Should You Be Transparent With Your Online Reputation?

When it comes to developing your online reputation, is it really in your best interest to be completely honest? The answer may shock some people, but for the most part, it really isn't. It's true that sometimes a "what you see is what you get" persona seems like the best idea, but there are many incidences when it's not.

Let's consider what it would actually mean to be authentic with your online reputation. First, let's begin by looking at the meaning of the word, "authentic." It means to be genuine, true or real. Of course, when dealing with family or friends, it's the best thing to do, but it doesn't work out so well for business relationships.

It's highly likely that you've dealt with a customer, fellow employee, or a boss who kept you on the brink of telling them what you really thought of them. You probably didn't tell them exactly what you thought of them. Why? Because you knew that it was bad for business. You knew that if you told them your honest feelings, you could lose business, or even your job. This is even more pronounced when looking at your online reputation, since it's less likely to go away than a person-to-person dealing.

For that matter, if you really wanted to show off "the real you" to your customers and fellow employees, would you have much of an impetus to keep up with hygiene and look your best every day? Even for a video or photo? A great number of people would tend to slack on this point after a while if they were actually going for a "genuine impression." An even more extreme example would be to write an important memo directly after attending the company's Christmas party.

There is the problem of being actually "genuine" with your online reputation. If you want a good online reputation, you have to have a consistently professional demeanor. Few people are actually so completely in control of their moods that if they didn't put on the professional mask they would have a consistent profile.

It may on some level appear to be dishonest to some people that one would have to fit a particular way of portraying themselves. In respect to your professional and online reputation, it's not actually a matter of dishonestly. It's about respect for the other person. There is an expectation of this respectful behavior, and if you breach it, it's a black mark on your reputation.

It would be quite ironic to the people who misunderstand the need for a professional attitude to know that you become more trustworthy by being professional. You have to appear to have your act together in your online reputation, or no one will trust you. Besides, you wouldn't show up to work looking disheveled, would you? It's much the same thing here.

Authenticity in your online reputation really comes into play with your goals and intentions. Whatever is said about reputation management being dishonest, being deceitful in your transactions are truly bad for business. You will most likely get caught, and your online reputation and your "real life" reputation will suffer. It's not good for anyone.