One of the regular topics discussed sometime during each class I teach is what do you look/sound like if someone was: Meeting YOU Online?  I don’t have the most recent statistics, but it is reported that people “meet you” online more than 60% of the time… before they physically meet you in person.

Think about that statistic!  Then ask yourself: What DO I look like online?

If I GOOGLED you today… what would I find?

• Great, professional pictures or snapshots from a backyard get together.
• Quality, up-to-date resume/education achievement examples or dated information from 10 years ago.
• Appropriate letters/notes of recommendation and praise… or inappropriate messages from “friends”.

With the ever-increasing usage of online tools for business communication purposes, the incidence of Meeting YOU “Online” has reached a new highpoint! Therefore, it is totally up to you to organize and construct the documentation you would like anyone to see.  It will require you to take some time and first write down the most important points about you as a person and you as a professional.  Also it is critical to be thorough in your research about you.  Do not assume that if you “fix” one online site… that all will be improved.  Finally, as you post your new online image… be sure the person you are introducing to everyone is accurate, up-to-date and authentic!