What’s in a name?

Sometimes you have an idea in mind but you can’t quite bring it into focus, but when you do, you know it. But then you realize you’ve (metaphorically) got your thumb in the picture. And so it is with GreatLand Media.

Let me explain.

I am a graduate of Chris Curran‘s Podcast Engineering School and have been trying to figure out how I want to make a business of podcast editing and production. Every business needs a name so I decided on a name that would reference and honour my place of residence, and what I personally believe to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet: Alaska. The state name ‘Alaska’ is derived from the Aleut word Alyeska, which means “great land”.

Okay, good. Business name done. Now, on to the type of client I wanted to work with. I had a vague idea of my ideal customer but I knew I needed to refine the idea and niche down. That took awhile to crystalize but when it did, I knew it was where I wanted to go. Specifically, providing podcast editing and production to businesses and organizations that are owned by, serve, or provide support to those who have and do serve us: veterans and current military, law enforcement officers, fire and emergency medical personal, other first responders and the families of the honorable men and women in these professions.

Whoops. Ideally you want your business name to reflect the business, right? Well…I know you see a disconnect here. So…what to do? Well, first I guess I’ll admit to making a mistake. Yep, we all make them. Second, I guess I’ll just live with it for awhile. I’m sure there are those who are thinking I should “rebrand”, any maybe I will in the future. I still want to honour my home while working to honour those who serve. So for now, I’m gonna stay the course.