What is your internet presence telling the world about who you are? How is it affecting your ability to do business, find a job, or close sales?
The majority of prospects, customers or even vendors today actively look for your internet presence to provide more details about you, your organization or your company. This is true whether you are a business selling products, an organization looking for new members, or an individual looking for a job. Many vendors are even evaluating your internet presence as part of a credit approval process when setting up new accounts. Recruiters research an individual's internet activity (website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn or other social media) as they evaluate candidates. Buyers have become more accustomed to shopping online before making a purchase of either products or services. When there is no internet presence, or a poorly managed one, credibility is damaged and can result in missed sales or a failed job search. A website may not guarantee new business, but lack of one can negatively influence a prospect.
In some cases, it is not necessary to have a full-blown website with a blog, extensive social media connections, online white papers and other features. Sometimes, when there are limited time and funds for a website, it is important to just put up a clean, simple website as a business card that will be reassuring to people interested in your services. It is always possible to expand your internet presence, but a high-quality, visually pleasing simple website that shows your best side can be an essential communications tool.
If you don't have a website now, you are probably losing opportunities.
You should also look very carefully at what image you are conveying with your social media connections. The office party that raged out of control may have been lots of fun, but what message will those photos convey to prospects or potential employers? Especially if they are looking for dependability and hard work rather than the ability to "party hardy." I'm not suggesting that social media be used to present a false impression. That can be just as damaging as presenting a negative impression. I tell my son that he should never post anything on Facebook that he wouldn't feel comfortable posting on a billboard by the busiest highway in our community. Be honest and let your business or individual personality shine through, but be aware that you may be judged by what you are posting.
There are companies that will, for a price, scan the internet for you and work to remove any negative information. But it is much better to be careful with what goes online in the first place, rather than having to do damage control.
Manage your internet presence and it will pay enormous dividends!
