professional organizers career tips

Select a company name that will give you a competitive edge

our company name has a big job to do. It has to help prospective clients find you, whether via phone directory, internet, or word of mouth. It should succinctly tell prospects what you do. It will create a first impression and the image for your company. And it must stand out in a sea of other professional organizing companies. That’s a lot to ask from a little name, isn’t it? Here’s how to get the most out of yours.

MAKE IT EASY: Your company name should be easy to pronounce, easy to spell, and easy to remember. If it’s hard to pronounce, prospects may move on to the next company name they see. If they can’t spell it, they can’t find you. And if it’s not memorable, well, you get the picture.

CONSIDER HOW YOU’LL ADVERTISE: If your primary advertising source is a phone directory or roster that’s listed alphabetically, you may want to consider a name that starts in the beginning of the alphabet so you get top placement. If your primary client source is your webpage, alphabetical listing won’t matter, but your company name should be easy to spell and relatively short.

FIND YOUR CHOICE CLIENT: Let your company name work for you by having it describe what you do, such as having the word “organizing” in your name. If you specialize, your name can help clients narrow down their search. For example, if you offer moving and downsizing services, a name like Easy Moves Organizing makes good sense. Prospects who needs moving assistance are likely to contact you because your name instantly tells them that you offer the services they desire. Likewise, if you have a choice client, your company name can help him/her find you. For example, if you want to work soley with children, a name like The Organized Child will give you an edge over your competition. But don’t let your name limit you. If you select Clutter-Free Closets, you’re restricting yourself to closet organizing even if you decide down the road that you love to organize kitchens and home offices.

REMEMBER YOUR IMAGE: Your name is your image. It’s your storefront. It’s your first impression. So remember to keep it neat. Let it reflect your personality — are you fun and friendly or the down-to-business type? Just don’t choose anything too weird or cutsie, or you’ll regret it down the road. It’s also fine to make your personal name your company name, such as Jennifer Ashley Professional Organizing. Just remember that your name is now part of your image. Also consider if the name will translate well into a logo of some sort. Picture it on your marketing materials. If the name is really long, it won’t fit on a business card. If it’s too ambiguous, it may be difficult to create a logo. Think beyond the sound of the name to the image it will create.

MAKE IT UNIQUE: Okay, so this can be tricky with thousands of other professional organizers out there. But it can be done! Start by brainstorming by yourself or with some friends. Write down every single word or phrase that pops into your head.Think nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs! Then review the list, create word combinations, move them around, delete the bad ones, add some new ones, and narrow it down.

MAKE SURE IT’S AVAILABLE: Once you have a list of five to ten company name options, see if the names are available. If you are a NAPO member, you can do a company name search under the Member Directory to see if anyone else has your desired name(s).You can do a web search for the names via Google or another search engine. You should also search for nationally-registered names by visiting www.uspto.gov. Click on “trademarks,” “search,” “new users form search,” and enter your proposed company name under “search term.” If someone in another state has registered your desired name, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it as your company name in your state. But be aware you could be forced to give up your company name at a later date, so I advise you to use caution when selecting a name that is already registered nationally. Some organizers offer services and products nationwide, so you may be creating confusion if select a name already in use. Take the time to find the perfect name that will be unique to you and your business.

[Want a little help naming your organizing business? We can help. Click here for info about our "The Perfect Name" services!]

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JANUARY

• Get Organized Month
• Be On Purpose Month
• Clean Out Your Closets Month
• Clean Off Your Desk Day: Second Monday in January

FEBRUARY

• Archive Your Files Month
• Pay Your Bills Week: Third week in February
• Clean Out Your Computer Day: Second Monday in February
• Valentine’s Day: February 14

MARCH

• Organize Your Home Office Day: Second Tuesday in March
• Procrastination Week: Second week of March
• Clutter Awareness Week: Third week of March
• Clean Out Your Closet Week: Third week of March
   

APRIL

• Stress-Awareness Month
• Tax Day: April 15 
• Organize Your Files Week: Third week of April
• National TV-Free Week: Fourth week of April 
• Administrative Professionals Week: Last week of April

 

MAY

JULY

• Purposeful Parenting Month
• Financial Freedom Day: July 1
• Take Charge of Change Week: First week of July

AUGUST

• Professional Speakers Month
• Simplify Your Life Week: First week of August

OCTOBER

• Kitchen and Bath Month
• Computer Learning Month
• Medical Information Month
• Home-Based Business Week: Second week in October
• Take Back Your Time Day: October 24

DECEMBER

• Stress-Free Holidays Month
• Make Up Your Mind Day: December 31

 

[Want more great tips to help you launch or enhance your organizing business? Check out Born to Organize, our professional organizer's resource book. Click here for info.]