I Google YOU!

So, you’ve made that first connection with a potential business supplier.  You have started to carve out a deal.  What next?  One thing that is used increasingly (yet is hugely under rated) is the Google search – or any online search for that matter!

Who are this company?

What is their reputation like?

Are they as good as they say?

What do their customers say about them?

On twitter, I have a follower who posts a number of blogs’ from Seth Godin. Here’s what he wrote on one of his blogs’.

A friend advertised on Craigslist for a housekeeper.
Three interesting resumes came to the top. She googled each person’s name.

The first search turned up a MySpace page. There was a picture of the applicant, drinking beer from a funnel. Under hobbies, the first entry was, “binge drinking.”

The second search turned up a personal blog (a good one, actually). The most recent entry said something like, “I am applying for some menial jobs that are below me, and I’m annoyed by it. I’ll certainly quit the minute I sell a few paintings.”

And the third? There were only six matches, and the sixth was from the local police department, indicating that the applicant had been arrested for shoplifting two years earlier.

Three for three.

Google never forgets

So when you Google YOU, what do you see?  Is it professional with a reputable email address and landline phone number?  Do you have a business address, which says, “I’m serious about business”? Or is it a home address or even worse a PO Box?    On the other hand, does your search bring up links to “those” pictures on facebook and twitter, which you thought, had been forgotten. The comments you made on the office party page (yes THAT office party!)   When did you last Google yourself and what does it look like?  If you haven’t then my tip for the week is DO SO.  If it’s not how you want other people to see you, then you can start to change it. That party or night out may have only been one night, but the imprint online can potentially last forever!

Have a brilliant week

Richard and the team @Hold Everything