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Ask the Master Newsletter Archives
Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter.
On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of
running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay
and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.
Ask
The Master
August 2006 - Volume 5/Issue 8 |
Naming Your Business
What’s in a name? For a business it can be a lot.
You’ve decided to run a Virtual Assistant business. It is very
exciting but there is so much to do! Business cards, flyers, web sites
— except there’s one thing missing — the company
name. You are at a stand still. I’m sure a lot of us have struggled
and agonized over what to call our business and we all want it to
be perfect. Let’s see what we can do to make this important
decision easier.
Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant
Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.) What can I do
to improve communication with a client?
What do I need to consider
when deciding on a name? You want your company name to reflect
something about who you are since you are the business. Think about
where your passions lie related to the business. Are you passionate
about helping others? Organization? Creativity? Systems and processes?
It’s not imperative your company name describes exactly what
you do. If you think about this it’s quite difficult to succinctly
describe what you do in a couple of words. Think about Pepsi, Microsoft,
Kleenex or Kodak, all brand names that are not even part of the
English language. It’s all in the marketing.
How do I come
up with a company name? Brainstorming is the easiest way.
Write down all the things you are passionate about then list your
strengths. Looking at the words you have what ones jump out at you
or have special meaning to you. Start with these words and pull
in any business descriptions, concepts or images you may want to
include. Once you have a list of all these things brainstorm variations
of word combinations. Once you find one or more that connect with
you try changing the words around and making minor variations.
How do I decide which
one to use? Take the short list you now have and send to
family, friends, coworkers and business associates to get their
input. Ask if they have any additional suggestions. Keep in mind
that what may appeal to them may not necessarily be the right company
name for you. Another way that may help narrow down your choices
is checking the availability of the domain name.
While all of us want the perfect company name there is no law that
says you cannot change your company name in the future. However
careful consideration must be given to this option based on the
marketing and reputation that has already been built around the
old name.
Once I’ve decided
on the name what do I need to do? Be sure you go to your
local government agency to register the name you have chosen. In
some instances the name may already be registered and being used
by someone else in which case you will have to choose the next name
on your list. Remember to check on the domain name of this company
name as well and once you have registered the business name don’t
forget to register the domain name!
Can I just use my own
name? Just using your own name is always an option. You
may also want to add additional descriptors such as “business
services”, “virtual assistant services” or “and
associates”. This is sometimes an easier solution for those
who cannot come up with another company name.
You want to keep in mind that when using your name it is definitely
your reputation on the line. Consider the possibility of your name
changing i.e. marriage or divorce and whether you may want to sell
or expand the business and any complication this may present.
Brought to you by
Virtual Strategies
and the Virtual Assistant Training Program
Making dreams reality!
www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
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