Dr. Roukana

By Dr. Roukana – Skill Up and Thrive

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“Just Google it,” they say.

But what if I told you that real information literacy goes way beyond typing a question into a search bar and clicking the first link?

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of smart searching—where your ability to find the right information at the right time can literally determine your next business breakthrough (or burnout).

Let’s dive into the what, where, when, why, and how of effective information searching—and yes, we’ll even laugh a little along the way.

What Is Information Searching—Really?

At its core, searching for information is about asking the right question and knowing how and where to look for trustworthy answers.

Think of it like shopping for the perfect outfit. You wouldn’t walk into a hardware store looking for a cashmere scarf (unless you’re me on a Monday with too much coffee). The same applies to information—you need to know where to shop and what you’re shopping for.

Professional tip: “Search” doesn’t mean scrolling TikTok endlessly. It means being intentional, strategic, and source-aware.

Where Should You Search?

Here’s where the amateurs and pros part ways.

The average person types a phrase into Google and hopes for the best.

The information-literate entrepreneur understands the source hierarchy:

Level Source Type Use When

– Top Peer-reviewed journals, government data, official publications You need factual, evidence-based, business-critical insights

– Mid Credible news, expert blogs, whitepapers You want trends, opinions, market insights

– Bottom Social media, forums, casual blogs You need inspiration, testimonials, community tips

Real-life example:
Samar, a business coach, Googled “how to get more clients.” The first five results were ads. She dug deeper—found a government-funded report on women entrepreneurs’ digital behavior—and rewrote her entire marketing plan. Her bookings tripled in 6 weeks. Coincidence? Nope. Smart searching.

When Should You Search?

Let’s be real: All. The. Time. But strategically.

Before making decisions – New software? Vendor? Workshop topic?

While planning – Product launches, content creation, marketing strategies.

During a crisis – PR issues, tech glitches, sudden trends.

When you’re stuck – Writer’s block? No inspiration? Search smarter, not harder.

Think of searching like brushing your teeth. You don’t just do it once and forget. It’s part of your routine to stay healthy, relevant, and thriving.

Why Is This Skill Non-Negotiable?

Because bad information is expensive—in time, money, and reputation.

In today’s noisy digital world, information is power—but only if it’s accurate, relevant, and timely.

Knowing how to search:

Protects you from misinformation.

Saves hours (and headaches).

Makes you a more confident decision-maker.

Builds your credibility and authority in your field.

Real-life truth bomb:
One of my clients almost invested in a course “guaranteed to 10x your sales with AI.” A simple fact-check and a smart search revealed the instructor had zero business experience and was using ChatGPT prompts from Reddit. Crisis (and wallet) averted.

5 Pro Tips to Search Like a CEO

1. Use keywords, not full questions
Instead of “How do I find clients,” search “client acquisition strategies women entrepreneurs.”

2. Add site:edu or site:gov for credible sources
For example: remote work statistics site:gov

3. Filter by date
No one needs advice from 2014 on TikTok trends.

4. Don’t stop at page one
Great insights often hide on page 2 (gasp!).

5. Use multiple sources before concluding
Cross-check. Always.

Final Thoughts: Search Like Your Business Depends On It—Because It Does

In this era of digital overload, being information-literate isn’t a luxury. It’s a business survival skill.

So, the next time you’re searching for answers—about your clients, your competitors, or even your next big move—remember: it’s not just what you find, but how you find it that makes the difference.

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✅ Ready to Skill Up?

* Follow us on Drroukana for daily info-literacy insights
* Or join our 1-hour workshop this month: “Search Smart, Thrive Strong”

You’re not just building a business.
You’re building a brain-powered empire.