As part of my ongoing efforts to find my first client, I am considering whether I should adopt a new business name. At the moment I just advertise my services under my own name, but am beginning to wonder whether this might be a bit offputting to potential clients, who might perhaps be concerned that 'one person' could be less reliable or experienced than a 'company'. That said, I haven't a clue what to call my business - the obvious thing might be to use a 'local' name, eg 'Anytown Bookkeeping Services', but I don't want to do that as I feel I might then alienate potential clients from slightly further afield.
On the other hand, if I do change my business name it will mean having to scrap all the nice stationery, business cards etc that I ordered with such high hopes over a year ago, plus I would need to think about a new web domain name, website etc. I really can't afford to waste any more money, but perhaps it's my business name (or lack of it) that's been holding me back all this time?
I don't see a problem with using your name, it emphasises the personal and reliable service you are giving...maybe the problem is in your marketing, what are you doing to attract new clients?
Or perhaps you could have a slight name change e.g. instead of michele surname have "michele surname bookkeeping services", then this will show that you are offering all the services that you do. Then you are more likely to use your old stock of stationery until it runs out.
