Call me obsessive, but I cannot resist the weekly urge to check the pulse of my online self.  I want to know what you see when you Google any combination of Margie Maddux Newman.

It’s not that I think everyone is out there Googling me, but what if they do? I want to be sure those results are not in the least bit embarrassing. I also want them to be relevant, even if they are nothing more than my thoughts on Google Chrome, downtown living, public relations stuff or my love for Nashville Predators Hockey.

I know what photos of me are out there and what information my friends on Facebook can see. I’m also fully aware that my Twitter feed is recording my every move and that my blogs put my opinions and emotions out there for the whole world to judge. Did you know that you don’t have to be following me on Twitter to read my updates? Just type in www.twitter.com/MargieNewman and you’ll see the latest. I’ll never know it.

Therefore, I don’t put anything on any portion of the world wide web that I don’t want future employers, friends, reporters, co-workers and one day, my grandchildren, to see. From drunk photos to deep personal thoughts, some things I save for friendly, human ears and eyes only.

I would urge you to do the same before the web comes back to bite you. Start by reading Lindsay Olson’s post about the importance of managing your online reputation, especially if you are seeking employment:

The days of searching Monster for resumes or posting an open position to Craigslist for a quick response is over.

Now we use social networks, social bookmarking, blogs, and Google to find out about the people we are interested in connecting with and personal online reputation management becomes much more important. Don???t think for a second a recruiter or hiring manager isn???t at the very least using Google to find out about you. The results could get you the job or could cost you the job.

Lindsay has been a PR recruiter for ten years, so she’s seen just about everything. She also links to other resources you’ll find helpful.

Oh, and don’t forget to Google yourself today. You may be surprised at what comes up. Better you than your future boss :)

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