December 4, 2008Reader Question ~ Help Kim find her perfect title
This week’s reader question is from my bookkeeper to you. She’s on a quest for the perfect job title. I’m sure many of you have been there – wondering how to respond when someone asks – what do you do? I’d like to get a dialogue going that will help her figure out what to put on her business cards, and that will get us all thinking about how we describe what we do.
Kim provides elder support services. She prepares financial paperwork and summary statements, pays bills, does accounting for year end taxes, reviews insurance coverage; sorts files; exercises limited powers of attorney; provides conservator or guardian services, writes letters, provides companionship and runs errands.
What do you think she should call her self? The term Financial Assistant sounds like she offers investment advice, which she doesn’t, and the term Bookkeeper is too limited. It sounds to me like she’s taking care of elders the way some children take care of their aging parents. I wish the word “childrening” was common usage rather than something I just made up, because that would be a perfect description. What ideas can you recommend?
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I have a friend whose parents in Mississippi use a service that does all the things your bookkeeper does. People in their area needed help with more than just taxes, and the company was born. It is called Life Services, and I think that is a wonderful name. It is all-encompassing, and can be anything that needs to be done for the elderly or others who simply need assistance.
Comment by Margo Timberlake — December 5, 2008 @ 11:00 am
I like the title “executive assistant.” It elevates her status to more than “administrative assistant” which, to me, has always sounded a little artificially glorified. But, it indicates that she fulfills a supportive and integral role in your organization.
Comment by Lucretia Katz — December 5, 2008 @ 11:03 am
How about “elderly support specialist” or “elderly support assistant” or “elderly support coordinator”?
Comment by Audrey — December 5, 2008 @ 11:05 am
I like Life Services Coordinator or perhaps Senior Services Coordinator. I’d stay away from using ‘assistant’ in the title — it sounds secretarial, and unfortunately, many of us work in industries where clerical support is not given the respect it deserves.
Comment by Susan — December 5, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
How about Elder Services Coordinator or Senior Services Specialist? Conveying the part about her being an expert @ what she does is important.
Comment by Renee — December 5, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
In this area we use Elder Care Planner or Geriatric Care Manager.
Comment by Janet Rose — December 5, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
This is a great business strategy! What do you think of the title Life Services Advisor? Is there room for a tagline to expand on specialties?
The comments are so bright and well-informed, may I suggest we include marketing material, too? Target the boomers with aging parents. Give cell phone classes.
Comment by Susan — December 5, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
After looking through the other suggestions – how about:
P.L.U.S. Support
(Performance, Life, Utilisation and Services) Support
Comment by Virginia — December 7, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
I really like the title ” Elder Care Facilitator” or “Elder Services Facilitator”
Comment by Pam — December 7, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
Sounds to me like she organizes, protects and assists the elderly. I just focused on the problems she solves and the words came to me “organize, protect and assist the elderly.” It may not be a job title in the traditional sense but it sure may come a long way in catching someone’s attention long enough to explain the services she provides. I think its much more human and easy to relate to…almost lends to the sense of urgency. As if I need to hire her to organize, protect and assist my Nana.
Comment by M Anderson — December 8, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
How about Senior Affairs Executive Administrator?
Comment by Matilde — December 8, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Hi Meryl,
I like Elder Support Specialist.
Comment by Kathryn Russell — December 8, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
What about Management Coordinator?
Comment by Terri Lynn — December 11, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
[...] And thank-you for your fabulous suggestions for last week’s Reader Question. Kim was thrilled by all the ideas. I am impressed. Read them here. [...]
Pingback by A PowerPhrase a Week » This Week in the World ~ Closets, Pandora’s Box, Kim’s Title and SpeakStrong Release — December 11, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
I hope Kim lets us know what she finially chooses
Comment by Virginia — December 14, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Thank you to everyone who submitted suggestions for my business title, and thank you Meryl for the suggestion of having your readers help me out! The comment that really spoke volumes to me was the description of “organizing, protecting and assisting the elderly.” Perfect! Those words describe exactly what my hearts goal is in helping the elderly in these areas. Those words say it all! Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciated the feedback. Now I’m excited to get started!
Comment by Kim — December 18, 2008 @ 10:16 am