This question and answer came from Episode 4 of the #AskGaryVee show!
Question: Self brand or establish a name brand?
Answer: Should I have been "Gary Vaynerchuk" or "Wine Marketing Man?" The truth is, you evolve. With time things change and so will your outlook on your business. Heck, your business might change entirely as well. And so, do whatever it takes to allow for simplicity when it comes to the iterations that you're likely to have with both your work and personal life.
Gary Vaynerchuk is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author, self-taught wine expert, and innovative entrepreneur. Find more at http://garyvaynerchuk.com
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook is now available on Amazon! http://bit.ly/jjjrhamazon
Question: Self brand or establish a name brand?
Answer: Should I have been "Gary Vaynerchuk" or "Wine Marketing Man?" The truth is, you evolve. With time things change and so will your outlook on your business. Heck, your business might change entirely as well. And so, do whatever it takes to allow for simplicity when it comes to the iterations that you're likely to have with both your work and personal life.
Gary Vaynerchuk is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author, self-taught wine expert, and innovative entrepreneur. Find more at http://garyvaynerchuk.com
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook is now available on Amazon! http://bit.ly/jjjrhamazon
I agree, but correct me if I am wrong, wasn't Gary's channel called "Wine Library"?
im struggling with this now
That was really good advice. I was actually going to send you that same question :). All best, Alex
A lot may depend on who you are trying to reach.
I started my company with a broad name "Global Communications" (telecom and security consulting and services) but after a few years I realized that clients never remembered that name but they all knew my own name, so I changed to "Patterson Communications" and everyone remembered it.
Now, though, I have changed my business focus to a very specific consulting service directed at corporations and executives, and a different name was needed to catch the attention of potential clients. I set up a dba and now market with that name "Exec Security" – it gives potential clients a better idea if I might be able to offer something to them.
Also, if I ever sell the business the name can go with it.
Love seeing all the names in the comments. In the YouTube Mom community many women are fearful of sharing their last names due to safety concerns. Some have been stalked by fans. It's a real concern. I however, am one of the few who openly shares my full name.
I like the point, however it's very hard to personally brand ANY variation of David Wilson because all the possible domain names are gone, and various other platforms for brand awareness are used up. So in my case I pretty much HAD to create a company brand. Some days I get really sad about that, and others I just try and push ahead.
Well messaged…thanks buddy….chat soon…will I see you out in Arizona at the game?
I just went through this again and opted to separate so if people just wanted info from a business perspective they can follow the company and I can still post my "fun" stuff as me.
I may kick myself in the ass later, but it won't be the 1st time I do a "what the hell was thinking?"
Agree 100%. I think some thought on the front end can help make rebranding easier, though.
I really like this question, I love your answer even more.