How name errors affect personal and corporate reputation

I was in a food court this evening when I almost witnessed a full-blown argument over something that might seem minor to some but clearly meant a lot to the person involved. Someone in line casually referred to the lady serving them as “Mai” (Mother), and she did not take it lightly. Her response was instant—“Do I look like your mother?” The tension in the air was thick, and I could tell this was not the first time she had been called something she didn’t appreciate. It got me thinking about how names and titles hold weight. I was also following a conversation on LinkedIn where someone shared why they decided not to move forward with a particular freelance opportunity. At first, everything seemed aligned—the discussions were going well, emails were exchanged, and terms were being negotiated. But one small detail made them hesitate: the organization continuously misspelled their name in every email. At first glance, this might seem like a minor issue. But think about it—if an organization can’t take the time to correctly spell your name, will they take your work seriously? Names hold weight. They are part of a person’s identity, and getting them right is a matter of respect. Whether it’s an email, a meeting introduction, or an official document, attention to detail in how we address others sets the tone for how we value them. This goes beyond spelling. It’s also about pronunciation and titles. - If someone introduces themselves with a specific pronunciation, make an effort to say it correctly. - If someone prefers “Miss,” “Ms.,” or “Mrs.,” use what they have chosen. - If someone has a professional title, acknowledge it correctly. Using someone’s name correctly is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to show respect. A name carries history, culture, and personal significance. It is not just a formality—it is a fundamental part of identity. Getting it right shows that you see the person, value their presence, and acknowledge their individuality. In business, relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. The little things—like taking time to spell and pronounce someone’s name properly—can be the difference between securing a great collaboration or losing an opportunity before it even starts. Your name is more than just letters—it’s who you are. And the way people handle it speaks volumes.

On LinkedIn, your name is a critical part of your professional identity. Unfortunately, many users undermine their credibility by using improper capitalization, such as writing their name in lowercase (e.g., *karen karanja*). Let’s explore why the correct formats Title Case (Karen Karanja) or All Caps (KAREN KARANJA), matter and how they impact personal branding. Correct Formats & Their Advantages 1. Title Case (Karen Karanja) - Professionalism: Aligns with global naming conventions, signaling attention to detail. - Searchability: LinkedIn’s algorithm and recruiters often search for names in standard formats. A lowercase name may not appear in results. - Cultural Consistency: Avoids confusion in cultures where lowercase initials are perceived as errors or informality. - Autocorrect/Forms: Reduces errors when your name is copied into emails, resumes, or databases. 2. All Caps (KAREN KARANJA) - Visibility: Stands out in search results and headers, useful for public figures or creatives. - Branding: Creates a bold, memorable impression (e.g., authors, speakers, or executives). - Uniformity: Helpful for names with non-Roman characters or accents that might display inconsistently. Disadvantages of Incorrect Formatting (e.g., *karen karanja*) 1. Unprofessional Perception - Lowercase names can imply carelessness or lack of awareness of professional norms, damaging first impressions. 2. Technical Glitches - Automated systems (e.g., applicant tracking systems) may misread or fail to recognize lowercase names. 3. Reduced Discoverability - Recruiters searching for “Karen Karanja” might overlook profiles with non-standard formatting. 4. Cultural Missteps - In some cultures, improper capitalization is disrespectful or suggests immaturity. When to Use All Caps vs. Title Case -) Title Case is universally safe and recommended for most professionals. -) All Caps works best for: - Personal branding (e.g., influencers, entrepreneurs). - Industries like design or entertainment where boldness is valued. - Names prone to misspelling (e.g., *KAREN KARANJA* ensures clarity). Key Takeaways - Avoid Lowercase: It undermines credibility and technical functionality. - Tailor to Your Industry: Creative fields may tolerate all caps; corporate roles favor title case. - Consistency Matters: Use the same format across resumes, emails, and other platforms. By formatting your name correctly, you strengthen your professional image, enhance discoverability, and avoid unintended negative perceptions. Always prioritize clarity and polish—your name is the foundation of your LinkedIn brand. Ps. If your name is in lower case, it's time to change it and stop missing out on opportunities!

Proofreading mutters (yes it is the correct spelling, as errors make me mutter) Blurb on Sky TV introducing a show called 'When TV Goes Horribly Wrong' ironically spells the name of one of the presenters incorrectly - Johanthan Ross instead of Jonathan Ross. The irony lies in the fact that the programme is all about things going wrong on television, yet the show itself falls victim to a blunder itself. Misspelling the name of a well-known presenter in the introduction is a classic example of something going 'horribly wrong' on TV, making the mistake unintentionally humorous and embarrassingly on-brand. Spelling names correctly matters. A public figure’s name is part of their identity and their personal brand. Misspelling it suggests a lack of attention to detail. If a TV company can’t get a familiar name right, it can cast doubt on the overall quality of their offering. In everyday life, getting someone’s name right is an important act of respect. Repeatedly getting it wrong - or not bothering to check - can make people feel overlooked, disrespected, or unimportant. Whether you’re crediting a celebrity or emailing a colleague, taking the time to spell names correctly shows care, attentiveness, and basic human courtesy.

Do you want to make a wrong impression on your potential customers? One sure way to do that is to mess up their names or company names. It’s a mistake, and mistakes happen, but it can cost you a lot of trust and credibility. I’ve seen it happen many times in my career. I’ve been called Mike Pieper or Matt Pfeifer instead of Matt Pieper. I’ve also seen people get the names of the companies wrong. Like Jobs Ohio instead of JobsOhio, Care Rev instead of CareRev, or Leaf Link instead of LeafLink. And don’t get me started on the capitalization errors. WorkDay, not Workday. SalesForce, not Salesforce. These are not just random words. These are brand names that people have invested a lot of time and money into. Or in the case of people, it's their name that may mean a lot to them. Mistakes happen, we're human after all! Just something to be aware of, especially as we continue to leverage Generative AI. What do you think? Do names have an impact?