RORY KELLY CONNOR: After almost two decades as a public relations and branding strategy expert, I added Certified Coach to my areas of expertise. As I prepared to establish a new consultancy offering strategic business/branding and coaching services, I needed to pick a business name for this new entity and register it, a moniker that embodied my intentions for the work and the positive 'make things happen' approach I wanted to convey to clients.

Starting with the core emotions I wanted people to feel about the process and results of working with me, I brainstormed many possibilities. I wanted the name to resonate with clients in such a way that they would be receptive to the process of coaching and/or the power of being strategic in order to reach their personal or professional objectives. I wanted it to reflect that, together, we would work to envision what they truly wanted to manifest and then create a plan of action that would make it a reality.

And the name had to feel right. It had to be provocative. It had to make sense to me and be inspiring. So, I researched. I meditated. I pondered. I strategized. I imagined. I was open and listening to my intuition, asking the Universe to guide me toward a name that reflected my mission and brand promise.

Be Receptive

During this conceptual phase, I happened to meet a good friend for lunch, in celebration of my certification as a Coach. As we chatted over delicious Italian salads and good bread, she handed me a little gift. "Just a little something to mark your new path and to inspire you," she said.

I opened the wrapping to find a little silver pin, an angel with beautiful butterfly-like wings, adorned in a flowing gown, a wand dripping with stars in her hand. The angel pin was attached to a card which read, "Imagine...A new year with new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Imagine all of the great things that await you. Imagine all that you can accomplish." What a lovely gift with a beautiful message!

The following day, I mentioned the pin to another friend who was aware of my naming endeavour. We got to talking about the message on the card and how cool it was, how inspirational. Then, as women sometimes do, we started discussing world events, books and people news, including the story of Kathryn Stockett's journey to the publication of her first book, The Help (now also a movie), which had gotten great reviews.

As we delved into admiration over the fact that Stockett never gave up on her dream, continued to submit her manuscript to literary agents for consideration even after 60 rejections (number 61 said yes!), I found myself saying, "After all those no's, she never gave up. What if she had given up at 40? What if she had given up at 60? Yet, she kept going! Can you imagine?!" 

As the words flew out of my mouth, I had a feeling, a vibrational resonance that said "pay attention." I repeated the words to myself. "Can you imagine..." And I remembered the angel pin and her message:"Imagine all the great things that await you." Exactly what I wanted clients to experience! Thinking of the pin, its message, and Stockett's inspirational persistence in bringing her dream to life, I told my friend, "See! If you can imagine, you can make it real! (TM)"

Imagine

And that is how I named my consultancy. And that is how my business tagline was born. Delivered by an angel, with the help of good friends, inspired by an real-life story, in answer to a request to the Universe. Receptive to whatever would come, I found the name. A provocative call to action (Can you imagine?). A statement of awe (Can you imagine!). A promise (If you can imagine, you can make it real (TM). 

Nov 14, 2011 - 2:32 AM

Dr Amit Nagpal - Oh yes, I have started imagining

Oct 19, 2011 - 2:52 PM

Harold Aldrich - What a great story, Rory! thank you for sharing it. Isn't it interesting how miracles often manifest in the least expected ways. Your story inspires me! And, yes, I Can Imagine! Blessings of Peace....

Oct 18, 2011 - 9:02 AM

Andrea Connell - Beautiful Rory - Loved it!