My name is Jill Crossland and I google. Yes, I confess every so often I check to see what comes up when I google my own name, which also happens to be my company name (Jill Crossland Coaching). To date I jockey for this prime virtual real estate with a Jill Crossland who is a British pianist. My neighbor has quite a florishing concert and recording career; so I enjoy checking her updates as well as my own.

I advise my business clients to periodically do a search for their business and name; keep an eye on what clients/customers will be finding. It goes without saying that your website should feature prominently, social media pages pop up so be careful with what you put on FaceBook. LinkedIn can help really help to boost one's Google placement. Once you have your profile set up make a note on your schedule to create some sort of update, new connection or recommendation at least once a month. For the professional LinkedIn is proving itself invaluable and has been quietly adding some nice applications such as connecting to your Twitter and blog posts.

If you have any doubts that this is the right place for your name and business read the recent Financial Post article 'LinkedIn hooks up on move with RIM'; they may not have the flash and controversy of some of the other social media sites but in the long run doesn't that make them the better place to trust with your name.