"إذا لم يكن موجودًا على جوجل، فهو غير موجود"

The idea here is pretty straightforward—if something can't be found on Google, it’s almost as if it doesn’t exist in the modern world. Think about it. When was the last time you wanted to know something and didn’t just Google it? Probably never, right? This quote speaks to the immense power and ubiquity of Google in our everyday lives. We depend on it for information about everything: businesses, history, even people. If something or someone isn’t online, they’re kind of invisible to the majority of us.

Historically, this idea became relevant as the internet grew and Google became the dominant search engine. Before the internet, information was found in books, libraries, and personal connections. People had to physically look things up or ask around. But now, especially with Google becoming a household name by the early 2000s, if you’re not online, it’s like you don’t exist in the public eye.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine you're a small business owner with a fantastic product but no online presence. You don't have a website, and your business isn't listed on Google. Now, picture a potential customer searching for the product you offer. If your business doesn’t show up in the search results, to that customer, you might as well not exist. They’ll find a competitor who is online, buy from them, and you miss out on a sale—simply because you weren’t visible.

So, how do you apply this nugget of wisdom? If you run a business, make sure you have at least a basic website. Register your business on Google My Business. If you’re a professional, have a LinkedIn profile. The key is to make sure that when someone looks you up, they can find you. It’s not about oversharing or putting your entire life online; it’s about being discoverable to those who might need your services, products, or expertise.

Let me tell you a story. A friend of mine, Sarah, is a talented graphic designer. For years, she relied on word-of-mouth to get clients. She didn't see the need to have a website or any online portfolio. But then, a big potential client searched for her online and found...nothing. They went with someone else who had a visible, impressive portfolio. Sarah realized that her amazing work meant nothing if nobody could find it. She spent a weekend making a simple website and uploaded samples of her work. Soon after, she received inquiries from people who found her through Google. She learned the hard way that in today's world, being invisible online is almost like not existing at all.

In a nutshell, ensure that you or your business exist online. It’s like having a calling card or an open sign in today’s digital world. Don’t let your talents, products, or services go unnoticed because you’re not visible where people are looking. So, whether it’s through a website, social media, or business listings, make sure you’re out there for the world to find. Your future self will thank you.