I “sign” my name on everything the same way: John T. Mims, APR. If you see a comment from me on any other blog on any topic, you will see John T. Mims, APR. Press release: John T. Mims, APR. Quote in a news story: John T. Mims, APR. Email signature: John T. Mims, APR.

I recently had someone ask me why. It’s very simple. Based on census data, there are approximately 400 people named “John Mims.” In middle school, I knew another John Mims, and he would get my birthday cards every year. Here’s what happens when you Google “John Mims.” To be fair, a few of the entries on the first page are mine. But Google “John T. Mims, APR,” and I’m it. Six pages of just me.

I recognize that many people looking for me will simply search for “John Mims.” That’s okay because they will find me that way too. But I am working very hard on branding my name spelled the same way every time. We’ll see how it works out.

That’s my Altyrian View.