Key Takeaways
- Act quickly and ensure profiles are updated as soon as announcements are made.
- Align messaging and balance personal voice with the company’s core values.
- Post strategic content that engages the audience and reflects the leader’s priorities.
Read More: Are You Buying What You Are Selling?
A few days ago, an interesting pattern caught my attention, speaking volumes about executive transitions and the importance of positioning. Two major players in Nigeria’s microfinance space made big announcements: one welcomed a new CEO, the other a CFO. Both executives were from top tier players in the commercial banking space, who were not only celebrated for their accomplishments, but had LinkedIn buzzing with congratulatory messages. But there was one thing missing: in both cases, at the time of the public announcement, the LinkedIn profiles of these senior executives still reflected their old roles at their previous companies. It was a subtle oversight, but one that raised important lessons.
In today’s world of rapid leadership changes, this kind of delay might seem small, but it speaks volumes. Why? Because first impressions are everything. For new executives, aligning their personal brand with their company’s identity from day one can shape how they’re perceived, not only by stakeholders but by employees, competitors, and even potential partners.
Marketing Teams and Why Consistency is Crucial
Imagine being the new face of a company but still having your old title and affiliations on display. It’s like showing up to an event as the keynote speaker but wearing a name tag from a past job. The details matter. When executives don’t update their profiles quickly, it signals that either they or the company didn’t prioritise their digital debut. And in today’s digital age, people notice.
The gap between a company announcement and an executive’s updated profile highlights a core principle: consistency in branding isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Executives should take charge of their narratives by making sure their digital presence aligns with their new role immediately. This shows they’re engaged, committed, and ready to lead.
A Smooth Transition: How to Get It Right
So, what does it look like to get executive positioning right? It starts with a simple yet impactful step: update all professional platforms as soon as the announcement is public. This includes LinkedIn, personal websites, and professional bios. The new role should be front and centre, reinforced by posts that highlight excitement and forward-looking visions.
But it doesn’t stop there. A newly appointed leader should echo the company’s voice while still staying true to their own. If a company stands for reliability and stability, the leader’s initial posts should resonate with that message. Conversely, if the company prides itself on innovation, the executive should lean into their dynamic ideas.
Conclusion
A strong debut in a new senior role isn’t just an announcement; it’s an opportunity to align, connect, and lead with impact. So, next time you or your company celebrates a new chapter, remember that the digital story you tell is just as important as the role itself.