How to Make Your LinkedIn™ Name Stand Out (And How My Family Lost a Castle)
Imagine a tower filled with pets! That’s how you pronounce my last name: “Pet Tower.”
Two generations ago, our family name was “von Pettau.” My ancestors were dukes and duchesses of Pettau, a region in Austria. But history had other plans.
The Fall of the Habsburgs: A Family Tale
After the First World War, Austria abolished the use of “von” in family names. The fall of the Habsburg regime turned aristocratic titles into relics. Pettau, once part of Austria, became “Ptuj” and fell under Slovenian control. My ancestors? They lost their castle and had to start fresh.
Fun fact: Today, Ptuj is famous for its thermal springs. Sadly, the spa hotels there don’t allow dogs. So my wife, Astrid, and I usually drive right past Ptuj on our way to Pula.
Pro Tip: Avoid the “Mexican” Food
Once, we made the mistake of stopping for “Mexican” food near Ptuj. Never again. Instead, we push on another 120 miles to Trieste. The pizza there? Absolutely worth the trip.
Back to the Name: “Pet Tower”
It’s simple to remember! But here’s something even simpler: LinkedIn™ has a hidden gem of a feature that lets you record the pronunciation of your name.
How to Use LinkedIn™’s Name Pronunciation Feature
- Open the LinkedIn™ mobile app.
- Go to your profile and click the pencil icon to edit your header.
- Hit the option to record your name. (You’ll need to record via your smartphone—uploads aren’t supported.)
- Once saved, a tiny loudspeaker icon will appear next to your name.
It’s an easy way to ensure people get your name right, and hardly anyone uses it. Be ahead of the curve!
Have You Heard About This Feature?
Recording your name might not make you royalty, but it does add a touch of polish to your profile. Just like Trieste’s pizza, it’s worth the effort.
