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Digital cowboys brandish social media lasso

By Nadine Arendse
Johannesburg, 04 Nov 2011

Business executives need to be ready to deal with the cowboys. These individuals, born after 1985, are forcing organisations to change the ways in which they operate, to a much quicker pace.

This is according to Kim Andersen, principal at CXO Advisor. This generation, he says, grew up with the Internet and all the tools associated with it. It is globally connected and willing to move, he elaborates.

But who are the digital cowboys? And why do they matter? This group of individuals is ensuring they are seen and heard - by openly questioning leaders and big business.

The digital cowboys access anywhere, anytime, Andersen says, and this presents a challenge that business needs to address - the digital cowboys have an intuitive knowledge of social media tools, and are not afraid to use it, he says. Business executives need to be ready to deal with this challenge.

Social media is big business, and it's 24/7, which means organisations need to pay close attention in order to steer change, and use this technology advantageously for business, he says.

ITWeb Business Communications forum

The ITWeb Business Communications forum takes place on 22 November. For more information and to reserve your seat, please click here.

“Each business and industry has its own challenges and ideas; however, it's crucial to remain competitive and transparent,” he says.

Andersen is a speaker at the ITWeb Business Communications forum, which takes place on 22 November, at The Forum, in Bryanston. He will discuss how to use social media effectively for business as well as to engage with clients.

To find out more about this event, click here.

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