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Choosing the Right Name for Your Business
Author :
Ellen Douglas
Topic :
Business Name Registration
Date :
2008-01-09
Any business that operates for the purpose of selling goods or services needs a solid business name—preferably one that’s different, memorable and appealing to customers. A good DBA or “doing business as” name for your business is like your own name. It defines who you are and announces you to the world. Like you personal name, your business registration name serves as a message of welcome to everyone you meet.
How do you come up with the right name for your business? First off, make a list of all names that spring to mind. Don’t over think the possibilities, just write down whatever pops into your head. Don’t limit yourself but don’t get too kooky, either, as those you are targeting to buy what you’re selling may not take you seriously. Try thinking of your business as a product, just as tangible as the paint and wallpaper on the shelves inside. If your business is a commodity, then, consider its purpose. What does it do? And, more importantly, why will consumers want to use it?
Many owners take the traditional route when coming up with a name for their business. Owner Bob’s first instinct was to go with a basic trade name that incorporated his individual name and the nature of business, a plumbing operation—nothing wrong with Bob’s Plumbing Services. But you can also opt to be a bit more creative, as Bob ultimately did. In either case, it’s always smart to name a business according to its USP or unique selling proposition. A USP is the one factor that makes your business singular or differentiates it from other businesses. Is service your business’ claim to fame? Is performance or “getting it done” your focus? Are exclusive goods what sets it apart?
Reducing the nature of your business to a single infinitive phrase is a great approach to the naming process. Owner Bob was set on going with Bob’s Plumbing Services—until he thought about its USP or defining purpose. That purpose, as Owner Bob determined it, was “to tackle the most difficult plumbing jobs around.” He then came up with the imaginative business name of Plumb Crazy, which is a play on words of the phrase “plum crazy.” He also followed it up with the business name slogan, No Job Too Big or Too Tough. Where the name Bob’s Plumbing Services left off, this more creative business name broadcasts to the world that it’s the place to start for those who have a bad situation with their pipes. Now Bob’s operating name is more than a name, it’s an asset.
Coming up with catchy business names and unique business names is tricky. A good name won’t make the difference between business success and failure, but it can mean the difference between success and fabulous success. It’s important to make sure that the name your business is known by is selected wisely and with purpose, identity, and significance. And never hesitate to get inspired.
How do you come up with the right name for your business? First off, make a list of all names that spring to mind. Don’t over think the possibilities, just write down whatever pops into your head. Don’t limit yourself but don’t get too kooky, either, as those you are targeting to buy what you’re selling may not take you seriously. Try thinking of your business as a product, just as tangible as the paint and wallpaper on the shelves inside. If your business is a commodity, then, consider its purpose. What does it do? And, more importantly, why will consumers want to use it?
Many owners take the traditional route when coming up with a name for their business. Owner Bob’s first instinct was to go with a basic trade name that incorporated his individual name and the nature of business, a plumbing operation—nothing wrong with Bob’s Plumbing Services. But you can also opt to be a bit more creative, as Bob ultimately did. In either case, it’s always smart to name a business according to its USP or unique selling proposition. A USP is the one factor that makes your business singular or differentiates it from other businesses. Is service your business’ claim to fame? Is performance or “getting it done” your focus? Are exclusive goods what sets it apart?
Reducing the nature of your business to a single infinitive phrase is a great approach to the naming process. Owner Bob was set on going with Bob’s Plumbing Services—until he thought about its USP or defining purpose. That purpose, as Owner Bob determined it, was “to tackle the most difficult plumbing jobs around.” He then came up with the imaginative business name of Plumb Crazy, which is a play on words of the phrase “plum crazy.” He also followed it up with the business name slogan, No Job Too Big or Too Tough. Where the name Bob’s Plumbing Services left off, this more creative business name broadcasts to the world that it’s the place to start for those who have a bad situation with their pipes. Now Bob’s operating name is more than a name, it’s an asset.
Coming up with catchy business names and unique business names is tricky. A good name won’t make the difference between business success and failure, but it can mean the difference between success and fabulous success. It’s important to make sure that the name your business is known by is selected wisely and with purpose, identity, and significance. And never hesitate to get inspired.
The article above represents the thoughts and opinions of the author and does not represent in any way the official position of LegaCPU.com Inc
