Step 1: form a corporation (INC, LLC etc). Step 2: establish a trusty core of associates. Step 3: launch projects under a brand. This way you maintain your name under a title (e.g. manager, president) and roll out a brand that is easier to associate with a service or product.

Domaining is a niche market that is relatively small. Think big: create services and products that can be used by millions, not thousands.

Tia Wood is a brand by itself. Imagine Angelina Jolie changing to AnGo inc. Trademark your name would be better.

I would agree with Acro regarding the rebranding, and est. a LLC.

One thing that's definitely missing in the domain space is data, analytics, and industry reports (over-and-above what the registrars publish); although that's definitely a difficult business to start for a solo. More realistically, however, you could try to partner with a niche ad firm, and convince them to create a domain-focused division -- run by a bright, talented gal.

@Acro and @Robin - I can see both your points. That's why I have such trouble deciding! lol.

@Gene - Thank you for the suggestion and compliment.

you should re-brand as wood tiara and have a picture of yourself wearing a rhinestone studded wood tiara but you must look very businesslik so also wear a tie and don't be afraid to show a little skin..

I would re-brand outside of TiaWood.com . It often seems that a personal name is better for a clothing line brand LLC a name and brand it.

As for what is missing... I try to figure that out on a daily basis and testing is your best bet. Throw some thing out there and see what sticks. I can say that I am looking outside the domain industry but using the domain knowledge that I have.

I would say it has worked for Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, using a name is fine. They are all designers and you are a designer. I would keep that feel, as a modern day designer using Tia Wood is perfect.

Your second point is a point I think about everyday. I cannot agree with Gene's point because who is going to pay for it ?. Can you compete with domaintools.com,hosterstats ? Domainers like stuff for free, Jamie did a great job with all his Go Daddy auction research and picks, do you think many would have paid for it ?

I wonder each day why am I writing this or that ? Does anyone care. Domainers don't care about a lot of stuff. They are as a whole way behind in areas like social media, mobile. pr and marketing.

I would focus on design and use domaining as a niche to sell into and market.

I have worked with you and the stuff has been good. You did MediaOptions.com and I think it looks great. I actually have some stuff I wanted to go over with you to get your thoughts and pricing. Just need to get more focused. Because starting and stopping projects I do all the time. Its not good if you paid someone for work and not focused.

I got many ideas but sorry I cannot post here.

You already established a brand "since 2006:" Tia Wood - why would you squander that? It's short, catchy, 3 syllables, and it's such a pretty name which rolls off your tongue easily! In fact, it already sounds like a brand, being unique and not a common name.

Tia Wood is a great brand name. Stick to it with TiaWood.com

Remember those famous names in the world, Tiger Wood, Brat Pitt, Steve Jobs, Frank Lloyd Wright, Kylie Minogue etc...doesn't matter what carer you are in, your name is the best branding opportunity to promote your business and your talent.

'Tia Wood' is a great brand already. Keep that...Trademark it...Register 'TiaWood.com' as a corporate entity (LLC, Inc, or whatever) - there are tax & legal benefits in doing so.....Promote the corporation.

Write what you know. And/or what you think, or imagine. Write about trends that you see; Trends that you don't see, but would like to see; Ideas & capabilities that would be cool, if only someone made it possible.

You don't know what's on reader's minds? Steve Jobs said he never does focus groups to tell him what people think they need/want....He said: 'Consumers never know what they want until you give it to them'....

Give us what's inside you. That's 'Tia Wood'.

If you are contemplating a rebranding, the chances are you have needed it for a long time.

In the rebrandings I have done and witnessed, the most common sentiment from owners is: we should have done this years ago!

One of the best benefits of a rebranding is that it is the perfect excuse for a world wide press release!

Thank you, everyone. I'm sorry for the late reply. Some wonderful responses here and definitely gave me something to think about. My hunch is to stick with TiaWood.com. I feel it gives me the most freedom to be myself so we'll see where the next road leads.

I appreciate all your responses and for taking the time to leave a comment.

Tia,
I have interacted with you in dnforum post, but have not used your service. Having read good things about you, I'm considering using you for my site logo. As for branding, I like the way your name sounds. It's short and catchy.Easy to remember. Even if you decide to go bigger, Tia Wood is still a great name to use.