Is trying to make your real name into a brand name a good idea?

I would say.... Yes use your name.. because it's "your" name.. always brand yourself, no one can beat you at being yourself

BigBallin, Yes, it definitely can be a good idea to brand your own name, but there's a big disadvantage to consider.

First, some advantages...

People like being able to see that there's a real person behind the business, so self branding is good for winning trust. Also, you're likely to be using your own name in communications with your customers anyway, so you're already halfway there in getting them to remember you. And being memorable is SO important.

Naturally, you'll want to Google "Big Ballin" or whatever before you begin, to make sure that 338,000 other people with the same name don't already have difficult-to-beat top spots in Google. If they do, you might want to modify your name by using a nickname or non de plume so that you end up with a name that's unique. Or you might modify your real name to give it nice alliteration, making it easier to say and easier to remember.

If your name really is unique, you'll have no trouble at all getting the top spot in Google.
(I was lucky enough to be given a name that was fairly easy to get ranked No.1.)

Here's one important disadvantage you need to consider carefully...

You may surprise yourself. Circumstances or interests may change or unexpected events occur, such as a major health setback, and in a few years you may decide to sell your business. As my accountant advised me, if you've built your business around your name and your personality, it's very likely to be more difficult to sell than if you've chosen a more generic name.