Whether you know it or not, you already have an online presence. If someone typed your name into Google, the results tell the world about who you are and what you do. Prospective employers, new bosses and potential clients are likely to Google your name. Some individuals have learned the hard way that failure to be aware of and take control of your identity online can lead to catastrophe. Just take the example of the Jayant Patel debacle.
Famous people will find a number of articles online about their successes and failures. But even regular folks need to manage their own online presence. This can be a challenge, particularly if you’re the type of person who’s still confused by how Twitter works. The good news is that Web 2.0 makes it easy for you. In fact, this is the primary function of Web 2.0, a new suite of web applications that allows you to publish information online with little or no technical knowledge at all.
For starters, here are 3 straightforward strategies:
- Set up your online profiles
- Share your wisdom
- Join the conversation
Online Profiles
Creating an online profile is as simple as filling out a form and uploading (attaching) it with your nicest photo. It is basically the same as posting your CV online. There are thousands of online communities and social networking sites that you can choose from.
I propose that three sites are all you need to make your online presence count:
- Facebook has about 65 million active users on a daily basis. Remember that those are just the active ones. You will definitely be able to keep in touch with your long-lost friends through this social networking site.
- LinkedIn is a social networking site intended solely for professionals and companies. As of May 2009, it has about 50 million users.
- Google profile. Google is the world’s most popular seach engine and that is all the reason you need.
I also suggest that you create your own Gravatar. It is global database of profile pictures which enables your picture to follow you from site to site.
Sharing Your Wisdom
Your wisdom is the product of everything that you have gone through. Sharing it not only helps others, but also enables you to build your image and increase your sphere of influence across the web. The ease of publishing online makes the web an ideal place to share your wisdom and build your reputation as an expert in your field. Personally, I love writing—it’s something I do for fun. If this is you, consider writing your own blog.
Your company may have avenues for starting a professional blog. Otherwise, there are plenty of blog services such as WordPress that you can utilize for free. You can set up your own blog in a matter of minutes. Keep in mind, though, that blogging takes time. It should be an ongoing commitment on your part.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to blog, you could write articles that interest you and publish them online at sites such as Ezine Articles. If you know a great deal about a single subject, you could also create what is called a lens on that topic. A lens is a combination of your wisdom coupled with a hotlist of the best material available on that topic.
Join the Conversation
Finally, the web is no longer a static form of one-way communication. You can discuss topics, ideas and challenges with other interested people around the world. Comment on other people’s blogs (even this one), join some LinkedIn discussion groups and connect with friends and colleagues on Facebook.
Personally, I have discussed topics ranging from the validity of different management fads to locating the source of a memorable quote I heard years ago. I have asked for help on simple things (e.g., which best felt-tip markers are best for flip charts) and offered advice to others when asked (e.g., what percentage of payroll is typically spent on training).
It is a give-and-take process. You learn something when you give something. Share your thoughts and learn from others. Take control of your online presence.
