by Frances Laing

Created on: November 17, 2009

First of all we need to think about the type of information that is personal and important to us. This might include our name, address, telephone numbers, family photographs and dates of birth. Next - we need to consider what happens to the information we are sharing on the net.

Since most of us rely on publicity for our business relationships and many of us appreciate the Internet for social networking - we're probably not going to want to keep all this information off the web entirely. It's generally more useful to think in terms of 'managing' a web presence, rather than preventing publication altogether. What does that mean, exactly?

Well - it's helpful to find out where you currently stand and what sort of information is being published about you. Google your own name now and then and take time to click on any and all of the websites in which you are featured. If you find references to you or your business - consider whether these portray you in a positive light. Does the person who is quoting your words have permission to do so? If the answer to these questions is 'no' perhaps you need to contact the webmaster or mistress of the sites you find and ask them to remove some references. Register your name with 'Google Alerts'. That way you will be sent an email every time your name is mentioned on the net.

The next thing you need to do is to review your profile on any of the social networking sites or chat rooms you may have signed up to. If you're uncomfortable with anything that is written there - then don't hesitate to re-work or delete it. As far as photographs are concerned - it is useful to be assertive whenever someone takes your photograph. Ask how the picture will be used? Does the photographer have your permission? Tagging photographs on social networking sites can be really embarrassing and can even damage the reputation of your business.

Last but not least - when you're shopping on the internet, do be careful of how much information you are giving away. Consider paying through a service like Paypal - that way your banking details don't get passed on to the company you are buying from. At the end of your internet transaction you will usually be asked whether you wish to sign up to email newsletters of various kinds. Think carefully about which information you really want to have and you can cut down the time you spend on junk email.

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