Agent And Company Names (Branding And Marketing)

[Jody Belues]

Hello. I am new a real estate agent and I have questions about how to display my name and branding for my business cards and marketing.

1) should I use my name only? (Jody, Real Estate Agent)

2) my name, plus my brokerage? (Jody, Real Estate Agent, Douglas Elliman) 

3) should i create my own company name? (Big Apple Group)

I know I'm not supposed to "promote" my brokerage over my own name, but would my name alone be as strong without a big brokerage brand? And if I create my own company name (Big Apple Group) will I need to have other team members first, or create an LLC, or can I just make up whatever name I want and do business under that name?

Just want to make sure before I start creating my "brand" and spend money and time on print and online marketing. Thank you!