How to Transition from a Pseudonym to Your Real Name with Clients
Starting a consulting business can be a thrilling journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to building relationships with clients. When I launched my consulting venture, I quickly found most of my connections through Facebook. In the early stages, I opted to use a pseudonym – “Gabriel,” which happens to be my nephew’s name. It wasn’t an effort to hide my identity for any covert reasons; I simply felt more comfortable maintaining a level of anonymity at that time.
Fast forward to today, my business has flourished beyond what I ever imagined, and I’ve cultivated a robust network of clients who genuinely appreciate the value I bring to the table. Among them is one particular client with whom I’ve developed a strong rapport. They’ve expressed interest in meeting in person at an upcoming webinar event, and it’s this situation that leads me to a personal dilemma – how do I disclose my real name without making it awkward or causing any confusion?
Here are some tips that I’ve brainstormed on how to handle this delicate situation:
1. Choose the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Try to wait for a natural lull in the conversation during your next interaction. You could bring it up when discussing the event or after sharing a laugh about how we’ve come to know each other.
2. Be Honest but Light-Hearted
When the moment feels right, you can say something like, “I have a little confession to make. I’ve been using a nickname, Gabriel, and I think it’s time to introduce you to the real me – my name is [Your Real Name].” Keeping it light-hearted will help ease any potential awkwardness.
3. Focus on Building Trust
Remind them that the value you’ve provided and the relationship you’ve built is what truly matters. Let them know that you’re excited to continue working together, and your real name is merely a reflection of the trust you’ve established.
4. Anticipate Their Reaction
Sometimes, clients might find it amusing or endearing. Reassuring them that your dedication and professionalism remain unchanged will further solidify their trust in you.
5. Transition Smoothly
In conversations leading up to the event, refer to yourself by your real name casually. This will help them adjust to the change initially before the actual meeting.
In conclusion, while it may feel a bit daunting to reveal your true identity after establishing a connection under a pseudonym, remember that authenticity usually enhances relationships. Your clients appreciate the work you’ve done and will likely respect your honesty. By approaching the conversation with sincerity and a sense of humor, you can ensure that the transition feels seamless. Here’s to forging strong connections, one genuine interaction at a time!
2 Comments
It’s great to hear that your consulting business has grown and that you’ve built strong relationships with your clients! Transitioning from a pseudonym to your real name can indeed feel a bit daunting, especially when there’s already a personal connection established. Here are some practical steps to help you communicate your real name in a natural and professional way:
Choose the Right Moment: Look for an appropriate time to share your real name, perhaps during a casual conversation, or when discussing upcoming plans for the webinar. A relaxed setting can ease the tension of the revelation.
Frame It Positively: When you bring up your real name, frame it in a positive light. You could say something like, “By the way, I realized that I’ve been using a different name, and I’d like to introduce myself properly. My real name is [Your Real Name].” This shows that you value openness and honesty.
Be Honest About Your Reasons: You might want to share a brief explanation if you think it will help your clients understand your past decision. Something simple like, “When I started my business, I wasn’t comfortable sharing my name, but I’ve really enjoyed our conversations and wanted to be genuine with you.” This adds a personal touch and reinforces the bond you’ve formed.
Acknowledge the Change Gracefully: It’s completely okay to acknowledge that you’ve been using a different name. You could add a bit of humor, saying something along the lines of, “I guess I’ve been living a bit of a secret life! But it’s nice to finally share my real self with you.”
Focus on the Present: Emphasize your relationship and focus on the future. After revealing your name, shift the conversation back to how excited you are to meet them and participate in the webinar together. This reinforces that your connection is what truly matters, not the name itself.
Follow-Up with a Personal Touch: After the introduction, consider sending a brief follow-up message or email, thanking them for their understanding and reiterating how much you value your relationship. This reinforces the bond and shows that you genuinely care about your clients.
Accept Any Response: Be prepared for a wide range of reactions. Most clients will understand, and some might find your story endearing. However, if they’re taken aback, try to reassure them that your professional commitment remains unwavering.
Making this shift from a pseudonym to your real identity may feel uncomfortable initially, but it can reinforce trust and authenticity in your professional relationships. Clients appreciate honesty, and you may find that this revelation strengthens the bond you’ve already established. Best of luck at the webinar event—it sounds like it will be a great opportunity to connect further!
What a fascinating situation you’ve found yourself in! The journey from pseudonym to real name can indeed feel like a momentous transition, but it also presents a unique opportunity to deepen the relationship with your client. I especially appreciate your emphasis on timing and authenticity in your approach.
One additional thought I’d like to share is the idea of reframing the pseudonym as a part of your story. Many people relate to the desire for anonymity, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship. When you mention your real name, you could frame it as a natural evolution in your professional journey—one that reflects your growth and the trust you’ve built. For example, you might say, “Using Gabriel was a part of my journey in finding my footing, and now I’m excited to share my real identity as we continue to grow together.”
This not only alleviates potential awkwardness but also transforms the reveal into a meaningful narrative that your client can appreciate. After all, we’re all human, and sharing these layers of our experiences can further strengthen connections. Good luck with your reveal—I’m sure it will surprise and delight your client!