- October 18, 2018 -
The political pundits have finally exhausted their "He said, She said" grandstanding on the recent Brett Kavanaugh nomination and have moved on to their next "crisis."
As much as I'd like to, I'm definitely not opening up that can of worms.
Moving on.
It wasn't long after I entered the online marketing space and started to gain followers and clients that it dawned on me...
Anyone could potentially say anything they wanted about me or my business.
And there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.
Stuff they'd never say in person -- but somehow felt it was okay to publish online.
Having been in business a long time, I've developed a thick skin (maybe too thick).
Nothing surprises me anymore.
So while you can't change the inexplicable and inexcusable things people choose to do and say...
...you can focus on what you're able to control:
Your character.
And a street-smart awareness of what's being said about you.
“Your reputation is in the hands of others. That's what the reputation is. You can't control that. The only thing you can control is your character.” - Wayne W. Dyer
Bottom line: you've spent years positioning yourself as an authority in your industry.
And like it or not, enjoying the status of a leader means you live in a glass house and held to a higher accountability.
...integrity matters.
...moral authority is rare.
...leaders wear a target on their backs.
No way am I going to spend my time obsessing over what people think of me.
But I sure as hell want to be aware of any wild fires that i can put out before real damage is done.
1. Set up Google Alerts
Google Alerts are used for following a topic you're interested in or a breaking news story.
Keeping tabs on your competition.
Staying current with what's being published about you online.
Simply go to Google.com/alerts. You can set up a daily alert on your own name, your business name, and any high-profile products or events you're associated with.
The launching of a new product or service (yours or a client's) is a perfect time to set up an alert.
I recommend setting the alert to run as a daily digest of all your alerts instead of getting them separately.
Now whenever any mention is made on the web, you'll know and can proactively do damage control if needed.
2. Choose your (social) friends carefully
Looks great to have thousands of friends and followers.
Not so much when they really don't know you -- and you're media fodder for jerks who have way too much time on their hands.
SocialMention.com is a free search media search engines where you can opt to receive daily social media alerts (similar to Google Alerts but for social media only) to find out what is being mentioned about you and where.
You can also do a filtered search for negative comments - not pleasant but helpful in situations when some minor damage control is possible and/or when on the rare occasion legal action is needed.
3. Go ahead...Google yourself
Being 60 doesn't thrill me most of the time...but stupid college stuff in my day was before stupid stuff became immortalized on whatever social media platform is trending.
'nuff said.
Every so often search for your name, your company or brand name, and your products and services.
While you're at it, check out your website rankings.
Be sure to check all categories: Web, Images, Videos, News, Blogs, etc.
I get it. You're too busy running your business to worry what's being said about you and whether you're liked or not.
But doing nothing and then wondering why sales have taken a nose dive isn't smart either.
Alright, I'll admit it.
It does kinda makes your day to read a nice Facebook comment and let yourself have a Sally Field moment: "You like me. You really like me!"
We can help boost your street creds.
Later,
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