When I first started out as a brand new Certified Business Coach I was so focused on where my name would rank on Google that I made a decision to do something that (I didn’t realize) would have an impact on my business for years to come.
Curious?
Following the suggestion of my then Business Coach, I made a decision to create my blog/business under my nickname…Lisa and not my birth name Felicia.
This seemed like it made perfectly good sense at the time, let me explain why.
1. There was a female business coach with my first name who already ranked on the first page of Google.
2. There was a Coach handbag with my name, which ranked on page one with the female business coach.
3. There was a model from America’s Next Top model with my entire name.
At the time, I thought my ranking on Google would determine my success so I went with my nickname.
I never considered how it might make me feel later on.
I never considered that I would have to explain the reason for my (pseudonym) pen name to my family members and friends (over and over again).
I never considered that I would have to decide which name to use in programs, at networking events, in videos or in public.
The truth is, I have never really liked my birth name. As far back as I can remember, I can hear myself asking my parents why in the world they gave me my name. So that made being called by my nickname even easier.
The problem is not disclosing this truth has always made me feel like I couldn’t be my true self and show up fully in my business because I felt like a fraud.
In fact, I remember attending a blogging event several years back and everyone was introducing themselves and handing out cards. I simply said, “Hi my name is Feli…I mean Lisa”. I spent the next two minutes explaining my pen name. That situation has haunted me for years.
I even limited my local interaction because I didn’t want people to visit my site and ask why I wasn’t using my birth name.
The sad truth is, over the years I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t seem to bust through my personal glass ceiling. And after facing some tough truths during a coaching session, I discovered the problem.
I didn’t feel authentic. I didn’t feel like I could be the whole, real me.
So what does that mean for me now? It means I’m free!
I will continue to deliver amazing results with my clients & continue my mission to work with women entrepreneurs who want to build phenomenal businesses. The difference now is that I’m no longer hostage.
I can fully step into my purpose…watch world here I come!
Just in case you’re wondering…you can still call me Lisa.
Do you blog under a pen name? Share your thoughts below.
See you at the top!
