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

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

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

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.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

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

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.

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Barbara Rowen, Owner/Virtual Assistant | Virtually Everything
8209 E. Sun River St., Nampa, ID 83687 | (208) 318-5582

Hi Barbara,

Your name is fabulous! It is catchy, easy to remember, and truly says it all! Thanks for your input.

Lisa

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.

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Barbara Rowen, Owner/Virtual Assistant | Virtually Everything
8209 E. Sun River St., Nampa, ID 83687 | (208) 318-5582

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.

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N Kelly

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!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com