by 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 leaves room for expanding into new products and services.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Choose a name that makes a positive impression on your business’ target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Assure that name options are available.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Research your target market.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn the connotations and hear the sounds of each name.
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think Of As Many Name Options As Possible
You need to start with many business names. Ideas will be eliminated through the process of selecting a final name. So brainstorm and put your subconscious to work. Use a thesaurus and get a list of as many business name ideas as you can. I suggest at least ten.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Select A Name That Matches Your Business
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.
If your last name is “Small” and you specialize in renting small equipment, then you can use “Small Equipment Rental.” However, if you want to also rent large equipment, it will limit you.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose A Name That Leaves Room For Expanding Into New Products And Services
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 - Choose A Name That Makes A Positive Impression On Your Business’ Target Market
Your target market is an important element in selecting your business’ name. The more you know about the people in your target market, the better you can choose a name that relates well to them.
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 - Determine If Any Name Options Are Taken
You need research to assure that none of your business name ideas are already taken.
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 - Conduct Target Market Research
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.
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.
You don’t want to make the mistake of a major American car company who named a model “Nova”. When they attempted to sell it overseas, they learned that the name there meant “No Go”. Obviously they didn’t sell many there.
Summary
If you follow the advice under each of seven business name ideas, you’ll select a name that will last a lifetime.
Posted: April 30th, 2008 under Marketing.
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