My name - Target a general market or my niche? - Virtual Assistant Forums

LisaMarie · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009

Hi all,

I am at the fun (ok, grueling) stage of selecting a name. I plan to specialize in real estate services, but I also want to offer general VA services to expand my potential market. Should I come up with a general VA services name or something that sounds aimed at realtors?

Thank you for your opinions!

Lisa

BizSupportMuse · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009

LisaMarie - I personally don't think you should make the name too real estate specific since you are planning to also offer regular va services. I'm still thinking of name recommendations...I'll have to get back to you with my suggestions

LisaMarie · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009

Thank you, Biz. I agree. I see the value of targeting a certain market and being a specialist, but I guess I have too many interests to devote myself to just one market.

Hubby and I have been tossing around potential names for hours, and we are getting NOWHERE!

All of my favorites are already in use. I am about to just use my name and a tag line, which isn't my first preference, but I am running out of ideas! Ah well, part of the journey I reckon.

Thanks again!
Lisa

virtual writing · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009

Maybe try this, Lisa: make a picture of how you want to be perceived. What is the image you'd like people to see in their mind's eye when they think of your biz. Maybe that will help with a name or tagline.

LisaMarie · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

Thank you for the suggestion, Mary. Hubby and I were watching TV after I posted about my name selection frustration. He heard a phrase that really described what I want to relay in a name, and I think we have it! I am still researching to make sure it isn't being used, but I think it is a keeper.

Thanks!
Lisa

Barbara Rowen · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

We are interested in what you come up with. Selection of a name is a big decision to any business. I remember when I first started I used my name "Barbara Rowen and Company" which didn't say anything other than my name. I nixed that one quickly when after I would describe what I do and the response what that I did "virtually everything." After hearing that from several friends, family members and business associates, I decided that was it and was fortunate enough to have that name available. I've done business by the name of Virtually Everything for about 7 years now and it works great.

LisaMarie · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

Hi Barbara,

Your name is fabulous! It is catchy, easy to remember, and truly says it all!

Thanks for your input.

Lisa

Barbara Rowen · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

It's very powerful when I introduce myself, "Hi, I'm Barbara Rowen and I own Virtually Everything." It gets their attention very quickly. Works every time.

nkelly · #9 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009

Do you all think is has to be a totally serious name or could it be more catchy and still be okay? Will prospective clients not take you as seriously if you don't have a serious name? I'm just wondering because I always think of odd names and wonder if they would be taken seriously.

virtual writing · #10 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009

N Kelly - Shoot, you're not an attorney! Make it yours, personal, catchy as you want. Make it as true to yourself as you can, and it will work fine!

Barbara Rowen · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009

Your name is the first part of your business branding. It can be catchy, serious, whatever, so long as you use it consistently and it is genuine. I found that using my name did not work for me. But, then again, I had worked for lawyers for over 20 years and was used to a business name being your actual name. When I decided that I no longer wanted to work for lawyers, my mind opened to other possibilities, and Virtually Everything was born. I do virtually everything (except bookkeeping) and everything virtually. I use it as a play on words, which gets people's attention. Keep trying on names until you find the right one that fits. You'll know when you find it. Then, you just have to hope it's not taken already by another VA who's been in business for a while already. That just leads to confusion. But that's a whole different post.