Why do people insist on using long versions of names in business contexts?

Question

I am named David, but in everyday (non working) life everyone calls me Dave. In professional contexts, people tend to call me David even if I sign off emails as Dave. Obviously they feel this is more appropriate.

Is it really so bad to call yourself by the shortened version in business contexts?

I don't actually mind which version I am called by, I'm just wondering if it's bad form to introduce myself as Dave in the first place when on cards and invoices I still put David nb I'm a freelancer not an employee

Answer 1

No your preferred form isn't "bad", but I still don't understand why this is a problem for you. Different forms of the same name all stand for, well, the same name. So why insist on one form all the time, whether short or long? Variety is a good thing, right?

Answer 2

People tend to call you whatever they are introduced to you as. If you have been at your job for a while, and everone calls you David, it is too late to change the habit now. The next time you start a new job, introduce yourself as Dave, and that will be what sticks.

Answer 3

From the business contexts point of view, it is more professional to call people by their proper names. Around the water-cooler is while out to lunch then people tend to be called by nic-names. In the Marine Corps, we call everyone by the proper rank and last name, but off duty (lol, inside thing but we have no official off-duty, Marine 24/7) we call each other by our first names.

Point is, it's just professional to call co-workers by their proper names when in the office/work environment.

Answer 4

As Sedit essentially implied, informality is unprofessional.

Someone may be named Robert, and referred to as Robert at work, whereas everyone else knows him as "Bob" or "Bubba." It is a formality that is considered professional. If you introduce yourself by what is essentially a "nickname" you are taken a bit less seriously.

Answer 5

I think it is just proper business ettiqutte to call the person by their full name. If you have a personal relationship with someone then it would be strange for them to address you by a full name. Once you have asked to be addressed by Dave then they should comply with your wishes. If they do not, is it really a huge deal.