In the energy circles there is a common reference to what is called the "carbon footprint". This is an individual's or business's direct contribution to climate change resulting in greenhouse gases. In the environmentalist circles there is the "ecological footprint". This measures the amount of land and sea that is used by an activity or population. Finally there is another measurement that references the amount of water used by an individual called the "water footprint".

The computing world, not to be left behind in the footprint trend, has what is called "digital footprint". This is the measurement of the data that is generated as the result of an individual's activity within a network, cell phone or on the Internet. This includes information or images that are directly posted when posting on your favorite social networking site. Your digital footprint even expands to the surveillance cameras that capture your image in public location. The more data that is captured from your digital activities, the larger your footprint. The larger your footprint the higher your risk of that information being observed by unintended parties.

EMC offers a digital footprint calculator that walks you through a series of questions to reveal a score. Ironically, you must download this item and install it before use. Another means to get an idea of your online digital footprint is to simply search for your name on your favorite search engine and see what comes up. When I search my name on Google, there are 1,570 pages returned. Not all of these pages pertain directly to me; but with a little reviewing and a little knowledge of me it is not difficult to identify the ones that do.

The effort of maintaining a small digital footprint does not imply that you must become a digital or social hermit. There are many benefits in utilizing the digital tools that are available to us. Pay close attention to the content of the digital information that you actively output. Brad McGehee has posted several blog entries in the past on developing your online brand. Seeing the data that is available online as a brand building process is an excellent way to manage your digital footprint.

Here are some ways you can reduce or improve the quality of your digital footprint:

• Avoid posting pictures on the Internet that you wouldn't show your parents or employer.
• Be cautious about the wording of critical statements or complaints.
• Avoid revealing information about your job or employer that is not public.
• Be cautious about the personal information that you share about yourself.
• Be cautious about the personal information that you share about your friends and family.
• Be cautious about sharing too much of your daily routines and travel plans.
• Utilize privacy settings on your browser or various web sites that offer them.

Remember that your personal information and reputation is an asset. Once damaged or exposed it is very difficult to control its use. Besides, it was George Bernard Shaw who once said: "The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business."