Business website names often matter. The issue is to what degree. Does the name help or hurt? Can others say it, spell it, or remember it? Based on the life experience of being Thomas Baldrick, I just say, “Deal with it, Dude.”
For British TV fans, Baldrick is synonymous with the 1980s sitcom classic, “Black Adder.” Now viewed on Roku, Disney+, and Prime Video, I still often hear about Baldrick having a “cunning plan.”
There’s also a St. Baldrick’s charity dealing with shaving heads to support children with cancer.
However, in this case, Baldrick is my birth name. So all of that is none of MY business.
No doubt I will keep my last name. I have adopted Baldrick as part of who I am. Sure, I’ve heard nicknames. They range from “TB” to ” “Baldy,” and far more derogatory ones. Okay. Whatever. You cannot control what people say or do. But you can sure do your part and commit to it.
Baldrick Business is Personal
While I don’t speak for others, my name being synonymous with the website means something to me. Perhaps it is part blessing. Part curse.
Personally, I’ve never bought into that “Give 110% percent” thing. Nor have I ever said it or written for a client. It just doesn’t resonate with me. After all, there is only 100% to give.
It’s funny. If I stumble or make a mistake appearing live on camera or live on stage, there is no time to dwell on it. You simply have to own it. Correct it. Laugh about it with the audience. Shrug it off and move on, or a combination of those. Hopefully, you learn from it and don’t beat yourself up too badly. It’s like, “I’m Thomas Baldrick and I’m human.”
Still, there can be added pressure and a sense of heightened awareness or sensitivity when your name is laid on the line with a business. Anyway, that’s how I feel about Baldrick, and the website name baldrick.com. The most important reflection on this is the creative work we do for you as a vendor for your name and brand.
Character Counts
Clients have options. You know that. I do, too. So, character counts in defining productive and preferred working relationships. Yes. I get along with people, quite easily actually. It’s amazing what can happen when you listen to clients and create ideas to deliver what they want. But the real magic happens when you can share laughs. Long before it became cliche, I’ve taken my work seriously but not myself. My ego is well in check, and I aim to please.
When I watch television, it sadly seems like well-developed interviewing skills are becoming a lost art. A big part of that is because people are more focused on talking instead of listening. If I am working for you, there will be no doubt I listen closely. Combining that with caring deeply makes for a healthy and helpful arrangement.
Character at “Crunch Time”
I’m devoting a podcast episode to my rant on adversity. In short, I believe adversity is the ultimate test of one’s character. When something goes wrong, I dig in to make it right or at least the best it can be. Dedication and preparation help me stay positive during expected or unforeseen challenges. Meanwhile, experience builds upon itself to make me reliable under pressure for you.
For most of my life I have been committed to keeping my word. (Please don’t get my kiddo started on how annoying I am about it!) The project work doesn’t matter. Whether I’m writing or podcasting, doing television or video production, the oath is the same. If I say, I will do something, you can sleep at night knowing my word is my bond. I live by doing what I say I will.
Plus, when I say I’ll do something follows me like a shadow. You see, one of the priceless benefits of being in the television industry to start my career is discovering if you want to succeed missing deadlines is not an option. I learned this lesson quickly. A vivid memory of mine is a mentor telling me, “Kid, if you show up on time, you’re late!” In the media, you simply don’t miss deadlines because of one good reason. You can’t.
Take for example when I was the first on the scene for ABC News covering the mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart. David Muir couldn’t go live on the air for World News Tonight and say, “Good evening. You know what America? We’re not quite ready with our report. Can you give us about 15 or 20 minutes?” Uh. No.
Late for a date and unprepared is not a concern about Baldrick. Are you ready to enjoy working with someone who delivers?
Integrity Inspires
Professionalism is a choice. Creativity is a valuable craft. Experience is a never-ending educator. But integrity is as important as all of them because it inspires trust.
Character traits and the actions taken with them build trust. Or they don’t. Without trust, no relationship has peace of mind.
Doing Business with Baldrick
My pledge to you is this. Not only can you trust me, but I will earn it. Being trustworthy matters greatly to me, especially with my name on the line. This pertains to everything from accounting practices to holding myself accountable.
Again, you know it. I know it, too. When you can trust a service provider to show up (on time) and do what they say, and deliver as agreed on time, trust is a given. Unfortunately, such a scenario is anything but a given today.
If you’re doing business with me, I’ll have your back. It is one of the truths you will know about Baldrick.