Really, what IS in a name? In business, does a “name” (or perhaps a “TITLE”) define what you do, who you are, and what services/products you offer? It could! However, just going off of a name could be a bit misleading.
I just read an article today that got me seriously thinking about my “name” (or better yet, my title). The article was written by a former Virtual Assistant who wanted to re-brand herself as an Administrative Consultant. She indicated she had been in the VA business for two years and felt she needed to change things up a bit. She felt the level of clients she was attracting as a Virtual Assistant, were not up to her standards. She got a response from an Administrative Consultant and Coach who indicated Virtual Assistants sometimes get a negative response from their title (perhaps because of the word, “ASSISTANT”). She mentioned how often times clients will assume if you are an “assistant” that you are at their every beck and call, and will do whatever they dictate, at whatever rate they dictate. (click here for complete article). This caused me to stop and consider how my 30+ years as a “secretary/administrative assistant” were possibly limiting me as far as my abilities to excel in my own business.
I was quickly reminded that many clients (I’m guessing MOST) look for experience, skills, services, testimonials, referrals, etc., when selecting a Virtual Assistant or Administrative Consultant. You see, it really DOESN’T matter WHAT your title is, if you market yourself as an invaluable resource to businesses; they will come calling.
What was that line from the movie, Field of Dreams – “if you build it, they will come” – can we apply this to our business as well? No matter WHAT you call yourself, it’s all in how you market your skills and who you market to that will reap you the best reward.