Seven Business Names - Ideas For A Name That Lasts A Lifetime
Linda P. Morton
The 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 - Choose a name that reflects your business.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose a name that enables your business to grow in different directions.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Be certain that the name relates positively to your target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Conduct trademark research.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Conduct target market research.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn the connotations and hear the sounds of each name.
Business Names: Idea 1 - Start With Many Name Options
You can't have too many business name options. Ideas won't all withstand the elimination process. So list as many as possible in a brainstorming fashion. Get ideas everywhere, but list at least ten business names ideas.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose A Name That Expresses What Your Business Does
Does your name really represent your business? Are you so well known that your name will be an asset? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may want to use your name in your business' name. If you answered both questions "no", then don't.
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 - Select A Name That Allows Expansion Of Your Business.
Don't choose a name that won't grow and expand with your business. Your business name's ideas should be broad enough to cover expansion.
I learned this the hard way and had to rename my business within its first five years. I originally named it Sulton Books. "Sulton" didn't add any value or positive image to the business, and "Books" kept me from expanding into other information products.
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 - Choose A Name That Makes A Positive Impression On Your Business' Target Market
Consider how each business name idea will impress target market members. This requires knowing as much as possible about your target market members so you can select a final name that they will like.
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 - Assure That Name Options Are Available
A little quick research will enable you to assure that all your name options are available.
Search for the "United States Patent and Trademark Office" on one of the search engines. The correct site will end in "gov." Once there, you can search for each name option to see if it is a part of a trademark. Eliminate all options that are taken to avoid possible suits and certain renaming of your business.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Query Your Target Market
Next detrmine which ideas that your target market members like best. Ask them what first comes to mind when you mention each business name.
And don't forget to get their reactions to your product. You can get additional business name ideas from their reactions.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn The Connotations And Hear The Sounds Of Each Name
A good business name will create a positive image of your business. It also sounds good.
You also need to know the connotation of each word for the culture of your target market. A positive name in one culture can be negative in another.
Today we live in a multi-cultural nation and world. It's vital to know what words mean across cultures to avoid mistakes like that of "Nova." The name of this American-produced car actually meant "no go" in some languages.
Conclusion
By considering each of these seven business name ideas, you can pick a business name that will serve your business well throughout its life.
About the Author:
For more on Target Markets and learn what best appeals to yours at Target Markets. You can also get completed Target Market Profiles. Linda P. Morton writes on many marketing topics.
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