It's good to have a goofy name

When you Google "sernovitz" you pretty much get me.  Having a relatively rare name make it easy to have a big presence online.

It's harder for people who have Google-proof names, like Michael Rubin and Jennifer White.  There are a zillion results, none of them relevant.

Think about this when you name your next product.

Comments

Stephanie M. Cockerl said... (Feb 7, 2008 8:39:24 AM)

Thank you Andy. For all those times I was teased in the schoolyard, I know that now, I have the last laugh.

Michael E. Rubin, GasPedal said... (Feb 7, 2008 8:46:20 AM)

Tell me about it. Google "Michael Rubin" and you get either:

A> A controversial neo-conservative commentator for the American Enterprise Institute

B> A filmmaker who has created popular video games for LucasArts

C> A music reporter for Vibe and Rolling Stone

Obviously, none of those people are me. *grin* I've actually toyed with the idea of adopting a professional name (like actors with stage names).

Your point is definitely well-taken for companies looking to brand a product or service. For personal branding, I usually recommend putting your company name next to your name (as I have done above -- Michael E. Rubin, GasPedal). It's not perfect, but it at least will help distinguish you from everyone else in Google.

Sallie Goetsch (rhymes with said... (Feb 12, 2008 10:44:41 AM)

I have to agree with you, Andy. Even though I suffer through mispronunciations and misspellings, there is only one of me on the Internet (or in existence, so far as I know), and that makes it much easier for people to find me.

Ted Demopoulos, Effective Internet Presence said... (Feb 13, 2008 11:31:49 PM)

And when you Google Demopoulos, you get me -- if you spell in right or close to right :)

Ron Patiro said... (Feb 20, 2008 4:23:50 PM)

A colleague of mine has the same name as a convicted child molester... thats pretty bad.