Creating a Personal Brand as an Agent

[Nick Boring]

Here is my question: My name is Nick Boring, I wanted to name my company/website TheBoringRealtor, or something like that. But I have been getting some negative feedback because you know... the name might have a negative connotation to it. My whole life my last time has been an icebreaker in all sorts of conversations, and it honestly makes a lot of people laugh. I really think having a unique and memorable business name is valuable, but I would also hate to have it hurt me in the long run. What do you guys think? Some more random info below.

I'm a new agent/investor (5 months) and I want to start creating my personal brand. I have been cold calling and sending out mailers, lots of people are asking for business cards and that they wanted to see reviews on my website and general things like that. I am listed under one of my mentor's friend's brokerage, mostly because I am only doing this part-time for now (I am an engineer 10 hours a day), and he said I could put my license under him. He charges me have a point for buyers and sellers. 

I appreciate your feedback and I am grateful to be able to ask experts for some much-needed advice!

Thanks,

NotsoBoringNick

[Irene Nash]

Hi @Nick Boring , I'm sorry but I have to agree with people who said it was a bad idea, I really think it is - I do have a suggestion, but first to explain why I think 'boring realtor' is not a great idea:

They say a top rule in marketing is to prioritize being clear over being clever. Here the goal of being clever results in a very clear message that you are boring. I personally don't like to be bored and am certain I would be less likely to call someone called The Boring Realtor - whether subconsciously or not - it doesn't matter, it's a call you don't get. And most people would tell you I do definitely have a sense of humor. 

HOWEVER - why don't you work with "the NOT boring realtor" as a catchphrase? You could do a lot with it, it's totally memorable, helps people remember your name, it has a positive message and also shows you have a sense of humor. 

The 'boring realtor' message comes across like 'I'm sorry, you're stuck with me' whereas 'not boring' tells me this person has a sense of fun, is not boring, and knows how to laugh at himself. I would be way more likely to call you.

Plus you could do all kinds of things with it in a marketing sense, showing yourself doing real estate (or even other stuff) in a humorous, maybe slightly off the wall and definitely not boring way. Fantastic branding opportunity.

Hope this was helpful, good luck either way.

PS. This might be overkill but I can't stress enough how much I think you should NOT go with the 'boring realtor' thing. Another great rule of marketing is 'first do no harm'. Also about NAR, I don't think you can use 'realtor' in a website name but other words would work fine. If agents are brokers in your state like they are in WA you could do 'the not boring broker'.