I'm not talking about your ability to surf the web. I'm confident you've got those skills down. :)

I'm talking about what happens when you type your name into Google and hit 'search.' What comes up? Is it good? Is it bad? Is there anything at all?

It's been among the topics of discussion here at the office this afternoon, after learning that John McCain's web site ranks 68th in a search for "John McCain," and that three federal judges have OK'd using Google to research an employee's prior work history.

Ironically, in the midst of all the personal Googling this afternoon, April (from the InsureMe Affiliate Blog) received a phone call from her estranged best friend of six years. The friend found April by searching for her name in Google, finding April's blog posts, and calling InsureMe.

Sure, someone could probably raise the issue of the creep factor—that in this day and age, with the internet and cell phones, it's tough to stay hidden. But the reality is, if you plan on using the web to make money, you don't want to stay hidden.

Take a moment and Google your name. See what comes up in web results—and images. Let me know what you find.

[Related article]: You're a Nobody Unless Your Name Googles Well (WSJ.com)