I got a phone call today from a gentleman who wanted a quote. I met the customer and he began to explain that her was pw his gutters and slipped and sprayed his shingles. He then tried to even out the mark he had just made and gave up once he noticed the shingles were being damaged.
He had seen my wife driving my truck lettered for roof cleaning and grabbed the website....then he began to investigate me and the RCIA. He looked aroung for a few days on the RCIA and my website before calling.
He asked me if I was a ligit company and I replied "Yes sir, what makes you ask that?" He then said "I am a elected offical for the county and I don't need any eyebrows raised."
We both laughed, and I scheduled him for this week.
My lock in was that I am certified, local, and he already checked out my company. He stated that he likes to give back to the local companies since we pay his salary.
The perception that we leave online, our internet 'profile' of sorts, has long lasting impact - good, bad or indifferent, which is up to the poster.
It's very common for corporations to check in to one's online profile prior to any job offers. Some people haven't figured this out yet yet will undoubtedly learn the hard way. A very recent post comes to mind as an example.
Others try very hard to be to the good internet citizen.