What's in a name?

Our oldest daughter Ashlin came home with an assignment from art class that said the following: "An architect named Antonio Gaudi designed buildings that had curvy outer walls covered with brightly colored tiles. The American word gaudy, meaning “in poor taste,” is derived from his name."

While the statement is false (the English use of the word “gaudy” dates back to the 1600’s and Antonio Gaudi lived from 1852-1926) it did cause me to think, “What’s in a name?” There are some “names” that are so powerful that they become synonymous for what they are. Kleenex: facial tissue. FedEx: over night delivery. Xerox: Photocopy. Oops…not any more! When what you do or what you are becomes so powerful, people automatically associate your service attributes with your name. For example, when people are asked to think of a beautiful flower, 80% say they think of a rose. Maybe that is why “rose” became a name…for a person. Your attributes give powerful meaning to your name to the point where the two may became bound together in the hearts and minds of your market. So it may be well to decide and act on the attributes you want to be known for the most in your market.

When you are ready to take that step, feel free to use our Top Service Attribute (TSA) worksheet that asks 9 specific questions that will help you identify your top service attributes and the market for which those attributes will mean the most. Just let us know when you are ready for it by e-mailing our team at Answers@TotalPatientService.com or by calling 1-877-399-8677 and ask for the TSA worksheet. Just remember: the decisions you make today about your top attributes may determine what people believe and say about you tomorrow.

Make it ToPS!