On my last post, for the benefit of new subscribers, we made a step backward by reviewing web 2.0. On this issue, allow me to discuss online reputation and responsible use of digital media.
In one fora, someone asked, “sir, what is an online reputation?”. I replied, “try typing your name in search engines [google, yahoo, bing] then analyze the results.
What is on the first page?
[assuming you own a blog or maintain different SNS accounts like Facebook & Twitter] Do you see your online accounts/profile?
Are others talking about you?
Can they find your career milestone?
You may repeat the exercise, this time do it inside a Social Networking Site where you maintain an account. i.e., Facebook, Multiply, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plurk.
We are in the age of digital media where distance and time is no longer an issue when accessing information. When your potential client or employer, or even old classmates or friends, or long lost relative tried to locate you using web 2.0 applications, they will do what you just did and chances are, they may get similar results. Unless you don’t like what your current online reputation is [or lack of it] and would want to take action.
Before we proceed, however, since there are notably new subscribers who are not familiar with the potential of web 2.0, I find it proper to just bring us all together in the same understanding. Thus, we will revisit web 2.0 and rebuild our foundation.
I will re-post 2 videos I shared in my other blog (HR 2.0) here. The 1st one is about understanding web 2.0 in layman’s term and the 2nd one, the technical definition. Here is the first video
Social media sites are so common, like Coca Coca that most people can’t live without. And as a consequence, our e-buddies are everywhere, using social networking site(s) of their choice. This explains why we keep an account of most (if not all) social networking sites (SNS), to stay connected.
With this, we have a diverse but broad tool at our disposal to market our brand. This tool, however, is double edged. If we are not careful, our brand can be diluted in light of the different networking streams. Let’s face it. It’s either we don’t have enough time to keep some of our accounts alive or we are inconsistent with the way we manage our profile. Trying to keep tab with each account is sometimes toxic, specially if you have an 8 hour job. More than that, in the midst of competition, our brands are side swept, not because other brands are better, but brand owners have positioned their brands properly using SNS.
My take on this issue: Synergize all our social networking sites.
I received this link from one of my twitter buddies, and I have to agree with the writer, bloggers who are conscious of his/her brand should do this regularly: Monitor Their Online Reputation
Checking your online reputation like this is something that every freelancer should do on a regular basis. I wouldn’t recommend stopping with Google, either. You should also check on Twitter and on other social media sites.
While it might seem vain to search for yourself online, it’s actually an important step in protecting your online reputation. If you do business online, then you not only be checking on but also working to protect and manage your online reputation.
I had fun yesterday teaching the graduating students and faculty members about Social Media and Personal Branding. Not that these people are naive of these tools, but they just use social media for fun and nothing more.
Blogs and Social Media, as web 2.0 enthusiasts already know, is a tool that can be used for and against us. The thoughts, pictures, vlogs and other stuff’s we share determine our online reputation.
I remember a colleague looking at a picture, published in a social media, of a former female employee lip/tongue locked with a female companion. Though my colleague did not say a word, his facial reaction speaks of the impression the picture generated.
The blogger is a Human Resource Management Executive and Micro Entrepreneur.
He does lecture and consulting work for the integration of (1) "Spiritual Intelligence" in Organizational and Human Resource Management and Development, and (2) "Web 2.0" as platform and tool for Corporate communication, Productivity, Training/ People Development, Marketing and Brand Management.
I had fun yesterday teaching the graduating students and faculty members about Social Media and Personal Branding. Not that these people are naive of these tools, but they just use social media for fun and nothing more.
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