Today's issue focuses on how you can create a Web presence, and begin establishing a referral network, even if you do not have your own Website. (Of course, if your career involves Internet technology, you should have your own Website!)
To begin, have you ever "Googled yourself?" That is, gone to a search engine like Google and typed in your own name. Some interesting results can occur, like links to documents you never knew existed or links to people with your same name who are definitely NOT YOU!
Now, have you ever "Zoomed yourself?" That is, visited a Website called ZoomInfo and typed in your name? ZoomInfo is "the search engine for discovering people, companies and relationships." Go there now, type in your first and last name, and see what you find.
Even if you have never used this Website before, it's quite possible others have, looking for information about you, and perhaps finding mixed results. The difference between ZoomInfo and Google is that you get to control your Web presence at ZoomInfo. And if you want people to find you, you want to be in control of what's being said about you.
Setting up a ZoomInfo Web summary is FREE and easy to do. To join "the largest index of people in business in the world," you can start with a basic profile in just a few minutes. Over time you can add additional information such as education, past work experience and important Website links. You don't have to add sensitive information, like your date of birth or marital status. This is a business profile and should be treated as such.
Once you are registered here's how you can use ZoomInfo to position yourself in the marketplace:
- When sending out an e-mail use a link to your ZoomInfo Profile as part of your signature
- Research people and companies prior to an interview or sales call
- Use the "Connect With . . ." feature to contact a former business associate or introduce yourself to a new one
- Use the "Add to Colleagues" feature to begin building a referral network of colleagues and associates
