A friend was talking to me yesterday about reviewing resumes for a vacancy in her company.  She said the best resume to come across her desk was from someone by the name of “Precious.”  Apparently, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t bring herself to hire someone called “Precious.”  The name certainly doesn’t instill confidence.  She said she couldn’t imagine calling the woman’s name, “Precious, would you come in here please.”

When it comes to names, there is something to be said for erring on the side of conservative.  Names are our own personal brands.  Here are some coaching tips to consider:

• When you name your child, think ahead 20 years and ask yourself if you could picture him or her being called by this name in a Board meeting or when running for public office. 
• Don’t get too creative in spelling.  If the child is going to have to explain it every time he or she is called on, the name probably too fussy.
• Consider whether the name will cause the child to be ridiculed throughout his or her lifetime.
• If you already have a name that doesn’t reprepsent your brand well, consider changing it, going by your first two initials, or going by your middle name. 

TAGS: Children's names, names, personal branding