The all-in-one for communicating CEOs

Maybe you're fortunate: You have a CEO who wants to communicate, but she needs help. She might want to blog but not want to learn the software, or to sharpen up her speaking skills to sound stronger, or to be sure she's communicate a message that will help shape her legacy. Get a running start on that project with these tips from the blog:

• Leadership starts with "I:" Share with your CEO these 5 useful shortcuts to strong statements -- and share them with the speechwriter, too.
• Yes, CEOs can blog and blog well:  Need some evidence? Use these models of college presidents who blog, and Marriott CEO Bill Marriott.
• Not sure who should blog? Check out the advice in But which is best: Employee blogs or CEO blogs? so you can brief the CEO on both options.
• And what about Twitter? No better source than a tweeting CEO, Tony Hsieh. Read Should the CEO use Twitter or not? We ask the CEO of Zappos
• Step over those stumbling blocks and get past 6 CEO barriers to social media. These are good answers to have in your back pocket when questions and concerns are raised.
• My favorite back-pocket blogging option? Posterous is the CEO's secret for blogging, purely for ease of use. If you have a willing CEO, check this out.
• Sounding internal doesn't mean sounding strategic: Listen to the content and tone of what's said, and consider Is your CEO's message inside-out? When your out-front person uses an inside voice. That might mean too technical, too much shorthand or subjects that are only appropriate inside the organization. If your CEO has this issue, it's worth discussing.
• Some are ready, some are not:  From CEO gaffes to examples of who's doing it right, check out Is your CEO ready to be out-front--and up-front? Take the long view.
• Sorry, ghostwriters: I take my cues from the top, in Take it straight from a CEO: Don't let staffers ghost-write your blog or tweets. Publishing CEO Michael Hyatt makes a compelling case.

Training CEOs, presidents, senior executives and executive boards for media interviews, developing messages and public speaking or presenting are all among my services. I hope these tips will help you and your CEO get started on a smart communications strategy. For more on my training services, email me at info[at]dontgetcaught[dot]biz.

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