Paul sums it up for me today:

“In a world where customers are researching on the internet before they buy, it’s time for every business to begin thinking about their online reputation. We’ve gone from an age where shoddy products could hide behind slick advertising, to an age where a million dollar ad campaign can be foiled by a teenager with a popular blog. The new secret to success is to make good products, give good service and make it easy for customers to tell others about their experience.”

iKarma.com, New tools for better business!

You have to put those referrals to work for you both offline and on! The power of your online reputation (or lack therof) is more important to your business than you may think.

I may pass your card on to another client, and if they are at all savvy, they may turn to Google to find out more about you even though you are a referral from a trusted source. It is just the way technology is taking business.

Manage your online reputation as much as you manage your offline one – Eventually, there will be no choice 🙂