Looking for input on the name of my practice...

[Avril Lavigne]

About me: I finished my shiatsu training in August and will complete my massage program this December.

I have run my business name past friends and got some positive feedback, but they're my friends, so I am seekings some objective, professional advice.

Business Name: Starting Spirit (Bodywork)

Backstory: When I was in school, we had a "dreaming your practice" project to do. We were to come up with a tangible representation of our ideal job. It could be a poster/collage, diorama, poem, etc. I took a box and made a collage on it, pasting words, phrases and images that represented my vision. I found a quote that resonated with me (in a wine magazine) that I placed in the center of the box:

"The end result can only be as pure as the starting spirit."

For me, it represents the power and importance of intention in bodywork, and the belief that the client is his/her own guide in the healing process. Later, I began to think it may make a good name for my practice. Since that class, I have used the box to hold things I think will help me be a better therapist.

My questions: Do you like the name? Why or why not? Should I drop "Bodywork," and change it, or add to it, (i.e bodywork clinic)?

Is the title too esoteric if you don't know the story behind it? I think including the quote in my literature would help to clarify the meaning of the name.

Finally, what do you think of the quote? A friend of mine who does brand/identity design, though it sounded a little "preachy" and may put off some clients.

Thanks for your input. I am hoping to get some thoughts from those in the field.

 

[Beth G]

I like Starting Spirit Bodywork Center ... or Starting Spirit Bodywork Studio... somehow the idea of a Starting Spirit and Clinic just clash in my head.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth... if you want it. LOL

 

[Pompal 09.]

i'm with maestra. no 'clinic' ~ it just doesn't flow.

good luck

 

[Bye Bye]

i agree that spirit and clinic really don't go together well. as for the name, i'm sitting here thinking about it and i can't decide whether i like it or not. i guess it may depend a little on what kind of practice you wish to build. i know that sometimes the name will keep people from calling a business (in my area anyway). if you are wanting to do treatment work you may get people shying away because of the name. i know it really shouldn't matter but it could. i like the quote and i could see how you want to tie it into your business. when you explain it, it's wonderful. trouble is, you can't explain your name to someone who hasn't come in or called you....know what i mean? (i can see how that quote was in a wine magazine...) i will say that i don't think that it sounds too "preachy" at all. if you really love it, go with it! if you thinks it great but are not sure about it, play around with it....find a way to make it work.

 

[hobojo]

I think it is absolutely awesome that you are working on getting the name of your business together! Congrats!

I must agree with mush. You will probably have a hard time getting "treatment" or "therapeutic" people in on this name. Maybe once you have been in business for a while and get word of mouth referrals, but otherwise, it might limit you.

But, if you are looking at doing energy work, and eclectic type stuff, or relaxation massages, I'd think you'd pick up clients quickly with this name.

 

[softballxlove3]

Hm, I've been thinking about this all day and was wondering if you couldn't use that "starting spirit" line as part of a mission statement that would appear in your written literature (brochures, websites, etc.)
I agree that Starting Spirt might turn off some who are more inclined toward therapeutic or clinical type work. With some thought you might be able to come up with something that conveys the idea of growth however...
If you're positive you want Starting Spirt and you're planning on offering relaxation or energy related therapies... I don't have an issue with it.
You could even call it Starting Spirt Wellness Center or something of that nature which might encompass a more "wholistic" viewpoint.

 

[karl e]

For me, it represents the power and importance of intention in bodywork, and the belief that the client is his/her own guide in the healing process.

Would something like
"The Power of Bodywork"
be more helpful to you?

I don't know for sure that I like the exact name, but maybe you can bounce some ideas off this?

I also added in as a "sticky" the thread about "business names" in this section ( Business Issues & Marketing Discussion), so maybe it will be a place to get more insight.