Will the C-Suite Ever Embrace Social Media? Hmmmm…

Most people out there know the famous quote from Calvin Coolidge about “Persistence and determination being omnipotent.”  Amazing that this quote was probably his lasting legacy as well…much more compelling than anything he ever accomplished as President. For those who don’t know it or forgot it, here is a refresher:

”Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” –Calvin Coolidge

This quote…which, of course, is legendary and I believe, very true, has come to me time and time again as I’ve canvassed the country talking to corporations, associations and others about the power of Social Media. Seems many people get it and others flat out…do not. And it’s a little bit surprising who doesn’t: The C-Suite.

Why do they have a tough time with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the rest?

1. Resistance to change.
2. They don’t see a way to make money from it.

Well, these CEO’s, CFO’s, VP’s and others need to understand one very simple thing: they better get on board.  Quick.  The train has left the station. Social Media isn’t just a cool little new business strategy — it’s a tectonic shift in global commerce and communication.  As I have said before, along with the rise of the Internet itself, it’s our Industrial Revolution.  And it’s NOT about making money for the last time!  Yes, that’s important. Very important.  But, there are other aspects to business.  Communication and customers being two of them.

So, back to the poem. I think it deserves a little updating. In light of the topic at hand, here is my re-write of that classic Coolidge prose:

”Few things in business are more important than Acceptance to Change. Talent is not; nothing is more common than change resistant men and women with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Acceptance of change alone is omnipotent.” –Calvin Coolidge (along with Jon Wuebben)