New domain name ... SHINY!

So thanks to Tania Casselle and Darcy Lewis over at Freelance Success (FLX) who came up with an easy solution to my last-name, voice-mail conundrum.

I just bought a new (voice-mail friendly) domain and forwarded it!

Now instead of speaking in Navajo code-talk, can just tell prospects' voice mail:

"You can view my online portfolio and resume at zipline agency dot com."

For anyone who is wondering, forwarding is free (at least through GoDaddy) and if you call sales, they will walk you through the setup.

Last-name problem solved. And for only $1 a month. (Much easier than going to court or marrying some guy named Smith).

TIPS: Choose Your Web Address Wisely

If I had been sane when I set up my business, I'd have given www.sarah-maurer.com a pass and picked something that's super easy for people to spell.

Why?

Because when I'm leaving a voice mail for a prospect, I like to spell out my web address so they can check out my online portfolio and resume.

Because of my stunning lack of foresight, it usually goes something like this. (Combine this messy spiel with my goofy accent and it's easy to imagine marketing director's head exploding.)

"To see my online portfolio and resume, visit duble-u duble-u duble-u dot Sarah dash Maurer dot com. Haha, let me spell that for you. It's Sarah with an 'h' dash mike alfa uniform romeo echo romeo dot com."

I knew it was way too much for people when a very nice lady called back and said, "I didn't get that last part. Was that in code?"

Gah. If I had been smart, I'd have made my business name the domain. Then I could just say, "Visit my online portfolio at zipline media dot com."

Food for thought if you're going to be setting up a commercial writing business. Especially if you plan to do much cold calling.

How do others with crazy names get around this?