The Reputation Economy: A Review
Given our recent publication of Is Your Digital Reputation a Smokin’ Gun?, I came across a book on digital identities. Titled The Reputation Economy, the paperback by Michael Fertik and David C Thompson is a must-read for those who are concerned about their image in the digital space.
‘The Reputation Economy’ is an eye-opener. It details the present as it is. The present is the future we have been referencing over the last few years. Evolving technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, etc., now define the present. They are here to stay. What does that say about our digital presence? A lot.
The data gathered through our activities on digital and social media platforms are now being analyzed and stored by dedicated companies to sell to interested parties. This data goes through a thorough check to gauge consumer behavior to help companies further their selling power. Analyzing our financial pattern, buying habits, networking system, etc., makes pushing products a cakewalk for B2C organizations—all via one’s digital behavior.
This can prove to be a disadvantage, especially if there is even the slightest negativity out there which can potentially harm one’s reputation because of the ‘inferences’ that can be made by one’s digital activity. What do I mean by that?
– Say you want a credit card?
Rest assured, the bank will go through your financial activity and data before it decides to give you one.
– How about if you want to rent a property?
Well, the landlord can access your previous rental records, records of your friends, family, etc. without much trouble at all!
– Looking to change jobs?
Your prospective employer will have no trouble finding out about your work habits, past salary, communication skills, or how good a member of a team you can be.
You feel exposed, don’t you? Well, all I can say is do not despair! There is light at the end of the tunnel.
‘The Reputation Economy’ tells you, in no uncertain terms, that ‘reputation is power.’ And to keep your power intact, you will need to sit back and ask yourself what you can do to better your reputation or salvage it! It is an insightful study into the world of reality, awareness and acceptance, circling your digital reputation.
But it does not stop there.
The book also gives you practical and feasible ideas on how to cover your tracks, create filters so that your negative aspects, if any, can be camouflaged. If you intend to write your resume, it will suggest keywords you can use to have a better impact; it will give you impressive ideas on how to improve your LinkedIn profile too. Interestingly, it also suggests ways to get special privileges in hotels, banks etc.
One of the chapters also urges you to proactively send out positive signals to create a desirable profile. It gives you an opportunity to be mindful of the future and the online legacy you may leave behind as the right impression for the world’s perception. It pushes you to take control of your digital life.
The author, Michael Fertik, is the founder and current executive chairman of Reputation.com, Inc., a technology company that attempts to influence search results and help clients obtain positive reviews. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he is a great advocate of privacy and reputation management on the internet.
The co-author, David Thompson, was the first General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer of Reputation.com. He is a graduate of Yale college and Stanford Law School. He is a lawyer and business executive.
