Why I changed my business name
You might have noticed a BIG change around here recently. A new URL, a new logo, and yes, a NEW business name!
The name of your business represents who you are, what you stand for, and the promise you make to your customers. Initially, Virtual Associate Services served as a fitting representation of my business. But as the business and my clients’ businesses evolved, I saw the need for a new name to better represent my services, values, and aspirations for my business and yours.
The decision to change my business name was exciting but not easy. It’s hard to let go of something you’ve loved and cherished for so long. But it’s not a goodbye. It’s an evolution. It’s a big hello to who we’ve become and who we want to be in the future.
I thought I’d share why and how I changed my business name in this post. Maybe it will help you if you’re grappling with similar decisions as your business evolves.
Outgrowing the old name
With a name like Virtual Associate Services (VAS), people would assume this was a virtual assistant business, not an online business management one. While that was okay in the beginning, my business has evolved into a strategic online business management service, and the name just didn’t fit.
While I work with plenty of VAs and bring them into my clients’ teams when needed, traditional virtual assistance services aren’t the core of what my business does. And, in that respect, the old name was confusing. It made it hard to overcome first impressions and explain to people that my core offerings were about business management, strategic planning, and accountability.
So, I began to wonder if it was time for a big, bold change.
Letting go and the fear of change
While I’d been thinking of a name change for a while, it was hard to make the final decision. I had a personal attachment to the legacy of VAS. There was an emotional connection that I didn’t want to cut. After all, I started this business soon after I became a mother, and the name held many memories of the challenges and successes of the early years of my business (and parenting) journey.
But, like my daughter, my business has grown. And while for us humans, our spirits and personalities define what people think of when they hear our names, in business, our brand name can create an impression that no longer fits.
After reflecting on where my business had been and where it was going, I knew the name wasn’t serving its purpose anymore. And many of the people I spoke with gave me the same advice.
But it was still hard.
I’m sure you get it. Your small business is like your baby, and many business decisions feel very, very personal. But while I’m a big believer in bringing our hearts into our business decisions, we shouldn’t let the personal get in the way of making the tough choices your business needs you to make.
I knew It was time.
If I wanted to position my business as a leader in online business management, I needed to let go of the past and embrace a bold name change.
The power of a name
Let me tell you once you’ve decided to change your business name, finding a new one is hard. I brainstormed ideas for DAYS, but it felt like the good ones were already taken. Then, my coach suggested incorporating numbers into my new business name, and I liked the idea. It felt unique and fitting.
Working with the idea of numbers, I came up with 3 options. But there was only one that really spoke to me.
Introducing:
The name S38 Business Management has a personal meaning behind it. It combines initials and numbers that represent me and my family. With family being one of the core values of my business, I thought it was only fitting to bring elements of my daughter into our new name. After all, she’s a big reason why I’m in business. And I know for many of my clients, their children and families are a big part of why they’re in business, too.
The name felt like it was meant to be.
It makes it easier for my clients to understand my services. And with the tagline, ‘Making waves in business, ’ the rebrand aims to show my audience how I can help them make the kind of waves they want to make with their businesses.
I’m so thankful to my clever designer, who brought in elements of the beach (my happy place) to illustrate the wave-making philosophy I wanted to express.
Of course, the name is only one piece of the puzzle. What matters is who I am as a person and what I do for people under the banner of this name. But as S38 Business Management, I’m here to show you who I am and what I stand for with the same clarity and confidence my services can bring to you.
Embracing the change
While I’m confident this change is a positive step forward for my business, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Change definitely comes with an element of fear.
What if people don’t like it?
What if I lose the brand recognition I built with my previous name?
How will I get through the long list of updates and changes I need to make?
Believe me – there’s a lot to do when you change your business name. It’s not just popping a new logo on your website. I’ve made a 3-page list of everything I need to update… 3 pages! (Please have patience as I work through this list – it’s an ongoing process, but all of it will be worth it 😉)
Despite the worry and the work, I’m excited about what this name change means for me and, most importantly, my clients. S38 Business Management offers a better understanding of what I can do for small business owners who need holistic support to help their businesses thrive.
Let me help guide your business evolution
My journey from Virtual Associate Services to S38 Business Management has been filled with learning, reflection and growth. This name change isn’t the end of the VAS story. It’s a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of a business adapting to its market and client needs.
Because that’s what our businesses need to do.
If you think your business needs help evolving and adapting to your market needs, I’m here to help. From strategic advice to productivity planning to systems and process enablement, I can help guide you toward your next business chapter.
Let’s work together to embrace positive change and strike that beautiful balance between what we were and what we want to be.
For a free, no-obligation chat about the evolution of your business, reach out and book a discovery call today.