Should I change my name?

[Salesman84]

This may sound a bit crazy but hear me out.

I was born in Eastern Europe and have a rather difficult last name (but NO accent, I was very young when we moved), with more consonants than vowels by far. Its extremely difficult to say, but customers DO seem to like to ask how to pronounce it (virtually all of them). And then it gives me a chance to mention, extremely quickly, a tiny bit of my background and break the ice. However, it makes phone calls rather awkward because I usually JUST use my first name, which is a bit informal for anyone but the youngest customers. When I do try to use my last name, its a mess on the phone due to the particular sounds.

My first name though, is simplified in English to Paul, and thats what I put on my cards and email signature. Even Paul in my opinion isn't the most pleasant or strong sounding name.

My middle name is David and I love the name. My last name in my language, literally means "Transporter" or "Deliverer". In modern usage, once cars came out, its now used in that country as the word for 'Driver'.

I was thinking of changing my name to David Driver. One, I somehow like the way it sounds. Two, its almost a tie in to cars. Three, it has the double first letter D__ D___ thing just like my name currently does, although nobody gets to use it since they cant say it currently.

If someone was going for a successful personal brand, doing ~45 cars a month (already doing 28 as of first year in business), do you think a name could help?

 

[bzweifel]

I think it would help. My last name is Zweifel, so I feel your pain. No one ever remembers it or pronounces it right. I love my first name , Blake, but even that has its down side. Even when spoken clearly and slowly over the phone , people still normally hear Blaine , Mike or Blair instead of Blake. I've thought about only going by my first and middle name "Blake Alexander" but I never followed through.
My father is in the business (we don't work for the same organization anymore but we use to years ago) His first name is John. Not only does he have the same problem with his our last name, he's also worked at dealerships that had 3 other Johns in sales. He started going by Jay-Z (JZ). If hes had too much caffine in the morning, he will end a call with "when you get here, please ask for Jay- Z ... Aka HOV." I thought it was retarded at first. I was proved wrong when 70 year old white men started entering the dealership asking , "Is Jay-Z, wait I'm sorry, is Mr. HOV in today?" lol

Whatever works.

David Driver is kinda catchy and easy to remember. Please keep us posted to your decision and the success of it.

 

[Jerry Thibeau]

I have met salespeople from Nigeria and Asia with some funky names. I suggested they consider changing their names to be more American sounding and a few have done so with good results. You should do what makes you happy. But I like your choice.

 

[AdamR]

This was before I started working at a car dealership but several years ago I called a dealer to inquire about a vehicle. The salesman I spoke to gave me his name and said there are a couple others at the dealer with the same first name. His last name was "Hag" and he said if I stop by to "ask for the old Hag". I never did stop to look at the vehicle I was inquiring about but 5+ years later I still remember that conversation.

People seem to have an easier time remembering simple names but I think it also helps to give customers another way to know you besides just your name like the salesman did with me

 

[kewlmonroy]

Changing your name might make you feel comfortable. I'd say, go for it.