In the digital age, your reputation is a valuable asset. All kinds of people can access all kind of information about you with — or without — your permission. Reputation management is increasingly important and learning to manage our reputation is a skill we all need to learn. Get it right, and the world is your oyster, says Michael Fertik author of The Reputation Economy : How to optimise our digital footprint in a world where your reputation is your most valuable asset.
Get it wrong? Don’t panic. Reputation management can be learned. Fertik shares advice to help you know when to set the record straight and when to simply move on. Balance out the negative by crafting and managing positive messages that enhance your digital reputation across all the platforms you use — professional and personal.
Fertik points out that data stored about you has an indefinite lifespan and can show up anywhere, anytime. Not only that, but more and more, we’re all being scored on the data that’s held — scored for our customer value, our credibility, even our health and longevity. The scorer is a computer and our achievements that count are the ones that can be measured — that we increased sales by x%, decreased employee turnover by x%., and so on.
Friends matter too. Got the wrong kind? Watch out, that could affect you in ways you weren’t expecting. But the good news is that reputation, like the stock markets, goes through highs and lows so if your’s takes a hit, don’t give up.
The Reputation Economy is readable, relevant and full of practical insights and tips. We all have reputations and this a good guide to learning how to mind them.
The Reputation Economy by Michael Ferkik and David Thompson is published by Piatkus.