PLAYING THE NAME GAME
Are you playing the name game? Or maybe you aren’t even aware that your name of you business is something you should think a little more on. Have you ever asked yourself these questions?
What SHOULD my business name be?
Is my business name or page name the RIGHT name?
If you are any type of service based business —- virtual assistant, photographer, interior designer, makeup artist, hair stylist then this blog post is for you. This particular rule does not apply to a brick and mortar store. I firmly believe a business that has a physical location to point people to gives the name more of an identity and its own connection.
So Why do I say this for us service based people?
Word of mouth - The first factor is word of mouth. You want what comes out of your clients and potentials clients mouth to be very clear. Let’s use a photographer as an example. A client posted photos and someone says “Who did your photos?” They respond with “I had my photos done by Captured Moments” and then the next question that person has for your client that they may not even ask is “Who do I contact? Where do I go?” There is no connection to the person behind the business so now it feels like that... a business and not a person. When someone says a NAME like Ashley Sloane, then suddenly they are looking for a face instead of a business location. They are looking for a person to trust. Now they are saying ONE name and not two names. This lessons the confusion of “ohhh Jessica did my photos from Creative Memories” to “Oh Jessica Leann did my photos, you will LOVE her!”
You are what is VALUABLE - Most service based businesses with out a brick and mortar are more creatively based or skilled. There is a reason why Vincent Van Gogh signed his work with his name. His name was what made that piece of work so valuable. YOU are valuable and your skill and your heart IS the difference. We often run from the “spotlight” and do not want the attention on us but the truth is that you are the most valuable thing in your business. You are the difference!
It doesn’t have to say it all- Keep in mind a lot of the names people come up with for their business actually is not just the “name” but instead it is their why or their mission. There are great mottos, tags and words to use in the business but they do not have to be and should not be, the actual business name. I always highly encourage people that their logo doesn’t have to say or show it all either. Tiffany and Co doesn’t say what it is but they have great a brand representation across the board.
If you DO have a store front and you are looking for a name I still encourage people to stay true to their three words, why and mission. The name should connect to a deeper meaning and passion to help tie a story and make the brand more memorable.
