Personal Brand | Google Yourself

Many of us are addicted to social media and all of its commodities, however some forget that it can actually be leveraged as a digital platform to extend your reach and to influence others. Your online presence and managing your digital footprint is quite crucial in this 21st century tech world we live in.

First question, have you ever Googled yourself?

Well you will be surprised that friends, associates and clients are in fact looking you up. This may come as a revelation, but Google is now used as a resume but more precisely it is your personal brand. Unless you are head over heels about each listing on the first page, it's time for you to dominate and conquer -  this means a fresh start to a blank slate and for you to share accurate, relevant and valuable information about yourself.

Claiming your name on main social networking sites such as Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn is the first step, as they rank higher in Google search results. As a college student this may be very useful as potential employers will most likely be viewing your online profiles. Depending on your major, having an online portfolio or a visual resume would be considered an asset as it'd showcase your personality, artistic abilities or even writing skills. The options are endless as to what you can do online - though this must be done in an efficient and effective manner.

Hint
If your full name is common, stand out by including your middle name.

Once your name is present online, it is important to grow your network and build a platform. Whether it be gaining more followers on Twitter or following groups on LinkedIn, show the online world who you are and what your message is. Sites such as about.me and visualize.me are great tools to express in depth who you are and what you’re interested in. As a student or a graduate, networking with the right people online could lead to great opportunities for the future.

Final Words
Be creative and be yourself!