Guide Your Reputation Online

This is the story of Joe. Joe was a wild and reckless teenager who gave his poor parents more grief than anyone should have when raising a child. His was a loving home. While he wasn't a "rich kid", he never wanted for the basics he needed during his childhood.

When Joe reached puberty, however, everything changed. He was one of those poor kids that trouble seems to follow at every turn. Not that he did things that his buddies didn't do. It's that Joe was the one who always got caught. He was the unfortunate "wild child."

Joe eventually worked his way through those turbulent years and fortunately escaped unscathed, or so he thought. He was never arrested and figured anything else in his past was long gone.

However, like many other youngsters, Joe had developed a "reputation." And, this being the digital age, it followed him online. He had no idea that all anyone had to do was Google his name and there it was in living color, saved for posterity.

Every post to Facebook, each gory story on Myspace and other social bookmarks that popped up about "Joe ____."

His first disappointments came when he started applying to colleges. His grades were okay and he should have been a shoo-in for the schools he chose. But, he got rejection after rejection.

Joe even missed out on jobs that were considered menial and needing no experience.

He was finally clued him in the umpteenth time he applied for a part time job.
After that interview was shot down, the manager gave him the clue he needed to unlock the puzzle. He asked him if he had ever "Googled" himself. Sure enough, there it was, the entire ugly picture of previous life.

If you think this horror story is a rare occurrence, please think again. If this can happen to "Joe", don't think it can't happen to you. If you are a business owner, it's even worse.

Our new digital lifestyle has brought about significant changes to our lives; wonderful advances and opportunities abound like never before. But, with significant advantages comes potential danger.

Businesses and individuals are starting to realize the problems which our new freedom and fast technology bring to our business and personal lives.

Our purpose is not to frighten you, but to educate you to the benefits and pitfalls that can cause you to fumble.