The Name Game - My Name or a Separate Business Name???

[Pompal 09.]

Hi there,

Finally got my license...Schwoo!

I am going to practice on my own but for some reason feel in my gut that I should have a separate Business Name other than my own.

What do you all think? Do think it is a bad idea in that my individual name will not be as recognized and I am going to be on my own for awhile, if not forever?

My maiden name is 'Hannsz' pronounced 'hands' - seems like a no brainer there...but it is my maiden name.

I have to come up with something quickly because I want to be up and practicing in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for any input!

 

[howtodeal2008]

I currently have a home office, so I just use my name for business. I use the "title heading" Professional Massage Therapy on marketing stuff.

Once I have a regular office I plan to change to a business name.

 

[brwneyes]

I have a separate business name, I think people take "business" names more seriously so I came up with one for myself. But I also plan to own a larger business than just myself in the coming years.

 

[Ryan P]

My thinking is that you should "go with your gut". I don't have a great reason - just because your gut says so! lol. I am also on my own, and have a separate business name. My bank account for the business is a DBA account, so it is in my name but checks are written to the business name. I am a sole proprietor, so taxes are simple. At some point I'll probably incorporate, but it's not time for that, yet.

I would think if you brainstorm with some trusted friends/family, you could incorporate your maiden name into a GREAT business name! Healing Hannsz or something like that. But then, if you don't use your maiden name for anything else, nobody would get it, anyway!

You'll come up with the right name. You will LOVE being in business for yourself, too! Congratulations!

 

[Rachie]

Rose, you are so clever! The Healing Haanz suggestion incorporates her name as well as a business name. I'm a fan of a business name (folks can still write checks to you, of course) because it makes it sound like you are serious and professional about what you do and it also goes a long way to weeding out the freaks who are attracted to "Massage by (insert female name here)".

Think about what you want to focus on and offer in your practice and go from there. It doesn't have to be cute. In fact, if you plan to work in a more clinical setting or take insurance claims, it shouldn't be.

 

[Tiki]

Thanks, MrsKitten! I love playing with words.

How is it going, Crystal_Compass?

 

[fish man]

Hi There!

Thanks for all of your suggestions...Yes, Rose that is clever ;0)

I am still having a tough time with this - I have a name I really like but only a few people have 'gotten it'.

I sat and brainstormed for an hour but THE name just hasn't hit me yet. I have a couple I have been kicking around.

I may try them out on you all after a little more thinking but I have to get hopping on this because it is holding my process up.

Had an interview with a physician that I really like. We have similiar ideals and ideas about healing and he works with the population I have been dreaming of working with.

It is so exciting because it is so much like the environment I had pictured myself in ultimately when this whole journey into massage therapy started.

Thanks for your support and asking how it is going! This can be a bit of a lonely pursuit at times and I sure appreciate the ability and opportunity to bounce it off others who are living the dream ;0)

 

[baseball*dreams]

I'm glad to hear you have a great opportunity w/this physician! I can't wait to hear about your new business name!