I have been speaking a lot lately about the importance of online reputation for entrepreneurs. It is an area that most of us have really not put too much thought towards. In fact, I consult with large organization as well and continually find CEOs, COOs, Directors of Marketing and others that have not paid attention to their online reputations. So why care?
Here’s a few stats:
- On average, every other person that you meet while networking your business will search for more information about you online.
- Mid-level managers are searched on average 14 times a day
- 75% of businesses in a recent Microsoft survey had formal policies to search online regarding new hires
People want to buy and do business with people that are experts at what the do. How are you putting an expert reputation online for others to see. Social media has made our professional lives more transparent than ever. Some of this, you might say, is not a good thing. But transparency on your expertise is 100% a very good thing.
So what can you do? Fill out those online profiles like LinkedIn, Plaxo and Google’s personal profiles. If you don’t have a site, create one. Make use of video testimonials and rating services to increase the exposure to your expertise. And yes, blog! Blogging is the place where professionals now give away insights and advice from within their area of expertise that we all use to have to pay hundreds of dollars an hour to access. Why? Because they are creating a funnel of new relationships by providing online value, online recognition of their expertise and an online breadcrumb trail right back to them.
There is never a better time than immediately to get started on your online reputation!
