Hi everyone,

Recently got some advice from another VA regarding my name. Can you give me your advice? She states that my name might be "limiting" in regards of branding and my future business growth. She asked me a series of questions regarding where I would like to be in the future....and my name should encompass that...do you think "optimal admin services" provides a clear picture to clients? I want to build a productive Virtual Assistance/Freelance business and I thought that "optiimal admin services" would be a good name. I do not have a niche, you would consider me to be a "generalist". I've worked and like working on a variety of things in a variety of industries, ranging from non profit to internet marketing....can you provide feedback and viable alternative names, if needed? Also, I've started with this name and think I've built somewhat of a little rep and really don't want to compromise that unless it would be better for me in the long run

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Nekiwa Smith, OAVS
5 Keys to Profits

Hi Nekiwa,
I am not sure why your name would be limiting. Is it possible this VA saw you as a possible client for branding and or coaching?
Honestly I don´t think the name is all that important. I changed business names within the year and was not affected. What does make a difference is how you present yourself, how you advertise yourself and the quality of your services.
If you are happy with the name, I see no reason to change it.
Hope this helps.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

I had that feedback when I decided on Amber Cat Admin, because some people said the term "admin" is fixed in a potential client's mind as a certain thing, and might not encompass the extent of your skills and experience (ie. it doesn't confirm you can do bookkeeping, transcription, etc.,.

On the other hand, I took that advice, thought to myself that, if potential clients are that narrow minded, then they're probably not the kind of person I would be suited to working with... :S

Oh - and I love my company name and think it really works for me.

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Tracey A Dixon
Amber Cat Admin

Personally, I like it. It says what you do, with a kick of how "good" you might be at it. Sounds good to me!

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Michele Wilcox
Vineyard Virtual Services

Hi Nekiwa,

I, too, received similar feedback regarding my chosen business name "CustomVA". I was told that "CustomVA" didn't not explain my virtual assistant business and the services I provide. I am also a generalist, having worked in different business industries, and enjoying the variety in my work. My initial thought in selecting my business name was to play on the point that my services are "customized" to meet each client's needs.

Well, taking this advice I started brainstorming other names, as were suggested, and still have not found one I like as much. One suggestion was to use my name and what I offer, such as "Anita Virtual Assistant". Although, I like it, I find it much more limiting than "CustomVA".

Sometimes I think we put way too much stock on the well-intened opinions of those who have blazed the trails before us and forget that this is our business, to represent us, to be done our way. If you like your name and believe it is a good representation of you and your business then I say stick with it! As you and your business evolve you may decide to change it to something much more indicative of that. Now, if I could just follow my own advice, lol.

I think for me the issue now is that I believe I have found my niche, offering VA services to executives, as that is the backbone of my experience and I enjoy the "madness" of the corporate environment. The name "CustomVA" may not be the right choice, and I don't think "Anita Virtual Assistant" is either. So for me it's back to the drawing board.

I wish you the best on your new venture!

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services

Nekiwa, if you plan on staying as a generalist focused on administrative services then personally, I think your name is a good fit. If you think you could decide to go in a completely different direction down the line, then it might be best to reconsider your choice sooner rather than later. It sounds like the other VA has given you good food for thought.

Oh and Tracey, I love the name Amber Cat Admin. It makes you sound like a superhero - which I'm sure you are to your clients

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

I like your name and if you expand beyond what your name covers, I think you can always add to it, as in "Optimal Admin & "Bookkeeping" Services, for example.

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Trudy Del Brocco
TVA Tru-Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by ClockwiseVA

Nekiwa, if you plan on staying as a generalist focused on administrative services then personally, I think your name is a good fit. If you think you could decide to go in a completely different direction down the line, then it might be best to reconsider your choice sooner rather than later. It sounds like the other VA has given you good food for thought. Oh and Tracey, I love the name Amber Cat Admin. It makes you sound like a superhero - which I'm sure you are to your clients

I am a generalist focusing on all virtual assistance, ranging from appointment setting, to newsletter creation to internet marketing. What if I change it to "optimal virtual assistance" or "optimal virtual assistance service" or "optimal va"??? Do you think these names would encompass a broader direction later down the road? I'm skilled in blog management, etc. and I am liked to only doing adminstration?

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Nekiwa Smith, OAVS
5 Keys to Profits

Personally, I think Optimal Virtual Assistance will provide you with greater flexibility and it covers the broader spectrum of your services. It doesn't pinpoint exactly what you do, just how you do it. You could use the tagline to highlight any specialty, which is also a lot easier to change than your business name. Just my two cents

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by ClockwiseVA

Personally, I think Optimal Virtual Assistance will provide you with greater flexibility and it covers the broader spectrum of your services. It doesn't pinpoint exactly what you do, just how you do it. You could use the tagline to highlight any specialty, which is also a lot easier to change than your business name. Just my two cents

Thanks so much!! I have another thread regarding my "slogan" or "tagline". Being that I plan on remaining a generalist, my tagline reads..."Providing Optimized Results....Everytime!"

What do you think?

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Nekiwa Smith, OAVS
5 Keys to Profits