The independent web plays a large role in personal branding. Personal branding can land you new clients, jobs and opportunities so I just realized how important a unique name is. I know this sounds crazy and is quite possibly the dumbest theory I have come up with to date (and there have been a lot of stupid ones), but let’s take a second to think about it (please don’t spend anymore than a second on this).
Here is a list of names that should standout immediately in your mind when you read them or hear them:
Each one recognizable because of what they have done, but having unique names certainly helps keep them in your mind. A good last name is key here.
So why did I choose to go with ‘Scrivs’ as my online label? Well, in meatspace that’s what my friends call me and to be honest I have this crazy rockstar mentality going on in my head where I think it’s just cool to have one name and be recognizable to anyone that hears it. Poor Mike Davidson doesn’t have that luxury. Of course with all of his success it’s not like it matters, but you have to feel for the guy because it was that much more of an uphill climb. Damn, now that I think about it, Keith Robinson started in the same gutter. Sorry friends, I feel for you and your struggles.
UPDATE: I take that back with Keith. He started off as D. Keith Robinson and the ‘D’ was always a mystery so that helped to build up his reputation. Mike Davidson just has an ill-shaven beard so if we can start calling him the Klondike CEO maybe that will help his cause.
However, let it be known that just because you can use one word to label yourself, it doesn’t mean it will be successful. Some people have names that just sound ugly or can’t even be pronounced. Let’s dig into the 9rules Member database to see what we can come up with. Ah, here is a good one: Sergio I. Villarreal Pou.
There aren’t that many Sergios in the world, but I do know of a few so just going by “Sergio” wouldn’t work for him. He definitely can’t go by “Villarreal” either because who can pronounce that correctly or type it perfectly every single time? So that leaves us with “Pou”….
…
Hell that might actually work. I can’t wait to see Pou at SXSW this year. Going to be a good time.
Finally look at the 9rules team. I already discussed Rundle and myself, but what about Devroe and Tyme. What if Colin’s names was Colin Smith? The whole company persona would simply be screwed because that name has no aura around it. Thankfully his last name is Devroe which gives him this strange aura of sophistication. And I am sure I don’t even have to go into the coolness of having a Community Director named Tyme White who happens to be black.
I guess what I am trying to say is don’t attempt to run a successful company or website without a cool name because it’s just too much of a struggle trying to make a name for yourself. When you leave comments you want to be recognizable instantly and when people write about you, you don’t want them to have to type 39 letters every single time they reference you.
If you need help with a nickname you know where to find me.
Originally posted on January 25, 2006 @ 1:29 pm