Hi All,

I'm so excited to have found this forum! I am an aspiring VA, working on getting my business plan and everything else in order. When I first decided I wanted to do this, I initially thought I wanted to brand myself - so have my company name be my full name with something after: ie: Jessica Principe Virtual Assisting & Consulting. I can see now that it might be tough to do this logistically (answering phones, website etc.) Did anyone else here consider using their own name as their company name, was it successful, do you feel strongly that a VA should have a more creative name? Even though there are cons, I still like the idea of using my name as my brand...somehow. Just looking for input and advice. Thank-you in advance!

Jessica

YES - on the creative name bit, but a lot of this depends on the person. There are people who would never veer from the usual business names. Then you have someone like me who wants a name that reflects something clever, creative and distinct. Its all preference I think. I don't want to brand my name, its hard to say and too long for me. Plus I want to sell the business one day! Good luck and I look forward to you posting some names so we can help lol.

pS I dont have a name yet because well I can't decide. I had one and now want to change it to something more unique.

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Dani
http://www.danimagestro.com

Jessica, Danielle has a point about using your name if some day you want to sell the business or pass it on, it would be difficult to do so if your name was attached. But, again, it is a matter of preference. Take your time, write down some of your thoughts or suggestions, and see which one rolls off the tongue easily and matches the image you want to portray.
Wendy

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Thank-you both very much for your input. I will keep thinking on it! Such a tough decision!

Hi Jessica, I think the girls above are right using your name makes it very personal, maybe play around with a few ideas or ask friends and family for help. Another idea is to google VA and have a look at what other sites are called maybe by joining two together you can come up with one for yourself.

Hi Jessica, I'm brand new out here as well. Trying to decide what to do but I think that if you use your personal name that if you eventually get out it would be hard to sell it.

I see a few issues with branding a business like this with your name:

1. As mentioned, not really a good name for a business if you want to sell it later.

2. What if you want to hire a team or have assistants? You may feel conflicted about doing so if you are telling clients all work is done by you, yet it's always a good idea to get support so you don't end up chained to your business and work.

3. I'd rather go for a name that tells your potential clients what is in it for them versus a name that tells them who you are. You want to relate to your market and attract them, unfortunately your name won't mean anything to them unless they already know you.

Just my opinions, hope something is useful to you

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