Are You Who Google Says You Are?

Aug 10, 2011     No Comments    Posted under: Journal, Online Ethos

Go ahead. Right now. I dare you. Google yourself.

What are the first 10 listings that appear under your name? Depending on how common your name is it’s likely that the first hits you will see are to your Facebook profile, LinkedIn resume, or that time you ran a 5k in 21 minutes flat. But I’m willing to bet that unless you’ve been paying close attention to your personal brand you will see something that is either wrong, embarrassing, or just plain silly.

Now you need to ask yourself. Is that information what you want a potential employer, customer, or your mother to see? Before you say “I’m not looking for a job”, “I don’t run a business” or use any other excuse; consider this: It doesn’t matter who your business card says you are. You are your organizations brand. And if you run a business or are self-employed—you better believe you are your companies brand. Unless you live in a cave and never meet people, sooner or later someone is going to Google you. Don’t you want to shape the picture they see?

Tips to Manage Your Personal Brand

The line between personal and professional is definitely blurry, but here are eight things you can do right now to manage your personal brand.

1. Google Yourself!

The quickest and easiest way to begin managing your personal brand is to just Google yourself. What are the first results? Learn who is talking about you, your brand, company or  products on websites, videos, news, blog, and social networks. Do you like the results? If not, then you have some work ahead of you to manage your reputation.

2. Create a Spy

There are several ways you can keep track of what the buzz is about you and what news surfaces under your name. One of the simplest methods is by using Google Alerts. Google Alerts monitors key words specified by. Your name should be the first thing you set up, but it is also a good idea to set up an alert for you business or organization name. Google Alerts will send you updates about the new things it finds on a schedule you specify.

3. Draft a positioning statement

What’s the story you want people to associate with you? What should come to mind when they hear or see your name?

To begin jot down a few key words you would use to describe yourself. What key words might others use to describe you? Next, with those key words in mind,  think about your personal positioning statement. Structure it something like this:

 I am a (qualifying adjective) in (niche topic or industry) for (audience).

Does this make you unique? Keep working on this statement until you feel the it conveys how you want the world to perceive you.

4. Actively use social media

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and certainly Google+ are a great way to generate positive search results. These tools will often show up in the first page of search results which make them valuable resources to use. But use them wisely!

It’s important to remember that the lines are always blurred online between personal and professional. It doesn’t matter if you have separate social media accounts for your personal and professional personas. Eventually the two will meet (not to mention having two profiles violates some Terms of Service Agreements). Use a simple rule of thumb: ask yourself if what you are about to share is  something you would share with professional colleagues or clients? And remember, that whatever you post will have a long shelf life. Don’t be afraid to use these tools. Just use them smartly!

And if you are just starting to use social media (or even a seasoned expert) never feel pressured to use every new network which comes your way. New social networks will always emerge, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them all if they don’t support your positioning statement. Use what you feel comfortable with, but definitely put the major networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn at the top of your list for the best visibility.)

5. Be easy to find

It all starts with your name. Okay, this should be an easy one, but who owns your name online? Have you set a vanity URL for your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles? Is your Twitter handle similar to your Skype handle? Do you own your name as a domain?  It is good to claim your name before someone else does. And you can set vanity URLs on social media for free. Purchasing a domain name which reflects your name is always a smart idea. You can easily park a “business card” template there, or use sites like Tumblr and WordPress to manage content linked to your name.

6. Be active on other websites

Are there industry websites, blogs which you frequently read? What about social media networks unique to your profession, interest, or area of expertise? Making comments or even negotiating a stint as a guest writer can generate positive exposure for both your name and your expertise.

7. Be authentic

Don’t try to be something you are not online. Convey your character and expertise as you would in person. The biggest let down for potential clients, colleagues, or job prospects is believing you have a certain set of skills or expertise from your online persona, only to find out it was ever so slight exaggerated. It’s easy to think that a slight embellishment of your accomplishments or expertise can only help you, but compromises both your integrity and potential clients trust in you. Never forget, negative experiences have a way of spreading on the online.

8. Don’t be lazy

Never assume you know what search engine results will be when you look for your name. Make it a point to check results often, be aware of changes, and take proactive steps toward keeping the search engines results you want to see. Using Google alerts is a great start, but it never hurts to actually look for your name on several search engines. The work on your personal brand never stops, make sure you stay on top of it.

Wrap It All Up

If you haven’t been managing your personal brand, now is a great time to start. These 8 tips will put you in a good position to manage your brand. Actively maintaining your online story will help you convey the “you” you want others to see.

Have additional questions about managing your personal brand? Looking for one-on-one consulting or an overview of what the online world says about you? Contact me and let’s talk!

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!