What’s in a Name?

Throughout my youth my parents stressed the importance of making a good first impression. Basic things like shined shoes, clean clothes and neatly combed hair were a given.

Of equal importance was bearing. Look a person in the eyes when talking, stand proud and erect, don’t mumble. Be proud of who you are. Tell people your name.

Neither of my late parents ever used a computer. For them socialization was a Sunday visit to family and friends, or a phone call. Keeping in touch with distant friends and relatives was done by writing letters. Twitter was something birds did; a forum was something from ancient Roman history. “On-line” was standing behind someone at the grocery store while waiting your turn to be checked out. They would have difficulty with parts of today.

Particularly the part with names. Mom would never have introduced herself as “tickedoffteenie” or dad as “muddledmurray”. They were proud of their names.

In many respects communication has changed from my parents day. Online you can’t see if my hair is combed (it is); if my shoes are shined (I’m wearing slippers) or if I’m typing in my boxers. For the record I’m wearing clean jeans and a pressed shirt. My fedora hangs on the rack until I go outside.

Its been said, “first impressions are lasting”. Online our first impression is frequently made with our “user name”. What immediately comes to mind when you see user names like, “PMSPam”, “angryAnDy”, PO’dPat” or “annoyedAnnie”? Warm and loving, friendly folks, right? Just the kind of people you want to hang out with?

Suppose these folks or people with similarly interesting names are trying to sell you something–and, isn’t everyone? Does “Jerry_the_Jerk” really inspire confidence?

Granted, online anyone can “be” anyone, but initially the impression you make is dependent on the perception of your reader.

Your chosen “user name” is important!

“1001 Smartest Things Ever Said,” Edited and with an Introduction by Steven D. Price (the Lyons Press $9.95)

“I quote others only in order the better to express myself.”, so said the late French essayist Michel de Montaigne. Wise, instructive words.

It’s with this quote, placed immediately before the introduction, that Steven Price begins this handy little resource.

Divided into six main sections and an attribution listing at the end, “1001 Smartest Things Ever Said”, gives you a glimpse at the wit and wisdom of man throughout the ages. From Aesop, the Greek of fabled fame to the French novelist Emile Zola.

The sections, “Life and Death (And Some of What Happens in Between)”–yes, that’s the title of the first section; “Love and Friendship; “Success, and Ways to Achieve It”; “The Life of the Mind”; “Politics and Politicians, Government and Statesmen”; and last, “Proverbial Wisdom.”

To say the least, it’s eclectic in both source and content. Yogi Berra and George Will; the Roger’s boys–Will and Roy, Oscar Wilde to Ben Stein. Poets, writers, actors, athletes along with religious leaders and politicians are well represented.

Yes, it’s fun to read, but it’s even better to use what you’ve read. We’ve all heard, “Experience is the best teacher.”, and we know, from experience, it’s true. Years ago, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), the French sculptor best known for “The Thinker” said, “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” Much the same as the ubiquitous proverb but a bit more eloquent. Using a quote, with attribution, in your writing whether product, content, blog posts or twitter “tweets” will make you appear more knowledgeable and better informed.

Twitter is arguably the fast growing social media site. Based on observation some of the most “retweeted” material is quotations. Good quotations. Retweets of your posts increases your exposure. Increased exposure gains you more followers.

I’ve enjoyed using “1001 Smartest Things Ever Said” It’s one of the best books I’ve bought this year.

Here’s a final quote that I’m fairly sure isn’t in the book.

“Try it, you’ll like it!”