Oh my – I received some very exciting news on Wednesday, ironically whilst I was at an awards dinner (as a guest): I have been nominated for the Social CEO awards in the category of Best Social CEO . This is such an honour for me as I am usually supporting and encouraging people for different awards. Last year’s winner Matthew Hodson is a real inspiration in the way he campaigns and speaks out using social media and the Top 30 CEO’s are all inspirational in their own way too. So what a privilege to be acknowledged in this way. A nomination is a fantastic thing.
Being an ‘older’ lady, (not quite past it), I have tried my best to stay ‘current’ and to use the opportunity of social media Twitter and Instagram to speak about the work I do, to celebrate the success of others, to raise awareness of ‘hidden’ disabilities and to champion the charity sector, who let’s face are getting a kicking from all directions . I have also tried over the years to put my own personality into my social media comments and regularly bring some fun and sparkle with it.
I am passionate about the work we do at the Child Brain Injury Trust @cbituk , the families and professionals we work with. I hope to give a stronger and louder voice for better outcomes and champion positive change for them. Social media gives me this opportunity and thanks to our Marketing Manager Harriet and Amelia our Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator, they have helped me focus more on content rather than just ‘retweeting’ and ‘liking’ others comments. This, I think has transformed and had a very positive effect on the charity’s profile and my own.
I have met some brilliant and inspirational people via Twitter, and I have developed so many friendships and professional relationships because of a common link or common belief. Of note is the recent campaign for change within the acquired brain injury world. A recent Parliamentary debate and report launch was highly successful due to an increased audience via Twitter. It’s a marvellous ‘call to action’ tool.
I am also very keen to promote collaboration amongst the charity sector and celebrate the success of the sector. This does come with some backlash, but Twitter is a public forum and as such all opinions are welcome. One of the biggest debates I have had on Twitter has been with the numerous cycle associations who hated it when I spoke out about cycle helmets and the need for them to be compulsory for children.
The reach it gives us is fantastic and for me personally, I believe it has helped me connect with not only the external world, but also within my own organisation where so many of my team work remotely. We connect, share amusing ‘gifs’ and celebrate our work and achievements. So Twitter is more powerful than you first think. Having a phone in your pocket, being brave and capturing moments in time in video and photos is very powerful indeed. Being accountable and sticking to a few rules is also important:
- Never Tweet when you’ve had Gin!!!
- Never Tweet when you are tired
- Never Tweet something you wouldn’t say to someone’s face
- Be true to yourself
- Maintain integrity
- Be real
Thank you @social_CEOs and for the people that nominated me, I’m excited to hear the results on the 7th November