Recently I wrote an article for Huffington Post, Your Online Reputation Doesn’t Take the Holidays Off. Why? Because I was browsing Facebook the other day and stunned at what people will share – or should we say – overshare.
It isn’t only photos – there are videos that can be questionable too.
Since it is the holidays and it can be a time of gift giving, there are some people that are difficult to buy for.
With teens especially it can a struggle – besides all those tech gadgets, the list can be limited – unless your budget includes a new car.
Giving the gift of digital presence is priceless. Helping to give your teen a lift into their virtual life is a great way to showcase their talents, hobbies, interests and other attributes.
Have you considered giving a friend or relative a gift of digital presence?
Do you have a friend or relative that is unemployed and could maybe use a digital lift?
As a victim of online defamation, I know firsthand what it is like to struggle with a tarnished virtual image. Fortunately many people haven’t gone through the malicious attacks I have been through – but today the slightest scarring on your virtual resume can potentially eliminate you as a job candidate.
It is simply part of today’s world: Surveys are showing higher percentages of employers are performing Internet searches on a job applicants name and finding reasons not to hire people due to their social media behavior or hire them because of their social media presence.
In either situation, you need to be in control of your online image.
Learning how to manage your online reputation is not difficult, but can be time consuming.
The first step is simply setting up your Google Alerts – which many people know already, but have neglected to do. This gives you an alert when information is posted about you.
Next you need to start building your online presence – your digital real estate!
Whether it is a website, free blogs (through WordPress or Blogger), and signing up for free social media networks – such as Facebook, LinkedIn, About.me, Google+, etc…. you need to be proactive in building your digital image.
Most important is keeping it truthful, consistent, and current. Be active – be engaged – be interested and interesting! Remember be kind! Your social media behavior is also being judged.
Does all this seem overwhelming?
This is where the gift of online reputation comes in. Back in 2006 I was fortunate to meet one of the pioneers in online reputation, Reputation.com. I am still their client today, as I believe they are one of the best. There are many other companies out there to choose from, thankfully, since this the Internet has expanded so much since 2006.
Consider giving a gift certificate of online reputation to a friend or relative this holiday season (or maybe treat yourself). You may want to consider a gift of privacy! I bet they won’t be re-gifting this one!
(I do not receive any referral fees from Reputation.com or any other perks, I am simply a satisfied client).
