Tweets from the Top: Four CEOs who get Twitter

Last month, we outlined how one good tweet from a company’s CEO can be as valuable as 100 tweets from other staff.  Read that post here for a refresher. After some additional research, we’ve come up with a few prominent CEOs who we believe are leading by example on Twitter:

Bill Gates | @BillGates
Followers: 8,458,181

Who he is: As the founder of Microsoft, Gates has been on the forefront of computer technology since its inception. Rated as the wealthiest American in 2011, Gates now spends a majority of his time researching and donating his wealth to different charitable causes.

Strength:  Fascinating audiences again and again.
Mr. Gates’ 8.2 million follower count reflects that he is one of the most recognizable executives in the world. The Microsoft founder tweets about a plethora of different topics, ranging from reading recommendations to business developments to his latest charity endeavors. Recently, Gates has used his account to promote a new charity contest aimed at improving sanitation and water issues around the globe.

Oprah Winfrey | @Oprah
Followers: 14,167,353

Who she is:  Does Oprah really need an introduction?

Strength:  Influencing the masses.
Seen as one of the most inspirational figures on television, Oprah maintains her brand by tweeting uplifting quotes, stories and pictures meant to motivate and inspire her followers. She also uses her Twitter account to share her thoughts on faith (check out the hashtag “SuperSoulSunday”), pop culture and her TV network OWN.

Mark Cuban | @mcuban
Followers: 1,277,576

Who he is:  A successful entrepreneur worth more than $2.3 billion, Mark Cuban was one of the first major CEOs on Twitter, joining in September of 2008.

Strength:  Play-by-play tweeting.
Cuban keeps viewers and fans alike updated on the latest news about his cable network AXS TV and his NBA franchise the Dallas Mavericks. When asked about how Twitter helps run his business, Cuban responded “It allows for a simple, yet quick, means to broadcast messages to your customers.”

Michael Dell | @MichaelDell
Followers: 57,075

Who he is:  The chairman and CEO of one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world, Dell.

Strength:  Staying on brand.
Michael Dell keeps his Twitter stream all things Dell; he regularly tweets about his company’s latest products and awards. He also engages with the public by answering questions and encouraging users to try his products by dropping in on their conversations. Through this personal touch, Dell reinforces his company’s brand and helps to humanize their products.