What's in a name?

As this is my first Blog, I wanted it to be meaningful, insightful, and reflect every aspect of my being. Naturally; I am a perfectionist.

For some time now I have been trying to convince myself that I should create a Gmail account. I have used a single (personal) email address for many years now and the thought of changing doesn’t sit well with me. The fact that Gmail is powered by Google (Come on, it’s GOOGLE!) which is not likely to being going anywhere in the next millennia, and that nearly everyone I know has a Gmail account, has swayed me to take the plunge. But now the real challenge begins… what is my username going to be??

Having embraced the Digital Revolution, I am up on Social Media and the importance of establishing a personal brand. This only further complicates my predicament… I want my Gmail address to be powerful, memorable, and reflect every aspect of my being. Nothing less than perfect will do.

Of course, all of names that I try are taken.

Google suggests adding a series of irrelevant numbers at the end of my name. Perhaps insert a chosen word multiple times? Or maybe I could include my first and last name intermittently throughout the address?

These are the best suggestions that (arguably) the most powerful search engine on the planet can come up with??

Thanks, but no thanks Google.

I want to utilize Gmail to connect me across all of the social platforms that I currently engage with: facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, You Tube and this blog. I need my Gmail username to be catchy, clever, and reflect MY personal brand. I should also mention that my last email address was rather lengthy and (for whatever reason) complicated.

You would be surprised at how many people can’t spell the word PRODUCTION. #SMH – For those that may not know, this (#) is a hashtag. There will be more on this later (cheap plug for future blog topic).

After countless attempts at what I thought were clever and profound Gmail addresses, I decided to just keep it real. No gimmicks, no witty phrases, JUST.ME. Thankfully there aren’t too many Ryan Mathew Barbers in the world. And I would like to extend a special thank you to my mom for “intentionally” dropping the other T from my middle name. 

My advice when setting up an email address, username, or profile (unless you come up with something truly original) is to just go with what you know/who you are. Be yourself. Use your REAL name. (My heart goes out to all the John Smiths of the world.) Not only will it be easier for other people find you online but you don’t have to try to be anything you’re not (unless that’s what you’re going for).

The real point I’m trying to make is that it’s cool to be yourself. You don’t need to come up with a new name to stand out or seem creative. You can do that with your blog titles or in the content of your tweets.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”