What’s In A Name?

In the course of my day I seen a multitude of different email addresses.  Each company has its own email protocol.  First.Lastname@company.com (a classic) or First Initial.Last Name@company.com or Initialsplusnumber@company.com. These examples are just a few ways to skin the email naming cat.

But when you get to the personal side of the email world, all bets are off.  I have a few creative email addresses.  They’ve helped me beat spammers. But when I have to put a professional face on my personal life, I make sure that I have an email address that won’t have people giving me a second look.

When I am applying for a job or trying to grow a business, most potential clients are taken aback by the more creative email addresses.  For example:

1. An experienced IT professional with 12 years experience is putting himself out in the market place, the contact email is badmojojuju@xxxxx.com.  Seriously.  Bad Mojo Juju?  Would I want that person anywhere near my computers? No.
2. I get the Make-up Artist: MUAdiva@xxxx.com. That one makes sense, but I’d like a name to go with the email address.  Do I call the person M-u-a-h?
3. How about the just plain secure?  perfectlygood4U@xxxx.com.  Good for me?  How do they know?

Maybe I’m taking things to far, but the point is that your first impression often is your email address.  Witty can come through in different ways.  Unique does not have to be a flag flying high and proud.

Being proud to just be Jane.Smith@xxxx.com.

Am I Risk Adverse?

I’m currently blessed to be employed.  Due to the circumstances of my employment I am surrounded by people who are in the process of losing their jobs due to a decision to off-shore their jobs.  Needless to say the environment is a little hostile.

This is proving to be a fascinating study in human nature.  Some people sit and moan about the tragedy about to befall them.  They wander the halls weeping and wailing, mourning their loss.

Some are confused with the situation.  They know that opportunities are out there, but have no idea how to take advantage of them.

Then there are those who are taking the opportunity to reinvent themselves.  Stepping outside of their comfort zone.  Looking at jobs that the little voice in their head would normally be saying no to.  Taking that risk.

I’ve learned that without risk, there is no reward.

So, to answer my own question am I risk adverse? No.