Branding With Your Name

 

Do you ever think about your name? Why you go by a certain name? Why it’s spelled the way it is? Or maybe why it’s pronounced the way it is? Or wonder what in the world some parents were thinking when they gave their children the names they did? What’s in a name? Obviously, a lot. Branding a business with your name is even trickier since the name then becomes not only who you are, but what you are.

Think of the things you do when meeting someone in person for the first time. First, we usually ask them what their name is. The next thing we usually ask them is what they do. Social media makes it easier for us to learn these things about people before we even start networking with them. Maybe this is why people who start businesses, especially online, may find branding easier by using their names. It saves time by combining the “what is your name,” with the “what do you do.”

Is your name brand-worthy?

In this digital age, more people possibly see your name than ever before. Branding your business with your name only amplifies that possibility. Just for fun, do a Google search on your name to see what comes up. The chances of you being the only person in the world with your name is rather low…unless you are one of those fortunate to have a unique or uncommonly spelled name. Having the same name as others should not stop you if you choose to go with branding as your name. As a business, your name becomes more than just a name when it represents products or services.

Protect your branding…and your names…

One of my Social Solutions Collective colleagues, Roshanda Pratt, wrote an excellent article about reputation building. She touches on how nearly everything you say online - and even offline - leaves a digital footprint. Of course, the more scandalous or vile the event, the more likely it is to go viral. One of the best ways to prevent your good name from being tarnished is to never say or do anything offensive. The likelihood of never offending anyone is zero. The next best thing? Be yourself and be honest. We all make mistakes. You may no longer have a clean slate, but take the high road and admit your wrongdoings. Branding with your name carries risks, but being transparent should help minimize them.

Almost Famous…

We can all think of people who have been successful with branding as their names. Certain clothing designers, like Tommy H. and Ralph L. (you know who I’m talking about) are people, but are known for their products. Social media provides all of us with the opportunity for branding with our names. Some bloggers attain rock star status, with many people following and reading their articles. These writers took a chance by branding with their names. By doing so, they show the rest of us how we can also become “almost famous,” just by being ourselves.

 

I’m not exactly branding with my name, but the ” j+” represents me and my business. Would you like to learn more? I’d be glad to talk more about branding, social media and your business needs! You can reach me at 214.250.4788 or  [email protected]

 

photo credit: -sel via photopin cc