Discovering SarNDipity
Defining a framework for business and life
Hello, and welcome to Dose of SarNDipity! Thanks for stopping by - I’m Sarah, and I’m glad you’re here.
What exactly is “SarNDipity”, you might ask? Great question! I think of it as my unique spin on the idea of serendipity - me being Sarah Noonan, the “Sar N” in “SarNDipity” (Get it? 😁)
I coined the term SarNDipity while brainstorming potential names for my consulting business, SarNDipity Solutions. I was looking for a name that could signify my professional identity and value-add while offering me latitude to explore potential service offerings and market niches. Building off my first name prompted my thinking about the concept of serendipity, and a Google search led to the following American Heritage Dictionary definition:
Serendipity (n.):
The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.
An instance of making such a discovery.
Having a background in organizational systems, research and analysis, I liked framing myself as someone who could help others unlock “Aha” insights and opportunities. I also appreciated the chance to introduce a touch of whimsy to areas often presented and perceived as cut and dry. I started exploring potential ways to combine the word with my name:
→ Sarah + serendipity….
→ Sarah-ndipity…. 🤔
A lightbulb appeared when I realized I could also incorporate my last name, Noonan:
→ SarNDipity…
That could work! I thought further about potential business names, ultimately landing on the alliterative and broad “SarNDipity Solutions.” I ran a name search through GoDaddy and several online databases. Unable to find any analytics practices founded by someone named Sarah that utilized this same wordplay, the landscape looked clear for me to move forward.
Still, I felt scared to introduce and tie myself to the name. What if I hated it in six months? What if people couldn’t spell it? What if the connection to serendipity didn’t land? I let the name percolate, waiting for any other ideas to materialize, but none did.
A few months later, I joined a nonprofit-led business accelerator for aspiring female entrepreneurs. The program involved six sessions of business training and weekly pitches to class facilitators and participants. After the first few classes, I felt nervous but ready to test market my soon-to-be-launched business as SarNDipity Solutions. Thankfully, the name was well received!
With practice, my confidence in presenting myself as SarNDipity Solutions increased. I pitched a panel of judges, who awarded me $2,500 in startup capital my business! I launched a company LinkedIn page, bought the web domain sarndipitysolutions.com, and registered SarNDipity Solutions as a Connecticut-based LLC. Each step helped advance my business from idea to reality.
Beyond serving as a name for my business, I view SarNDipity as an operating principle for my work and life. While naturally analytical and conscientious, I’m intentional in balancing those tendencies with space for discovery and wonder.
Just as I have with SarNDipity Solutions, in launching this blog and community, I aspire to bring the spirit of SarNDipity to all of you. Follow for stories and tips on achieving clarity and efficiency in your life.