Whether you are an entrepreneur or work for someone it would be unwise not to take steps to manage your professional reputation.  The Internet has made managing your reputation both difficult and easy at the same time. On one side, it is hard to control what people say about you (the difficult side), but it is also easier for you to narrate and put forth the kind of information you want people to find on you. 

One great way to ensure that what you want mentioned about you is easily accessible is to complete your profile on Linkedin.com. Linkedin.com is basically an online resume, but a very important one as most people will research you before they do business with you, and Linkedin.com is a well optimized channel that will readily show up in a Google search.

Did you know that all 500 of the Fortune 500 are represented on LinkedIn by employees at the director-level and above?  Why? Because they are trying to manage their reputation. They are also aware that people with more connections, more recommendations and more complete profiles are significantly more likely to be approached with opportunities, both for their business and for employment.

How to manage your reputation with Linkedin.com:

1. Completely fill out your linkedin.com profile to EARN TRUST

• Include all past positions, awards and honors
• Include links to your website, blog and other social media profiles
• Integrate with other tools; import your blog or Twitter stream, books you recommend,  presentations you have given, and so forth.
• Write and request recommendations to post on your LinkedIn profile.  
• Create a public profile and select “Full View”
• Customize your public profile’s URL

2. Increase Links and Exposure with Linkedin.com

• Use the search feature to find and research people by company, industry and city.
• Ask your first-level contacts for introductions to their first-level contacts.
• Join industry and alumni groups (up to 50) and introduce yourself.
• Publish your LinkedIn URL on business cards, email signature, web sites and brochures. Also include it on other social media sites and when you leave comments.
• Buy a targeted LinkedIn direct ad that drives them to an action page on your website or blog
• Export your contacts and use it to invite people to other networks through Gmail.

 3. Increase Your Credibility with Linkedin.com

• Ask questions to understand and answer questions to show expertise, without self-promotion.
• Share useful links to articles and resources that will be of interest to customers and prospects.
• Start and manage a group around your company’s core competencies.
• Update your status regularly and/or link with your twitter account.

Do you have other good ways to manage your reputation online? I would love to hear about them.