What's in a Name


In our society, it is important that you have a professional designation or an acronym of some sort that is prominently placed after your name.  For example, a medical doctor is an MD. An accountant is a CPA.  A chiropractor is a DC. A person with a doctorate degree is a PHd. Even my interior designer is referred to as a CID.


When doing any research on people in the business or professional world, it is important to know if they are certified, licensed and qualified.

However, it is interesting that these designations vary widely and are misleading at times.  The organization backing the designation is sometimes questionable or doesn't even exist. They sometimes vary state-to-state and some designations are meaningless yet imply a proficiency that really doesn't exist.

The other day, I went to see a specialist in mortgage financing      and I was given his business card which read,   John Smith, ANG, RTS, ADTP, RYF.  Now, I had no idea what those designations stood for even after "googling" them.   But they were impressive. As I departed my appointment, I asked Mr. Smith what all these initials stood for after his name and he tells me that ANG stands for A Nice guy, RTS stands for Ready to serve, ADTP stands for  Always Determined To Please and RYF stands for Refer your friends.

That got me thinking. I believe that EVERYBODY should have designations after their name. Here are my suggestions for designations that would be appropriate for business and professional purposes:

Tree Trimmer:  John Smith, SALE-- Shade and Leaf Eliminator

Heating and Air Conditioning:  John Smith, HOT,  AIR  (Speaks for itself)

Tire Specialist:  John Smith,  FTF--  Flat Tire Fixer

Postal worker:  John Smith, DPMO--Don't piss me off

Travel agent:  John Smith, ICFA— I can Fly Anywhere

Bank Teller:  John Smith, FCWBRO— First Contact When Bank Robbery Occurs

Reporter: John Smith, FAKE — First At  Knowing Everything

Fast Food Worker: John Smith,  SWAE—Serving what America Eats

Used Car salesman; John Smith, UCFS—Used Car For Suckers

Barber: John Smith, ALOTTS— A Little Off The Top Specialist

And finally, a Mortuary Assistant, IHPPAFG- I Help Put People Away For Good