Your Cyber Twin is Lurking (Part 1)

They are lurking after every move you make. They are always around the corner waiting for you. They are out to steal your identity, and you need to be prepared.

Sounds like a crime scene waiting to happen? Maybe not. What if I told you this had nothing to do with a thriller-based cop show and everything to do with search engines? You'd probably be sort of confused, right?

Someone who may steal your identity online isn't as far off as you may think. They're called cyber twins, someone who literally has the same name as you. Why is this is bad thing? Well, with more recruiters and hiring managers using search engines to find candidates, it's imperative that you distinguish yourself from those who have the same name as you.

Personal branding is much more than just having an e-mail account or Twitter handle that matches your name. It's about maintaining your online identity and consistently being on top of it. Take it from someone who has a very common first and last name. You need to stand out because your cyber twin can take more than just your title. How?

They can affect your job search. As stated previously, many hiring managers and recruiters are using search engines like Google to find the right candidates for their companies. So, how will it look when John Smith, the party animal who likes to post YouTube videos of himself, overtakes your shining work experiences and testimonials? No right-minded recruiter is going to want to go any further because it looks like you aren't who you say you are. Never assume that they will be able to tell the difference just on first glance. You'll have to do that for them.

They can ruin your reputation. Ever wonder why you aren't getting a call back to guest blog for your favorite publication? Or why the traffic to your website has suddenly nose-dived? It may not be because you are suddenly less popular. However, it could be because your cyber twins' reputation has encapsulated yours. No one wants to be associated with a spammer or a criminal. What happens when your name is no longer linked to your good reputation and tied to a bad one? You begin to lose offers and start getting phased out.

They can steal your identity. You know how criminals may be able to steal your credit card or social security information and pass them off as their own? What is stopping a person with a matching name from doing the same thing online? All they have to do is copy and paste. In some ways, this may be worse than getting your credit card information because those sorts of things can be cleared up and your money can be returned. The Internet police have yet to form, so you're on your own. Further, everything that is written on the Web is there forever. There really isn't a "delete" button. You have to prepare your personal brand today in order to prevent mistaken identity tomorrow.