Some of you are aware I have been pondering changing the name of my company– been told “Margie Albert” is my brand as I am somewhat well know in Broadcast circles. Several very successful people do this (Chris Brogan, Gary Vaynerchuk, Jim Doyle) so not a new idea. Highly complementary but I am resisting. I am so passionate about keeping the focus on the customer’s success! In today’s environment it is the only way for any of us to succeed and FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SUCCESS says it all.
We just need to define our customer, determine what they need and give it to them and we’ll have it made! That goes for retailers, hospitals, universities, viewers, an AE’s client’s best customer, etc. Well, not so fast! We also need the right message about that product delivered to that customer the way that customer wants to receive it.
Starting with defining the “customer” and their definition of “success” is where it all begins. If you FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SUCCESS everyone succeeds. And I promise to remain focused on your success! So I am asking you for your advice as my valued customers. Should I change the name of my company?
Vote – no change. Too few forget the focus is not on oneself but on the customer.
Margie
When I opened “Steinmetz Consulting” after leaving CBS Radio, I chose to include my last name because I felt it gave me some amount of familiarity with the radio industry, and I would suggestt he same for you. I still think your slug line is still the right message, but a name change will no doubt connect you more readily to your good reputation in the TV industry.
Juts one man’s opinion, for what it’s worth.
Take care, Mark
I say “no change.” People can always google you to find you. I think your training and process, which has been very successful with our CCA Sales team, is all about focusing on the customer, and that is your “brand” in my book.
Ann Ellis
Communications Corp of America
While I agree your brand is focusing on the success of the customer, I think the name is too long and doesn’t allow your good name in the industry to be heard. What if the company name was shorter and involved your name (maybe simplifying but something along the lines of “Albert Consulting”) and then you had a slogan such as “Focusing on the Customer’s Success”?
My vote would be “undecided”. I’d link the name to your strategy. At the end of the day, are you trying to become the “guru” of something, or are you trying to create a company. Is your value proposition all about creating customer value and driving a customer experience, or have you migrated away from that with your new focus and would “Margie Albert” be a better name? What do you want to “have” when the company is all grown up? Do you want to sell or is this just what you want to do for a while? If you want to sell, having a name other than your own may create more value.
I agree with Josh that a shortened name would serve you well, Margie. You’ve got a great tag-line with “Focus on Customer Success” – now you just need a strong, personal connection with your clients. I like “M. Albert and Associates” or even just “FCS”. Food for thought…
Margie,
My two cents is that they have a point about your name….that’s your brand ..you are trying to create a new brand around a phrase that is really more like a tagline…
Also you may want to grow your business some day and add other consulting partners so…
Albert Media Associates – to distinguish yourself from others out there (and sound bigger than one person)
“We help you focus on customer success in digital advertising”
Margie, I think you are really fortunate to have such a great circle of colleagues and friends to share insights with you. And they did that no matter what you call your business…it could be a cucumber and you would still have this great reputation and network of support.
My vote is to keep it as it is. It isn’t limiting you and you seem to be very happy with what business as it is. And if you feel you need a shift, make it a subtle one as Josh suggested and just begin blending your name in with the business name.
Whatever you call yourself, you’re still a great person doing really good work…and that’s what counts!
These are all such great comments and MUCH appreciated. Thank you – and not sure what I’m going to do!Stay tuned.