Genise Thomas, a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, established Be iNPowered to focus on professional development and personal branding.
“I teach professionals how to enhance their skills and market themselves more effectively to advance their careers and business, by way of digital products, workshops, and networking,” said Thomas.
After running her business for 15 years, her typical clients are professionals seeking to advance their careers in corporate environments or entrepreneurs.
But in this climate of publically voicing personal and political opinions, Thomas reminds us that online reputation management is highly valuable.
She stated that “in today’s interconnected world, your online presence is your digital resume, first impression, and personal brand all rolled into one.”
Effective reputation management involves actively shaping and maintaining the public perception of an individual or organization.
“The goal of reputation management for professionals is to maintain and enhance their personal and professional image. This involves actively managing and influencing the perceptions of others, including colleagues, clients, employers, and the public,” Thomas further explained.
Key objectives include establishing and maintaining credibility and reliability in your field; creating opportunities for career growth and professional development; addressing and mitigating any negative information or incidents that could harm your reputation; facilitating better relationships and connections within your respective industry; and developing a strong personal brand that aligns with your professional goals and values.
According to Thomas, reputation management should remain top-of-mind for “everyone who has a public presence.” This includes individuals, businesses, and organizations.
The expert added, “A positive reputation can lead to better opportunities, trust, and success, while a negative one can harm relationships and future prospects.”
Thomas stated that an online reputation audit is a proactive approach to manage and improve your online presence to support personal or professional goals.
It involves assessing all digital platforms, including search engines, social media, and reviews.
She also said, “In my opinion, anyone with an online presence should consider doing this periodically, especially professionals, businesses, and public figures, as it helps identify areas for improvement and maintains a positive digital footprint that aligns with their image.”
It is helpful to remember that every online post, comment, or share is a chance to demonstrate an individual’s expertise, connect with industry leaders, and showcase his or her professional growth.
“Remember, potential employers, clients, and collaborators are just a click away from forming an opinion about you. By thoughtfully curating your online presence, you’re not only safeguarding your reputation, but also actively building a platform that can propel your career forward,” Thomas stated.
Another key takeaway is to remember that views expressed online can have immediate and long-lasting consequences, such as job loss or public backlash, and long-term effects. Career prospects and personal relationships can be damaged.
Thomas added, “For instance, in 2020, a survey by a Harris Poll found that 36 percent of people have reconsidered a relationship or business interaction based on social media posts. According to businessnewsdaily.com, 88 percent of employers and hiring managers would fire an employee for posting certain kinds of social media content on their personal account. Unprofessional comments or language, such as overly negative, racist, or in poor taste, can be seen as reflecting badly on the organization.”
Children and teens are not immune to feeling the sting of posting inflammatory views online.
“Every post, like, and comment becomes part of your digital story. Allow me to enlighten you on the case of Kyle Kashuv (https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/06/18/us/harvard-rescind-admission) which serves as a reminder of how past online behavior can impact future opportunities. Kashuv, a young conservative activist, had his Harvard admission rescinded in 2019 after the discovery of racist comments he made online when he was 16. This situation highlights the long-lasting consequences of digital actions, even those made in youth,” Thomas reminded.
Everyone can benefit from keeping in mind that opinions stated on the Internet can have more than one lifecycle.
Thomas reminds us, “While social media posts aren’t technically permanent, there’s always a chance someone screenshot it or it was archived somewhere.”
Strategic communication requires the use of skill, a dash of savvy, and a heap of wisdom. People may feel passionate about sharing their personal opinions, but venting on social media can invite professional or personal setbacks. The Internet can lend itself to building relationships or decreasing them.
“In summary, be kind, responsible, and thoughtful in your online interactions. Think before you post. Your online actions today can affect your opportunities tomorrow,” Thomas stated.
Visit www.beinpowered.com to obtain more information about Thomas and Be iNPowered.