputations and more-productive employees, case studies have shown increases to companies’ bottom lines that can be directly attributed to corporate social responsibility activities. In the first quarter of 2015, businesses’ commitment to this strategy was evident.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
