cyber womanThe age of WEB 2.0 has brought with it power that can be weld in a wrong way.  If in your business endeavors you end up working with a web savvy consumer who feels you've done him wrong, he could be slinging mud at you from cyberspace. 

It is so easy these days to leave nasty comments on blogs or forums.  There are sites where a consumer can write an unsavory note about you and your company, you may never know it's out there. How many people could be looking at it before you find out?  How much lost business is it causing you?  What about your reputation?  The importance of keeping on top of your good name is obvious.

How do you know if someone is talking about you in cyberspace?

You can periodically go "google" yourself.  But if you are looking for a consistent, automated results consider setting up a RSS feed that searches for your name and your company's name.  Monitoring it this way you can find mentions of you and your business quickly.

Setting up an RSS feed to monitor is easy.  Most people have a Gmail account, if not it's easy to get one.  Once registered with Google the next step is to get Google Reader (it's FREE!). Here's the link http://www.google.com/reader/

Sign in to Google Reader and look for the "Add subscription" button.

To manage your reputation now configure the reader to send you alerts on the following keywords:

  • Your business name
  • Your domain name
  • Your company name

The following urls are what you should modify with your website and your own names and add to the Google reader

 For your website:

Technorati   http://feeds.technorati.com/search/YOURWEBSITEHERE.com
Blogsearch   http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch_feeds?q=YOURWEBSITEHERE.com
Blogpulse     http://www.blogpulse.com/rss?query=YOURWEBSITEHERE.com
RSS Sphere  http://rss.sphere.com/rss?q=YOURWEBSITEHERE.com

For configuring your name, it is necessary to add the "+" sign between each word.  Use this format:

Technorati  http://feeds.technorati.com/search/%22kristal+kraft%22
Blogsearch  http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch_feeds?q=%22kristal+kraft%22
Blogpulse    http://www.blogpulse.com/rss?query=%22kristal+kraft%22
RSS Sphere http://rss.sphere.com/rss?q=%22kristal+kraft%22

Knowledge is Power

No one wants unhappy customers, but when it happens, you are entitled to know so you can hopefully correct the problem.  If the consumer tries to get even online, at least now you will know and can take the appropriate action.

kk stars

Kristal Kraft, Realtor selling Denver Real Estate and celebrating 10 YEARS of Web presence! 1997+

 
Post is included in group: Active Rain Groups
Post is included in group: Tech Corner
Post is included in group: Real Estate Risk Managment

85 Comments on Protecting Your Good Name ~ updated to correct link

JAN
08
2007
185,770 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog

This is AWESOME information, KK!

Here's a good reason to check behind yourself....the assistant director at my son's daycare just got fired today for risque photos posted to her myspace page.  Did she honestly think no one would see it?  Bad promotion, no more job.   Which is precisely what would happen to each of us if we get caught 'with our pants down' online.

8:14pm • #1
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Leigh ~ Myspace is responsible for the downfall of many users.  I don't know what those kids are thinking...

Glad you like the post, try setting up the RSS feeds (if you haven't already).  Lots of GOOD STUFF shows up from Active Rain!)

kk

8:16pm • #2
3 Featured Posts

Wow Kristal,

I have never given this subject much thought.  Goes to show how naive I am.   I can't imagine anyone saying something bad about me BUT that doesn't mean it won't happen.  <snicker> 

8:30pm • #3
394,220 Points 179 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Kristal - a true eyeopener in an often neglected aspect of Web 2.0. Thanks for providing some very practical and easily incorporated tools to effect this vital monitoring of our business and name. Thanks!

8:36pm • #4
2 Featured Posts

KK,

Thanks for 'plainin' how to do this...I Google my name periodically...interesting to see how many links pop up.

My kids call it Ego Google. They are so Web 2!

8:51pm • #5
206,485 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog
great tips Kristal.I think another one that is coming up more ( as it used to be more for kids ) and is now for everyone is My Space.Huge amount of readers there. Thanks again!
8:54pm • #6
109,855 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Gmail it is then, glad to know they will allow an RSS feed. Good stuff kk
9:08pm • #7
33 Featured Posts
I cant get AR to run in my RSS Feeder.  Ugh.  BUT.. I do have the Google alerts - that is a must for anyone!  Its kind of like a Bat Signal..
9:16pm • #8
257,104 Points 77 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Good thinkin' KK!  I'm bookmarking this so that I can get it done soon.
9:32pm • #9
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Carol ~ what I did find is all the times you have mentioned me in your blog!  How cool of you!  Thanks!

Kitsap Kid ~ you are welcome.

Eileen ~ the power of doing this is amazing.  It's much more than Googling yourself.  I like what your kids call it.

Lloyd ~ I've notice that adults are using MySpace.  In fact in my searching today I located 3 adults who have a "borrowed" my photos for their space. 

Carole ~ Google rules.

Christine ~ I love your term "bat signal".  So it is.  Try programming all the links I gave you in Google Feed Reader.  It will pick up your AR and everything else.  You will be ALL over!  Only good stuff of course.

MF ~ Don't just bookmark it, just do it!  :) 

Thanks all.

kk

9:40pm • #10
442,177 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Kristal thank you for sharing, this is something I did not consider, but it could have a great impact on my business.  I will be implementing the suggestions.
9:45pm • #11
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jennifer ~ use it in good health, mostly you will find lots of good things about you out there!

kk

9:53pm • #12
2 Featured Posts
Another thing I did to protect my name was to buy various domains with my name in them. First thing I did was buy DeeCopeland.com, org, net, biz, etc. I also bought DeeCopelandHomes and others. You wouldn't want to become successful, then let someone buy the .net of your name. You may be able to take them to court, but it's a hassle.
10:08pm • #13
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dee ~ good advice.  I also read recently that we should be buying domains with "sucks" after our name.  That makes sense for a big company and maybe even for ourselves....just in case.

kk

10:26pm • #14
JAN
09
2007
10 Featured Posts

Whew! Great info and advice for us. I've wondered about some of the blogs here that attack people (by name) and what those people will do when they read the post on the internet. Can you say lawsuit!

Regarding Dee's comment, a number of years ago when the internet was just beginning, a local team bought up the domain names of the top agents in town. When one of those agents went to buy their name, they learned it had already been purchased. They sued and won on the grounds that a person's name can't be bought like a brand or company name.

However, KK, your suggestion is appropriate as something like that happened here. The victim has sued and haven't heard the outcome yet.

12:20am • #15
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elaine ~ it is so easy to track names anymore.  It is a good rule of thumb to never use someone's name unless you are praising them.  I've had several instances of mentioning a name (in a good way) here on Active Rain and the next day that person visits my blog.

kk

12:38am • #16
509,154 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I've just started experimenting with Google Alerts, but this looks like a much more comprehensive solution. I'm not sure if I'm afraid of the he/she/it in your graphic or not. :) Where in cyberspace does this 'thing' reside??
2:10am • #17
172,867 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dee, I agree I also purchased all of the domains

Tonight I received a Google alert and found part of one of my AR posts on a sleasy site with my links removed.  I sent them an email and told them to remove it immediately or they would hear from my attorney.  Lovely world.

2:47am • #18
368,367 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kristal,

Great post.  Everyone should be following their good and bad presence on the internet.

I wrote a post a while back about cleaning up one's internet image.  If it is too tricky to get cleaned up, there are professionals.

5:51am • #19
201,300 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thanks Kristal,

Never thought about setting it up like that.  I will definitely follow your instructions.  Thanks for sharing.

7:56am • #20
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

John Novak ~ Thanks for letting me know about the bad link, it's fixed now.  My graphic resides in cyberspace, s/he is not posing for anymore photos at this time.   S/he is very bashful.

Laurie ~ I hope you copied the offending site before you contacted them.  I save them to my harddrive first then get nasty.  At least this way I have the evidence.

 Chris ~ So sad it's necessary, but its a good thing there are "professionals" to help correct the problem

Tim ~ You will be amazed.  It's easy to do and extremely helpful.

8:18am • #21
257,104 Points 77 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I know, I know, I know.  I gotta just do it, but I am overwhelmed with just do's today.

And it's been days since I have written a post here.   

9:09am • #22
172,867 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog
kk, Yes, I copied the whole works.  I cant believe the nerve of some people.
12:14pm • #23
191,059 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Gee I try not to think about people talking about me.  It kind of makes me paranoid
12:57pm • #24
2 Featured Posts

Kristal,

Thanks I set up a google reader on myself.  I appreciate the information.

Erik

1:30pm • #25
kk

Gotta say it again... a great BIG THANK YOU!  This info is vital to keeping your name (domain and personal name) Klean!  


8:56pm • #26
JAN
10
2007
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

MF ~ I know what you mean.  It is hard to keep up with everything we must do.

Laurie ~ In addition to copying everything is it a "registered copyright?" If so you have more rights.  Statutory rights that will cost them!

Teresa ~ OK paranoia is good. 

Erik ~ You are welcome, hope all news is good news!

Joanne ~ Yes, Keep it Klean!  :)

Thanks all!

kk

1:31am • #27
10 Featured Posts

KK - I haven't checked my info yet, but plan to do so. I'm thinking in addition to doing my name (Elaine Reese) and my web site (elainereese.com), I'll also check for my name as ElaineReese, without the dot-com and without the space between my name, since when I do that on searches, the search results are a little different.

You are SO good and provide SUCH good info!!! 

10:19am • #28
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elaine ~ that is an excellent idea.  So many people don't spell names correctly, so I can see why that is a very good idea.

kk

4:54pm • #29
5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
ATTA GIRL AWARD...... because you always teach us GOOD STUFF!  Thanks a bunch!
9:05pm • #30
21 Featured Posts
Awesome KK thanks! I'm busy with the cut and paste right now! How do you come up with all of this great stuff?
11:06pm • #32
JAN
11
2007
416,310 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kristal :: Just saw this one. This is some very good advise and well laid out. Thank you!
1:43am • #33
10 Featured Posts

KK - well I just set up my reader. There were no surprises other than someone emailing stock quotes to another person with my name. There was another link to some motivational speaker, but didn't find my name. However, he had tabs across the top such as "Featured speakers", "Motivational speakers", AND

"Female speakers" and "Women speakers".  DUH-H-H-H, what's the difference????

Question: now that I've got this set up, will Reader email when something new is added or do I have to check it every so often?

3:02pm • #35
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elaine ~ just make it a habit to go in and check it each day. There is another an automated program in Google that will send you updates. I can't remember if that is daily or weekly.  It's worth checking out if you aren't in the habit of looking.

I've also set mine up for "denver real estate" just so I can see what happening on that scene.  I've discovered some of my competitors using bogus blogs to spam the system.  Gosh and here I sit blogging my brains out trying to add value in my own little way.  I could be a spammer with no brain!  hahaha

5:40pm • #36
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elaine ~ you can set up an automated search in Google Alerts

http://www.google.com/alerts

 

kk

5:58pm • #37
130,921 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog

KK great information and well put. Thank you.

Jay 

6:56pm • #38
657,942 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Terrific information, Kristal. Don't know how I missed this the first time. Have to do what you suggest...so you've been bookmarked. :)

Jeff

7:58pm • #39
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jay & Jeff ~ You are both welcome, hope it works out well for you.

kk

8:50pm • #40
JAN
21
2007

Wow, another "5". I have read just enough about RSS to understand what is and basics of how it works. You have just motivated me (and enabled, thanks!) to get out there and set up a reader for myself and start making use of the technology.

Muchas gracias.

3:14pm • #41
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Beth you are very welcome.  Please let me know how it goes. 

kk

7:45pm • #42
MAR
07
2007
173,760 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Wow Kristal, I guess I somehow missed this post the first time around but THANKS! Great info to have and thanks to Betsy for sharing it!
1:02pm • #43
168,110 Points Outside Blog

Another great blog Kristal. The internet is a powerful tool and i look up friends i havent talked to in a long and i find them right away, its just that easy !

Eddy

2:15pm • #44
337,990 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great blog, KK...I am bookmarking it...man i did not know you could findout stuff like that...a really informative post girl!!

=-)

2:15pm • #45

Kristal,

Awesome Post!!!  I google, yahoo, etc my name every morning when I fire up the laptop, but thanks for the info.  I've been very fortunate in maintaining a good reputation in my field and area of service, but you never know what someone may write especially if you tell them something they don't want to hear.  

Great info and I hope you don't mind if I subscribe to your blog!

 

2:24pm • #46
587,846 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Elaine Reese was just talking about this entry yesterday when we were both in the office.  She was looking for who was talking about her. 
2:24pm • #47
174,370 Points 44 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks Kristal - Good food for thought.  Keep them coming and have a great day.
2:24pm • #48
KK-
Thanks for that tip --I was wonderinghow someone knew I mentioned their name in a blog.

2:34pm • #49
WOW --I feel like I am back at school --learning everyday at this forum.
Good stuff

2:36pm • #50
1 Featured Post

Kristal,

We've come to expect nothing less from you.

Great post!

Matt Pellerin
PhoenixHomes.com

2:57pm • #51
1 Featured Post
KK... amazing article.  I had no idea that I could do that.  I was checking out the Incredible Agent site - - where you can rank your agent.  I think sites like that can be very harmful.  After reading your post I doubt that I would willingly participate.  Thanks again.
3:19pm • #52
368,367 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog

The New York times published a whole article on finding info in cyberspace that may damage a person; a photo, slander, etc.  I sent it to a family member who has a child with "colorful" my space photos and text.  Any employer or college board can find it now, and who knows what will be stuck in cyber space in the future.  There are organizations making a living "getting rid" of bad stuff on the web.

I'm all for watching your own name in the news feeds.  It's a must to make sure there isn't something that is overlooked in print .... good OR bad.

 

 

3:59pm • #53
184,948 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Always a had of the pack... and always willing to share.

MUCH appreciated!

Me

4:18pm • #54
424,581 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I haven't read the 50+ other comments, but I think this is a great idea.  I really hadn't thought much about someone trashing your name online, but anything happens on the internet these days.  Thanks for the tips!
4:31pm • #55
257,104 Points 77 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
After you told me "just do it" I set up google alerts to notify me automatically of a few key phrases.  This morning I got one about an article that was just written about a group I am in published in the local paper.  I never would have seen it if I had not "just done it."   Thanks KK! 
4:37pm • #56
196,560 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Thanks for this timely info.  I have a My Space acct & so do a lot of other MOMs in my area.  That way we can monitor all the teens.  Not a one has ever refused to "Be our Friend".

Kathleen Lordbock

Re$ale Design 

6:01pm • #57
395,776 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
kk - thanks for the useful information - i will be following the road map and implementing this evening.
6:25pm • #58
346,048 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Thanks for the heads up.  I had no idea how to do this type of thing!  So far so good -- no bad press!  I'll keep an eye on it now!
6:38pm • #59
105,760 Points 3 Featured Posts
Thanks for the info Kristal, not good if someone is bad mouthing you on the web and you don't know it!  I'll hang onto this post...
7:56pm • #60
120,010 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I see why this was a featured blog.  I hadn't put much thought into how easy it could be to sling mud if wanted too.  I've bookmarked this one so that I can set up the google search as you described.  Thank you for sharing!

8:12pm • #61
128,886 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog

KK,

Another fabulous post of relavant information. Thanks I read and learn from you often.

8:33pm • #62
315,468 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Knowledge ispower, as you point out. Thanks for sharing your knowledge...and Power!
8:55pm • #63
1 Featured Post

KK:

Always like reading your post.  Full of great information.  Keep warm.  The weather is improving.  Love that mile high city.

Ken 

 

9:28pm • #64
2 Featured Posts
Another Great blog....Keep them coming.
10:53pm • #65
143,325 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kristal,

Thanks for the post. Definitely useful in today's cyber world. I'm off to do some googling! Oh and yes, this one's bookmarked.

11:25pm • #66
7 Featured Posts

Kristal, you are an amazing person to have learned so much valuable stuff!  I am dumbfounded by all the things I find out here on AR that I don't know.   Thank you for sharing your discoveries with all of us...a million thanks!

~Deborah

11:34pm • #67
MAR
08
2007
484,413 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
That is great information.  One more thing on my list of tasks.  Thank you.
1:42am • #68
416,310 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kristal, this is excellent information. I've been using google reader to follow posts on our company, my name, etc. for some time now. I found a competitor putting out a bid to clone our product this way. These are powerful tools if used correctly. Great stuff!
2:45am • #69
394,220 Points 179 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
See, there is a method to my madness. If you repost it, she will come.....
2:58am • #70
223,089 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kristal, thank you, thank you, thank you.  I first heard of Google reader a few days ago, but apart from the initial mention of it, I wasn't able to get more info.  Your post makes it so easy.  I'm definitely doing this.  Thank you for sharing so much practical advice.
5:31am • #71
532,851 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I've used Google Alerts for a long time, and it's great. Hadn't thought of the RSS feeds you mentioned so will be implementing it this weekend. Thanks for the tip.
6:23am • #72
121,298 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I am going to try to do this. I am not sure I understand how.....I might need to get my husband's help.
8:38am • #73
2 Featured Posts Hit Router

Thank you - I've heard about Google Reader, but didn't know exactly what it was for.  I set it up just like you posted and it was so easy and will be very useful to keep on eye on.  Thanks for the push to get it done.

 

10:30am • #74

Very cool Kristal, not that you need another person telling you. I use google alerts for the same thing but all I get are emails notifying me of what has come up where. This I can access easily on my cell phone though, which is a definite plus.

Thanks! 

12:48pm • #75
5 Featured Posts Outside Blog
If anyone Google's my name..I'm not the Movie Star....I'm the Realtor!
2:23pm • #76
4 Featured Posts

KK,

I knew if someone would know, it would be you.  Thank you for the links and information.  I love reading your posts.

4:54pm • #77
362,566 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thanks for all the kudos, I do appreciate your comments on this resurrected post.  Times at work are very busy now, the blogging is working and the snow has melted.  Birds are singing and I am running as fast as I can.

Hope everyone is busy and doing well.

Ciao,

kk

11:44pm • #78
MAR
10
2007
Thanks Kristal, I followed your instructions exactly, it was a piece of cake!
12:52am • #79
9 Featured Posts

Can't thank you enough.  This information is golden.

12:31pm • #80
MAR
18
2007

Krissy, you're so smart! How do u KNOW all this stuff???!

I wanna be like YOU when I grow up! ;)

 

www.Condelee.com

11:34pm • #81
MAY
16
2007
2 Featured Posts

Kristal,

Excellent stuff!  Thanks for sharing.

3:29pm • #82
JUN
12
2007

This is a very informative and great posting.  This will be very helpful to my company who just discovered that we are a victim of exactly what you talk about.  I saw an article in a Tampa real estate agent newspaper that quoted you with regard to protecting your name, etc online and followed that information to this blog.  We are following the directions as I type.  Our incidence with this issue arose a few months ago originally but we just discovered it the beginning of last week. 

We had two different customers on a public forum slandering our company name (our company actually did not build their house, it was another affaliated company, under a separate name, that technically built their homes) and we tried to post the "other side of the story," the moderators of the forum removed all of our comments and banned us posting.  When I asked the moderators why we were banned and our comments removed, they said that we were "attacking the other person" and posting personal information.  when we explained that nothing we posted was any more personal than what the accusers had already divulged and that we were simply trying to defend an innocent company's excellent reputation (been in business over 50 years and built over 3,000 homes) they never replied and just continued to remove any postings put up by us in defense. 

 So, this is actually an ongoing issue right now that we aren't sure how to combat at this point other than with attorneys.  The original accuser's comments have remained up which are referrencing the wrong company and causing damage to a good name.  Very frustrating!  Anyone that already gone through this please help!!!

 Thanks!

Chris
2:42pm • #83
APR
23
2008

Krystal-

Wow, what a great article!  This is awesome information and goes so far beyond most articles out there.  Personal Branding and name protection is key in the world of Google - which is both the 800 lb Gorilla and 10 ton Elephant (as in it "never forgets")

For agents who are seeking excellent representation, I also recommend checking out qAlias - Google Me - Andy Greider - for a sample...it works like a charm - and both protects and enhances your personal brand online.

Andy "Google Me" Greider
9:43am • #84
APR
24
2008

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Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022

Denver, CO

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The Berkshire Group Realtors

Address: 3801 E. Florida Avenue Suite 400, Denver, CO, 80210

Office Phone: (303) 953-5222

Cell Phone: (303) 589-2022

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