The unnerving reach of Google & the importance of keeping a good profile
A couple of days ago, I had quite a shock when I opened up my Google+ page.
It was suggested to me that I might like to connect with.....my nephew!
My nephew is currently at university studying media studies with a particular specialisation in direction and production of sports video (If you are interested in this niche, check out his site - http://leviphotography.wix.com/photoandfilm ). Anyhow, I found a new email address for him there, so I copied this into my desktop based PIM (Personal Information Management) app that I use for my offline business and my personal data.
Now I sync. this with my android phone so now his email is in my Google contacts.
The next day, on my Google+ page, there was a suggestion that I might like to visit my nephews G+ page! all because I added his email into my phone's address book. his email isn't even a gmail one!
So, the moral of the story is that you never know anymore what might link up with something else. We all know by now how, one day we might search for a greek holiday and within minutes, any website that has AdSense will be trying to sell us Greek holidays, but the reach into different spaces Google now has makes it imperative that we keep EVERYTHING we have online in good order. As we are in business, the last thing we want is for a client to read all about our latest escapade on a Saturday night, for instance, or a rant we had in, what we thought was a private, personal space.
If you keep a private space seperate from business, then make sure it really is set to be PRIVATE. some reports seem to doubt the effectiveness of such efforts on Facebook and Google so maybe even consider chatting with family and friends about going over to a truly private networking/sharing service.
If you are happy to be 'public', as I am (I love meeting new people with similar interests), then always remember that you are in public. It's no different to being in the middle of a very busy high street!
Have fun and remember, I might well be seeing you soon! :-)
Recent Comments
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Thanks for reading peeps. to be fair to Google, they didn't try to send me to James' (my nephew) personal profile (which he does have set as private) but since I guess most of us want to be found by clients/colleagues, we would probably would be found more easily. General rule, if you wouldn't show it, don't post it.
I think this is extremely important. If not for your own privacy but maybe for someone else that doesn't want every thing on the internet! Melissa
I always say, If you don't want it on the front page of the newspaper; don't put it on the internet. Anywhere. Not even in an email.
as I am fond of repeating "on the internet everyone can hear you scream" good points well made- thanks Andy from Andy...this could go on a while, for goodness sake let's not get into a discussion with OldMule (another Andy) LOL
This was a good issue to discuss. I keep my business separate from my personal. I do not invite family or friends into my business. It would be easy for someone to discuss what happened at a party in your business forum. Thanks for sharing. Debbie
Good advice. I'll keep this in mind with each writing and post. Thanks