Getting Googled

"Google it."

If you had said that simple phrase just 10 years ago, you may have received nothing but a blank stare in return. Now, of course, everyone knows Google. It's become a powerful and iconic brand capable of providing answers to practically any conceivable question. So what if the question someone's asking is about you? What happens when a potential employer decides to Google you? You'd better hope that they like what they see, because according to David Armano, the odds are pretty good that the virtual you is just as important as the real you.

Armano, of the very popular marketing blog Logic+Emotion, wrote recently at AdAge's DigitalNext blog about the need for job seekers to make their online selves a positive asset rather than a negative one. Here are some of the tips he shared.

• Establish at Least One Digital Profile - Getting on a social network is a good thing. Polluting your profile page with a bunch of irresponsible drunken debauchery is not. A good professional network to temper the one that you might have for personal use is LinkedIn.
• Engage in Personal Publishing - Write a blog. If you have some type of specialty, let the world know. Plus, it's good for connections. My blog for Experience.com has led to me developing relationships with lots of cool people in the marketing industry.
• Become Your Own Agent - It's important to use discretion when you alter your online persona. You are entirely responsible for the content you put on the web. Use your head.

Armano elaborated on some more tips, so I definitely recommend you check out the full article. In the meantime, I'm going to Google myself for a bit and see what comes up. Maybe I'll be surprised.