Leaving your Characteristics Behind

One technology influence that many businesses seem to disregard is the digital footprint businesses leaves behind.  The internet looking back at u; social sharing, messaging and email. We are leaving characteristics about us behind. It may not seem like its important, however, it is the footprint that "paints a picture of who you are" (Internet Society). This is what a company leaves behind to communicate with potential employees, business opportunities, etc. 

"One in ten internet users have a job that requires them to self-promote or market their name online" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007)

For example, if a company makes a mistake in posting a tweet. As soon as the tweet has hit the web, that is what is left behind, and ultimately what represents your company. This can go for personal use too. If an employee, is posting a photo from a weekend party and their account is link to working for a particular company. Your photo can have an impact on your company.

"While most Americans do not actively manage their online presence, there is a segment of internet users who have jobs that require them to market their name on the internet or make information about themselves available online. As one might expect, those motivated by work-related expectations are much more likely to use a search engine to track their digital footprints" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007).

Businesses need to be aware about how the online world represents their company as a whole. It may not seem like a technology tool for business, however, it presents the opportunity for businesses to manage how their business communications to the outside world about who they are and their values. 

What is the digital footprint you want to leave?  

Resources

Internet Society. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.internetsociety.org/your-digital-footprint-matters

Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. (2007, December 16). Digital Footprints. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2007/12/16/digital-footprints/