Stage Name.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - HypnosisGurus.com on July 21, 2008 at 9:33am

Business structure and insurance keeps you financially safe.
Using two names just creates confusion IMHO. I use my real name everywhere, becasue I seek out every opportunity to have it in lights. I'd hate to have the fake me be successful, and the real me left behind.

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 21, 2008 at 9:35am

ok cool.

So instead of using our clinical business name - Jason and I would be better to switch the name up to our own names ?

Kenda.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - HypnosisGurus.com on July 21, 2008 at 10:34am

I used a business name "Tulsa Hypnosis Clinic, Inc." when I had my office in Tulsa, but always called me by my real name not a stage name wherever I was... on business cards for the clinical practice or on stage....

Remember in hypnosis, YOU are the product. You are the brand... In my trianing business, clinical practice or stage, they choose ME becasue they want ME. Richard Nongard is the brand. Even if I am "hypnosisGrurs.com" or "SubliminalScience.com" or "Austin Hypnosis Clinic, Inc." people still want RICHARD NONGARD.

Just me, I would never use a stage name.... to much invested in creating the brand, too much hassle and expense to create two brands... I mean, Buick and Oldsmobile.... WHY????? Its the same GM

Richard

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 21, 2008 at 10:41am

Gotcha.. And I see the point you are making.

Thank you Richard...

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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on July 21, 2008 at 10:59am

I don't think a Stage name is going to do much to protect you from liability. The only reason to have a stage name is to facilitate booking and establish an indelible identity. ie Richard Rumble is Mr. Hypnosis. Kinda catchy really, but everyone knows he is Richard Rumble. I am the Texas Tranceman. Again catchy and it helps folks remember who I am. But I keep it connected to my clinical work. and Richard when he was doing clinical stuff kept the Mr. Hypnosis identity highly visible also. THe stage name is really only for marketing purposes. If the Texas Tranceman gets sued it comes out of Hugh Cole's pocket. (more properly...Hugh Cole's insurance guy's pocket)
I am with Richard Nongard on this really... unless you have a valid marketing reason to use a stage name... Use your own. ,,, and if you have a marketing reason keep the identity closely tied to the clinical work. There are exceptions of course, but that.s my general take on it.

Hugh Cole
Texas Tranceman

ps. Yes use your own .... Do you remember Richard and Genie ? Worked for them.

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Permalink Reply by Geoff Ronning - www.StageHypnosisCenter.com on July 22, 2008 at 9:15am

Kenda,

I think unless there is a spelling or pronunciation issue, you are FAR better off using your real name. Not only due to the costs of establishing two brands, but also due to the fact that they will (should) cross promote each other.

Hugh,

Just a small but important point. Richard Rumble is NOT Mr. Hypnosis.

Mr. Hypnosis is a legally trademarked name of another performer and that name is protected under the laws of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. No offense intended, just wanted to be make the correction.

Geoff Ronning

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 22, 2008 at 10:29am

Thank you Geoff.

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Permalink Reply by David Fontenot on July 21, 2008 at 8:03pm

Mine is a little more convoluted. My stage name is pronounced the same as my real name, just easier to read for the average person. I have another name that I use for any adult shows. That way when church groups and High Schools google me, they aren't shocked too badly...

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 22, 2008 at 10:28am

That is good advise, thank you David.

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Permalink Reply by Sean Michael Andrews C.H. C.I. - WorldsFastestHypnotist.com on July 23, 2008 at 7:30pm

For me, a "stage name" makes sense. I want to separate my serious, clinical work from my fun stuff. This is not because I do off-color material. All my work is respectful and G-Rated, but I don't think it is helpful for my weight loss clients to do a search on my name and find youtube videos of me knocking people down on the boardwalk at the beach. Instant inductions are extremely valuable in a clinical setting, but many prospective hypnosis clients may get the wrong idea if they see my demos from my classes for other hypnotists.

Here's another thought. I separate my clinical website from my hypnosis education website. Here's my thinking... If a prospective client comes to my website to learn how I can help her with her serious problem, doesn't it detract from my credibility if I am also advertising on the same site that I can make you a certified hypnotist in just seven days?

Don www.marylandfamilyhypnosis.com
AKA Sean www.WorldsFastestHypnotist.com

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Permalink Reply by Geoff Ronning - www.StageHypnosisCenter.com on July 23, 2008 at 9:23pm

Hi Sean,

I know that Keith is very excited about your upcoming training. In fact, we just had talk about it today at the Stage Hypnosis Center forum.

While I respect your reasons, and even find them logical, as a stage hypnotist and a teacher I'm not sure if they are "correct."

I'm not trying to convince you of anything, just pointing out that as a stage hypnotist for years, I have been shocked as I walk off stage, having just made someone smell something stinky and have them start pouring out their soul to me and request my help for very serious issues.

It could be, the belief of your prospects is the opposite of you, and they could find your YouTube Instant Induction videos the most powerful thing that attracts them to you. Just a thought.

Continued success!

Geoff

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Permalink Reply by Sean Michael Andrews C.H. C.I. - WorldsFastestHypnotist.com on July 24, 2008 at 2:46pm

Geoff:
Hello! I've heard wonderful things from my friends about your teaching and products. Nice to meet you! I have not made a final decision about my "dual personality", but "Sean" seems to be winning all the attention. :-) I understand what you're saying about how many audience members react to an excellent stage hypnotist. "If he can do THAT, I KNOW he should be able to make me lose 100 pounds just like magic." :-)

Best Wishes,
Don
AKA Sean Michael Andrews

P.S. I'm really looking forward to working with Keith too. I've been a fan of his for years!

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