I'm so glad that I read this post. I still get odd stares when I say "virtual" so it's probably best for me to take it out of my business name. Thank you.

Stacee

I may be a little different in my perspective, but when I think "virtual" what comes to mind is "virtual reality" or in other words, something not quite real. The first thing I thought when I heard the term VA was that a 'virtual' assistant isn't quite as good as having a 'real' assistant right there with you in your office. In the small non-profits I worked for, presence was everything; those people respected phone calls and handshakes far more than emails or text messages. Such is the hidebound good ol boy system in small town OK.

I think I'll follow everyones advice here and keep virtual out of my company name but include it in the meta tags.

Thanks!

Sam

Quote:

I may be a little different in my perspective, but when I think "virtual" what comes to mind is "virtual reality" or in other words, something not quite real.

This is a keen observation, and not one to take lightly. As part of my research, I have Googled "Virtual Assistant" multiple times.

I get a lot of the Virtual Assistant job and networking sites, a few sales sites for teaching programs, and sites for virtual communications systems (efax, voicemail, etc), where there is no actual person, just an electronic one. Since these virtual office programs use the same term, I can see where it can confuse the general public.

Hello,
This was a fun post to read and hear everyone's point of view on using the word "virtual" in the name of the business. I personally chose "Executive Virtual Staffing & Services". I will be launching my web site by Monday and am very excited. I have talked with business owners already and have some leads for potential projects.

Once I have my web site live I'll post to the forum so anyone wanting to give me advise would be great.

Warmest Wishes,
Lori

Back when I first started my company in 91, I worked only with local clients - mostly small-town, family owned businesses and little old ladies and little old men that needed a few letters typed here and there, a couple of doctors and people who needed to have a resume written ... so I named my company Fastype. Now, I don't market locally at all or work with local clients at all, so when I became incorporated (since I screwed up by incorporating in 1993 and unincorporating in 1996 when I went through a divorce and backed off on my biz for a bit - and Ohio law says you can't use the name again - ack!!), I chose Fastype VA Services, Inc. It doesn't really say "virtually" in the name, but it does have VA in it, and my logo has my tag line that says I support speakers and coaches worldwide. I don't see anything wrong with having virtually in your name if you work virtually with your clients ... and it might a good way to pique someone's interest. If they give you a blank stare or ask you about it, it's a great way to tell them what you do.

Terry

I chose to use virtual in my business name because that is what I am, a Virtual Assistant. I think as the public becomes more educated on this title, it will become more accepted. And I don't want to be changing my business name in the future.

I too thought about the definition of not being "real". That can be seen in a whole lot of different perspectives. We are real, but not a "real" employee and so on. Another example of a personal choice.

So, educating society on this new, but not so new title, opens up a chance to market yourself.

This thread has been really helpful. As much as I love the idea of being "virtual" the sphere of prospects in my area have not quite yet grasped the idea of "virtual". Especially in the non profit sphere. However, I have decided to still use virtual in my name because that is the foundation of my business plan to be an assistant but not really be a physical employee. It really is a personal preference. I guess whatever you decide the marketing strategy is key.
I really appreciate being able to see things from so many different angles.

I like "Virtual Assistant" myself. It's just another way of saying an "Administrative Assistant or Secretary"

Originally Posted by Image Building

It's just another way of saying an "Administrative Assistant or Secretary"

It may depend on the service you offer, but in my mind a VA is very different from an AA and definitely from a Secretary.

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Amanda Moore
Virtual Assistant
VagabondetteVA Blog

I think it's important if you are just going to do virtual work. I put the word virtual in my company name because that's exactly what I do. I will do an initial face to face with local clients, but after that I do everything over the phone or via email.
DeAnna Troupe's Virtual Assistant Service
DeAnna