One thing that internet has done is to create a sense of anonymity for many, it allows us to sit behind our keyboards and say anything we want behind our made up screen names. But what if you have a Google profile, and post on forums, blogs and listserv’s with your real name and company name. Does it concern you that if a potential customer were to google your name that they would find you somewhere online like on a forum complaining about your last customer, or on Facebook wrapped around a keg at last Saturday’s yard party?
Here is a great article from Mashable on ways to manage your online reputation.
It’s a fair bet that your boss, dates and anyone you give your business card to will type your name into a search engine. If something negative appears in the results, your online reputation can quickly damage your offline reputation — and affect your life.
Something to think about!
Great article. It works both ways…people who misrepesent who they are in the online veil of anonymity. The genuine approach, as you suggest, is best.