Question "I" or "We" in marketing materials? - Virtual Assistant Forums

Marc_in_CT · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

I'm trying to determine if it's best to refer to my business as "I" or "we" in marketing materials and on my website, which I am currently putting together. For example: "We can help make your office more efficient..." or "I can help make your office more efficient...".

I think "We" makes it sound like a bigger, more established business, whereas "I" sounds more personal.

Is it best to just be honest, and say "I" if I have no employees? (I won't, initially, and who knows if I ever will).

Office Goddess · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

I firmly believe in the 'royal we.'

Yes, there IS a mouse in my pocket!

I also refer to myself in third person: Ms. Chambers has been...

ShelleyH · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

I think it depends on the clients you are trying to attract. Personally, I use "I" because I am trying to get across that I am a small business helping other small businesses. In my previous business I used 'WE" because I did have the help I needed, when I needed it and I wanted new clients to know that.

I do like Lily when I am writing a bio about my company, third person, as if someone else wrote it.

So I guess I was no help at all in your decision making was I? Its a personal preference IMO

Bernice · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

Yes, it is a personal choice, but if you are keeping track, I use "we offer.." , "we provide.."

Marc_in_CT · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

Thank you all for the replies thus far. I see the thread was moved - my apologies!

- I had initially put the question under "general marketing" because my intent was to ask in the general sense, not just in regards to my website. I only mentioned the website because that's where I was at when the question arose. But I can see where this question fits under either category.

EDIT:
OH! And I just saw the other threads asking the same question. Before posting, I had done a search on the word "we" and got zero results. I don't know what I did wrong!

I'm always careful not to post without searching first (which would explain my low post count)

VAF Admin · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

Marc, don't worry! You didn't do anything wrong in posting where you did, threads get moved all the time. Make yourself comfortable here and feel free to post your questions as needed

It's OK if topics get posted more than once or resurface from time to time - forums are organic in their very nature, that's one of the greatest things about it.

Glad to know you found an answer to your question!

Whistler Virtual Assistant · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

I would agree and also use "we" in all my materials.

I would love to grow into a "we" business one day but for now I feel that if I ever get a request for something that I am either unable to accommodate or don't have the skills for I can always outsource the job to one of my contractors.

Janine
Whistler Virtual Assistant

vainparadise · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009

Depends on the image you want to convey. Just make sure to be consistent when using one or the other.

AngieGreen · #9 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009

I just thought I'd add my 2 cents. When I started I used "we" because I was anxious to sound big and established. Then when I really got to know my clients, I learned from them that they were interested in my services because of ME. They trusted ME with their business processes and counted on ME to learn the ins and outs of their business so I could be proactive. There's a huge trust factor there since our goal as VA's is to form long term relationships.

Janniere · #10 (**permalink**) 04-30-2009

I had "we" in my marketing also, and it was suggested that I change to "I". My mindset was the same as yours, that I wanted to sound like I was an established company.
It's not only interesting, but also important to hear what clients think.

elitevacs · #11 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009

I'm glad to know that there is no rule set in stone about using "I" or "We" when there is only an "I". I was wondering about that myself and, to be honest I have been using "We" but felt guilty because I'd feel like I was advertising falsely or giving a false impression of my business by making potential customers think "I" am a larger business than I really am. So, now, I'll probably start using "I" just to make myself feel better. I hope it doesn't hurt my chances of growing my clientele.

MyVirtualAngel · #12 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009

I use "We" as well but i do have a web developer and graphic designer who i am planning on outsourcing some work to. So eventually "i" will be "we" and i won't need to change it when it happens.

Progressive Synergy · #13 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009

I currently use "we", but thinking of changing to "I".

JoCarole · #14 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009

Marc, great question and one that I see posted a lot. I know, I am guilty of this and have to make some changes on my own Web site. I know I have both which gives a mixed message to anyone viewing my site.

I think all the replies on this thread are on track and very helpful.

What I got out of this is to keep it consistant whatever you choose, if you are a "one person show" then it's ok to say it and use "I" instead of "we". I think PCs appreciate the fact that we can be small and it may be easier for them to be able to get to know us and trust us. Versus a large company where you may get different reps each time you need something and customer service may be less than what you hope for.
Jo-Carole

CJ's Virtual Business Solution · #15 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009

I've debated about "I" vs "We" and have chosen to use I. Like some of you have said I want people to know they are working with me - not a group of people.

"We" was what I was planning to use because I have subcontractors in various areas. But, since I am the business owner the client with contract with me and I want them to feel they are getting the personal touch.

So, to each their own. Depends on the image you want to portray. Neither way is "wrong"!

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions