Should I change business name?

MHasterok

MHasterok

New member
I have recently considered changing my business name. It is currently Terok Power Washing, which Terok is the last part of our last name, Hasterok.

When I do cold calling, and I tell them my company name, they always reply with "who?", or "what is the company name again?". I think this is because "Terok" is not recognized. I know as I grow, and do more advertising, and get more name recognition, my name will be known more.

So, should I change the name since I am still a new business (10 months old)? Of course I would let all my current customers know, and would have to pay for a new logo, marketing materials, etc.
 
sorry, but it also sounds like a terrorist name
 
Mike,

I was using my name for my business but just got tired of having it all over my truck and my shirts, and if I ever decide to sell my business I don't want my name on it. I still have the same business number so I just answer with my name first. Good luck.
 
schrec said:
sorry, but it also sounds like a terrorist name
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Did you read my whole post? Thanks for saying my family name "also sounds like a terrorist name. What a jack***!
 
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I am in the same situation but if I were you I would give it some time. When I talk to someone on the phone they think I say Scott instead of Pat for my name. I don't know how they get that. I have now learned to just go with the flow.

They may be pronouncing it differently in their minds

Tee Rock
Tay Roke
tear ruck
tear rock

These are just a few ways I can think of to pronounce the word Terok but that is not all bad. Hell all my life the only people that pronounce my last name correctly were family or teachers that had either taught or went to school with my aunts and uncles.

I would give it some more time. Like me it may be a annunciation problem rather than a hearing problem.
 
I like the name Terok, it's different and I would likely remember it. It really stuck out to me when I started on the boards as well, you were one of the first ones I remembered and recognized when I would be reading threads.

Even with Spray Wave people have somewhat the same reaction when we call, and we have been in business the same amount of time as you.

I think that when you are cold calling, the person receiving the call is just caught offguard at times. They were not ready for the "Hi my name is such and such from such and such". I think it's a good thing if they are asking you to say it again, better than them missing it and wondering what company you were with after you hung up! :shakehead:
 
Yeah, I agree with Soleil. I think maybe they are just trying to make sure they get your name correctly so they can have a conversation with you. I also agree with Guy, and Jim Fitz.

This prolly only applies to newbies looking to start a biz, but think of the end game when deciding on things like names, systems, business models.

Now a word of advice to you Mike: don't worry about your name, worry about providing such a service and value for your customers so they can't help BUT remember your name. Stay in front of them.
 
MHasterok said:
Did you read my whole post? Thanks for saying my family name "also sounds like a terrorist name. What a jack***!
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I am sorry. I usually put my foot in my mouth. I was just trying to joke. Your family name is not Terok, its Hasterok. Dude look at my last name, how many times do you think i have been called a nazi
 
schrec said:
I am sorry. I usually put my foot in my mouth. I was just trying to joke. Your family name is not Terok, its Hasterok. Dude look at my last name, how many times do you think i have been called a nazi
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It's cool man, I'm sure you were joking. I was tired and cranky when I responded.

Thanks to all of you for your input. Lot's of great points. It's a tough decision... Either way, my logo sucks, and that's gotta change.
 
Don't mention your business name until you have handed them a business card. Most people will generally browse your card as soon as you hand it to them. ( IF they don't, chances are you already have their FULL attention, you don't have to worry about these people) They'll see your business name spelled out, which will probably cut down on people not understanding exactly when they hear an unfamiliar word, such as "Terok".

On your personal name on your card, I think I would have it listed kind of like your signature here on the forum. They'll pick up where the name "Terok" came from.
 
According to a book I'm reading, crunch, gripe,jazz,sap,and treachery are among the top worst sounding words.
On the other hand people like dawn,golden,melody and mummering.

Maybe this will help?
 
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