Social Media OGs Will Remember This ??

What's in a name?

Today I want to reflect back on perhaps one of the most iconic collisions of boy band mania and social media:

Justin Timberlake’s cameo in the 2010 film, “The Social Network”.

As you probably know, JT played Napster’s co-founder and Facebook exec, Sean Parker. He famously delivered the line “Drop the ‘the’. Just Facebook, it’s cleaner.”

It's hard to remember a time when it was The Facebook, so here's a refresher for ya:

But Justin's suggestion to simplify Facebook's URL makes me think of times I’ve had an idea and agonized over what to call it.

I’d get tripped up over the name for so long, it’d prevent me from actually starting. Can you relate?

After registering a bunch of catchy but cringey domain names, I realized the best name for my website was the one I’d had all along… Your first and last name is probably the only domain name you’ll need. Here's why:

• It accomplishes the goal — to make YOU top-of-mind!
• It lasts through all your chapters and eras — you can pivot at any time and it will still be relevant.
• If you're lucky, it's short, sweet, and unique.

But maybe you're one of those with a name that's too common... Did you know John Legend is really John Stephens?

Or maybe it's a bit hard to spell... Did you know Mindy Kaling is really Mindy Chokalingam?

All hope isn't lost! I share tips on how to address these challenges on the ?Making the Brand podcast.?

But no matter what your name is, it's not what matters. People will choose to work with you based on the amazing value you offer!

?Listen: How to Pick a Name for Your Brand

To all the fellow marketing and pop culture lovers, thank you for reading! ??

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