Not From Cache
A pen name, also called nom de plume, is a pseudonym used by a writer. Put another way, it’s any name other than your real name you adopt for marketing purpose. A pen name is a powerful marketing tool. Use wisely and you may reap its many rewards.

So, what’s in a pen name? Why do you need one?

How about a whole new personality with all the good qualities you ever wanted?

The idea is simple. Just like a movie star play acting a hero on screen, you can turn into the person you always want to be with a new pen name. No more being burdened with all the doubts and hang ups. You can be confident and resourceful. You can turn from failure to instant success. Just with the use of a pen name. (Jason Lewis explains the liberating power of pen name in much more details.)

All of us have hang ups, big or small. They hold us back one way or another. If merely using a pen name can liberate you from the hang ups, won’t you do it? I know I will. This is one solid reason to use a pen name if nothing else.

Next, let me ask you a question from the point of view of a buyer. Say you have a long list of shopping items in assorted categories from children books, cosmetics, health supplements, down to computers and what have you. When shopping, you keep bumping into me promoting all these items, professing to be an expert in each and every product you’re buying. What will you think of me?

Exactly. You’ll doubt my creditability, no doubt. So there you have it, another reason to use a pen name: business creditability. Using different pen names when you’re marketing in different niches helps you to maintain your business creditability. At the least you won’t be seen as a Jack of all trades and master of none.

A name will often project a certain type of image in your mind. By choosing an appropriate pen name, you could have already done half the selling. Because like it or not, you and I both have preconceived ideas about who is more convincing selling what product.

Don’t believe me? Try this.

You have a cosmetic product and a body building supplement to sell. Here I have 2 top sales persons who can sell anything: a beautiful lady and a muscular man. Who will you assign to sell which product?

See my point?

Look at it negatively, this is stereotyping. On the positive side, it is branding. You can use a pen name to convey an image of the gender and personality that fits the type of product being sold. A macho name like Leonard Bullock would be good for hunting gears. On the other hand, an exotic name like Yves Lafayette would fit cosmetic products better. So, use a different pen name for each of the niches you’re in for the best effects.

Then there are situations where you don’t wish to be personally connected to a certain product. Maybe you wish to sell legitimate adult related products on the quiet. Maybe you want to avoid unwanted phone calls and emails at home. Whatever the reason, a pen name will help solve your problem. It lets you remain somewhat anonymous by making it more difficult to connect you to the product.

When others keep misspelling or mispronouncing your name, it may be time to consider adopting a pen name too. An easy to spell or pronounce name is usually better for others to remember. On the other hand, a difficult name may work for you because it stands out from the crowd. This is one of those marketing choices you have to make.

So, what’s in a pen name? Plenty! Positive personality, business creditability, branding and anonymity if nothing else. A pen name is a potent marketing tool. Use it wisely to reap its many benefits. Start thinking of a pen name when you next enter a niche market.