Seven Business Names - Ideas For A Name That Lasts A Lifetime
April 30, 2008 – 9:20 amThe right business name ideas help you to get your business name right the first time.
Seven business names ideas that will help you create a name that will last the lifetime of your business include:
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think of as many name options as possible.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Select a name that matches your business.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Select a name that allows expansion of your business.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Select a name that leaves a positive image with your target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Determine if any name options are taken.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Conduct target market research.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Know the sounds and meanings for each name option.
Business Names: Idea 1 - Start With Many Name Options
Start with lots of business names. Ideas will be eliminated as you process through to determining the best one. So make a long list of name options. Ten options will do, but more are better.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose A Name That Expresses What Your Business Does
Unless you are fortunate enough for your name to truly represent what your business does, or to be a well-known celebrity within your industry, don’t name your business after yourself.
I know an attorney whose last name is Court. “Court” works for a legal office especially since law firms are notorious about naming the firm after the senior partners. However, if he were an accountant, his last name could be a detriment.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose A Name That Enables Your Business To Grow In Different Directions.
Just because you start your business with a specific product doesn’t mean that you won’t expand into different product lines. Your name should be broad enough to cover your business as it grows.
To exemplify business name ideas two and three, let me tell you what I did. When I started my business in 2000, I named it Sulton Books. Sulton is a blend of my and my husband’s last names. “Sulton” portrayed no message to add to the business name and “Books” limited my business to books.
After the Twin Towers were bombed, the Arabic sound to “Sulton” became a distinct disadvantage. I was smarter with the second name, “Best Books Plus,” because “Best” added a positive connotation. “Books” was still appropriate for my business, and “Plus” enabled me to expand beyond just books.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Select A Name That Leaves A Positive Image With Your Target Market
You need to know as much as possible about your target market so you can select a final name that leaves a positive impression with target market members.
However, remember that you’re trying to avoid having to rename your business in the future. So don’t link your business name to a target market to the extent that you can’t expand into new markets without changing your business name.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Conduct Trademark Research
It’s vital to determine that none of your name options are already being used by other businesses.
Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. You can search your business name ideas to determine if any are already trademarked by another business. Delete all business name ideas that are part of a trademark to avoid potential legal expenses and an almost certain judgment that you rename your business.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Query Your Target Market
Now, you’ll need to find some representative members of your target market and what they think of when hearing or reading each name. Then ask them which name options that they like best.
While you’re at it, show them your product and get their reactions to it. Sometimes their reactions will provide new name ideas.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Know The Sounds And Meanings For Each Name Option
A good business name will create a positive image of your business. It also sounds good.
To create a positive image, you must know how the words in each name option express different meanings across cultures.
Avoid mistakes like that of the American car company. When naming a model “Nova,” no one checked to see what the name means in different languages. In one country, it means “no go.” That meaning wasn’t good for sales.
Conclusion
By using these seven business name ideas, you will never have to pick another name for your business.
Tags: Branding
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