An Internet Search is the New First Impression

online reputation

Living in Hawaii has increased the importance of maintaining good relationships for me more than ever. While I was aware of how critical it is to follow the “golden rule” before arriving here, living on tight community has showed that in the end “everybody knows everybody”. No matter what you do, somebody is always watching. Locals call it the “coconut wireless”. The Internet has boosted this “coconut wireless” to the extreme.

The New First Impression

The advances in communications have brought the world closer to what I am describing from my Hawaii experience. It is not uncommon that you Google somebody’s name for a series of reasons. Hiring somebody? You probably searched for the name online. Heard of an artist on your local coffee shop? Looked for their name online. And the list goes on.

You probably have even done a search for your own name, just to see what might come up.

Online Branding Management

Whether you like it or not, nowadays your name is your brand. The first page of results from a search of your name might determine whether you get accepted or not at that next job interview. In 2009, CareerBuilder.com published the results of a survey:  47% of human resource professionals in the USA use Google to search for the names of their job applicants.

Online personal branding is key for your future success. It doesn’t matter whether you start on your own or through the services of a professional online reputation management firm, you need to start today taking charge. While not posting drunken pictures on Facebook is a great start, you really need to dig deeper than that and see what is available out there. You have to be also aware of any misleading online information posted by malicious person trying to harm you or your business.

Takeaway

So, have you done a search for your name lately? No? You probably should.

Start your online personal branding today because your next job might depend on it.

Author: Damian Davila

Ideas and concepts from Damian Davila, Ecuatoriano thriving in Hawaii. Pro marketer and blogger. Find him at @idaconcpts on Twitter.