USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO INFLUENCE BETTER HEALTH
The NEJM Catalyst Insight Council, comprised of healthcare executives, clinical leaders and clinicians agree that building their social networks will enhance their ability to improve health outcomes. 75% of the Council members report using social media of some type but 90% of those agree they are being under-utilized. Historically, patient care has been a one-on-one model but awareness is growing regarding the power of peer networks to provide information and a sense of community to support and improve healthy behaviors.
INCREASING USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY C-SUITE EXECUTIVES
66 % of C-Suite Executives, regardless of field, say they use social media professionally and 70 % say they regularly create and share original content. Grisdale Advisors conducted a national survey of 300 C-Suite executives across a broad spectrum. The study shows that executives are using social media as their main source of news and communication with colleagues, employees, customers and opinion leaders. Their presence was virtually equal between Facebook and LinkedIn (70%) with Twitter following at 38%. Tim Collins, founding partner of Grisdale Advisors, says that “increasingly, executives recognize the power of social media to build and grow their sphere of influence.” Of these social media-savvy executives, over 75% use it to follow other experts, colleagues and employees in their fields and 40% say they plan to increase their use in the future. They cite expanding customer base and joining what is now becoming mainstream media, as their reasons.
Unless you are a cloistered nun, you have a presence on social media of one form or another. Many of us may not be completely aware of exactly what is ‘out there’ about ourselves. The first step is to find out! The next is to manage your presence. The use of social media is rising exponentially worldwide because there are approximately 5 billion cell/mobile phones currently in use and rising. Business News Daily outlines the 3 major outlets used by professionals in the marketplace.
LinkedIn is the go-to network for both job-seekers and recruiters. At the very least, you need to keep your profile up-to-date. Many Human Resource specialists check LinkedIn before even posting an opportunity.
“Twitter can be used to identify leaders in an organization” says Heather Monahan, life coach and business expert. Twitter chats are a great way to stay relevant in your field. They provide a network with other professionals, allow you to build rapport and cement yourself as an expert.
Facebook can be used to your advantage, but 1st you must make certain it is not hurting your image. Delete or untag yourself from any unflattering posts and pictures. Be cautious in what you post and maintain control of your privacy settings. It is important to keep information about your employment situation, location and professional skills public and updated. H.R. Professionals do searches. Moreover, Facebook allows you to stay engaged with industry leaders and portray yourself as a leader by contributing to and commenting healthcare-specific Facebook groups.
Each social media platform has a different form and function. Executive professionals need to maintain a consistent voice and style across each in order to showcase their talents, develop their brand, stay relevant and engaged. Healthcare executives can play an important role in enhancing their hospital’s reputation. The active use of social media can increase the perception of trustworthiness, transparency and approachability.
There is little debate about the use and potential impact of social media. The decisions to be made by healthcare executives concern how best to harness this powerful tool to best serve the needs of themselves and their organizations as well as their patients.
NHS Solutions and its pool of healthcare interim leaders are active across many social media platforms. Contact us via our website, linkedin, facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to discuss the benefits of working with an outstanding team of experts in the executive interim healthcare leader space.