Your Reputation Precedes You

Back in the day people checked references.  Employers, prospective clients asked for 2 - 3 references to check background, reliability, character.  Fast forward: Now you are just a click away from giving up all the information about yourself that you've shared online:

• Online search results
• Social Media profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (to name the Big 4)
• Google Reviews (and every other 5 star online review site)

In my case, here's what comes up when I search my name, 'Chris Morales':

These search results are generally positive for my Employment position:

• Position #2, 7 and 8...all above the Fold
• LinkedIn is prioritized...this makes sense since I spend the bulk of my energy on curating my profile
• My Part-time Teaching position in at #8 is a surprise...I don't actively promote this...I think it is a function of the high traffic volume on the George Brown College website (and interest in the Continuing Education Courses)

There are no negative results.  My Online Reputation would appear to be 'Neutral'.  What are the things I could do to edge it toward 'Positive'?  A little research led me to this excellent blog post, How to improve your Personal Online Reputation.  Here are the top 4 tips:

1. Create online profiles and optimize them for SEO
2. Get your own personal website
3. Start blogging
4. Increase your click-trough rate by setting up the Google Authorship Markup

I already have a personal website and have been blogging for years.  What confuses the Search Engines though is that I have multiple online profiles.  Some that conflict with my name, 'Chris Morales' and thus reduce my profile and dilute the sentiment.

What I want is to have a positive online reputation and dominate the page 1 search results.  Over the next 8 weeks I'll be applying the tips above.  I'll be posting updates about the results and sharing my learning.

Onwrds to improved online reputation!

Chris Morales