My new online venture is targeted at corporate CEO’s and I have this dumb question niggling at the back of my mind: “Do CEO’s even read blogs?” 

This question stems from the fact that as small business owner I read only a fraction of emails, forum posts and industry news that comes my way on a daily basis – and these are lists I’ve intentionally signed up for. I know most of the information is relevant and will likely benefit my business but I just don’t have the time to read them all. How much more so will this be the case for a CEO that runs a large corporate and has a far greater level of responsibility?

Now I know successful blogging is about creating great content and SEO-ing it so that it can be found. I aim to use LinkedIn and other social media as part of my strategy but the main channel will be blogging. Am I not barking up the wrong tree trying to expand my client base through a blog type website? I don’t want to be presenting ideas to an empty room. Any thoughts? 

Well said @karenataylor. I agree that if the content is interesting to your target audience, they will want to read it. So my advice, @cherelleleong, would be to ensure you know what your target audience is interested.

@jay_rombach There are definite exceptions to my opinion, especially regarding the age reference. That’s why I said generally speaking because I know two C-level execs in their mid-40s who are on FB, Twitter and read blogs. Unfortunately, I know several more that are afraid of technology and think they don’t need to be a part of social media.

I agree that @cherellelong should move forward with her blog. Once it gains popularity, the hip execs will send the relevant posts to their counterparts.

@cherelleleong -Yes they do and they also read personal blogs too. Something I think some people should always remember. They way you conduct yourself in person is the same way you need to conduct yourself online. Someone is always watching. You just never know. My blog is what helped me get my job. 

Having been mentored by the CEO of Europe’s largest retail organisation I can tell you they have no time in their days to fulfil their current work let alone set aside time for blogs!

After building a successful offline career, I gave it all up whilst entering a board room job, simply because there is no time. Even when I have time, I need to be learning from those around me and not from someone who has a blog telling me what to do.

Aim at lower level managers or lesser CEO’s and you have a chance. CEO’s are a very select group of people who like to stay amongst themselves.

@dee__kumar Thanks for the honest feedback. All of this information is very useful in tweeking my marketing strategy. I’m well aware of how difficult it is to get the attention of CEO’s. I used to be a key account manager back in my corporate life and often got first hand experience of how harsh they can be if they think you’re wasting their time. In a way it just means I have to be smarter in my approach and part of that will be to use existing business connections.  @kristi-hines I agree, there are other people in the organization who can be influencers. And thank you for the advice on guest posts.