Names reflect values and mission

When I travel around the country talking with caregivers and care providers, I am frequently reminded that names are important.

In some states, calling yourself a PCA means something entirely different from the Personal Care Aide acronym we use in our caregiver training certifications. While most states know exactly what a CNA is, in Washington State they call it an NAC (nurse aide – certified).

And then there is our name. We get introduced as the people from “A – choir” (“do you guys sing?”) or get missed altogether when someone googles us with the “c” as “Acquire.” (Just FYI: Emails addressed to me with the “c” in the name “acquire” won’t make it into my inbox.)

So why do we spell our name funny? Why the small “a” followed by the capital “Q”?

When we first started our company we hired a branding consultant to help us select a name. We wanted something unique and memorable, as well as something that reflects our values and mission.

At the time, we were using a course development engine called the “Q” system, so we needed to incorporate the prominent “Q” into our name. We also wanted to focus on the outcome of using our online training program: growing stronger skills and a more successful organization.

We loved the idea of helping people “acquire” skills. We loved the emphasis on the “Q” in the word, too.

Today, although we no longer use this course development engine, we still feel strongly about our big “Q.”

Now, however, our “Q” stands for just one thing: Quality.

When a senior care organization selects aQuire for their online staff training system, they are investing specifically and intentionally in building their team. Yes, they often save money, as our monthly per employee rate can run less than ½ of what a one hour inservice costs, not to mention trainer prep time, record-keeping and over-time for make-up attendees.

Yes, our clients get 10 times the benefit of offering their typical menu of one inservice each month, as we provide over 80 courses (nearly 100 hours) – unlimited access to employees – on a very wide range of topics.

In the end, though, adding an online training program does require an investment in the one thing we are passionate about: Quality – the “Q” factor to your organization’s success.

It’s important enough to us that it’s not only in our name – it’s the only thing BIG about our name!