Name your business

 

"What's in a name?" said Shakespeare, pretty much, one might say! Especially if you have your own business and the correct name could be your passport to instant curiosity, which could be read as prospective business returns in the long run. The idea behind an 'ideal name' as such is to catch the attention of potential customers and announcing that you are literally a 'name to reckon with'.

While most customers would decide on your business standards and workability factor much later, an appropriate name, with the right kind of Name your business attitude specific to your kind of business, could do the job of being an eye catcher for you. The right name helps clients identify with your company and builds a specific business image for you. A good name actually gives a good kick start to your business ventures as well as business growth.

Factors Related To Naming Your Business

Before you settle on a good name for your business, keep in mind the various factors that might contribute to an ideal name. You have to be sure that the name is appropriate to the field you operate in as well as your target audience.

o Your selected name should not only be short but also easy to remember and most importantly it should be something that distinguishes you from the others in the same business, all while it tells about the business and you effectively but subtly.

o Be sure to zero in on a name which is strong yet descriptive and that which gives the potential customers a clear idea of what the company is all about, what it specializes in, etc. You could actually try on some for size, before you actually settle down on the chosen one. Try out its feel on your friends and family, you could even organize a survey to find out whether your target audience identifies with your chosen name for your particular line of business.

o There may be some names, which are very vivid; others could sound confident, while some others may be in the so-so category about which you can't really make up your mind. It is of paramount importance that the name you choose for your business should be a well thought out one since it may bring about varied reactions from different customers.

o You might notice that words like quality, completeness, executive, low cost, fulfilling, etc, bring about a positive reaction from the customers. Playing around with words, in order to create a false impression has also been noticed among many entrepreneurs leading to hesitancy among customers.

The Next Step

Once you have found your ideal name, you have to find out if someone is using the name already. Most businessmen forget to check this out and start a business with a name that is already being used by some one else. In order to be extra sure, check on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to clarify if someone else is already using the name. You could land yourself in legal trouble by using another company's trademarked name.

On ascertaining that the name you have chosen is available, immediately reserve it on behalf of your company with the secretary of state. As soon as possible apply for a trademark to ensure that you are the legal owner of your rightful name.

Selecting Domain Names For Online Business

For those of you who have an online business, finding an appropriate and catchy domain name is absolutely essential for your business. A domain name refers to the web site address, which a customer will use to access your site on the web. Finding the correct domain name and more so appropriate to your business apart from availability of the same is of great importance. It would be best if you gave yourself certain choices, incase you do not get the specific name you might be looking for.

The problem lies in the task of finding an available domain name, which suits you. Most of the suitable and obvious names are usually always taken.

o Always remember that domain names should be brief but adequate enough to comprehend and describe your business in brief. You might of course need to put in some additional marketing effort to circulate and advertise your web site address in case you don't get the exact desired name.

o To avoid hassles and confusion on the part of the customer, ensure that your domain name or even a regular business name is not jumbled up. Avoid using general words, which have no essential meaning related to your business. This is all the more important for a URL address where the words you use in your domain name actually categorize you under a particular business type leading to your name appearing in the right searches.

o Misspelt words and vague names, which might sound coherent to you but Greek to others, should be avoided at all costs. Sometimes in their over enthusiasm people select vague and exotic words which are illegible to the local people and which would require a backdrop or adequate knowledge of the subject to understand. For example, Venus Beauty Salon might sound exotic & music to your ears but the reference to the lady in question might be lost out on many!

o Naming ones business after a particular area or geographical boundary may be sensible in the initial days of growth, but as the company grows one might face problems, as any kind of search or even the yellow pages may have the tendency to slot you under a particular local area, in the process hampering the growth of your business prospects in more places than one.

Choosing the correct name may well be your mascot to the world of business, which is why one needs to give enough thought to the process of choosing one! Too much of family involvement in this would lead to too many suggestions and confusions galore. Realizing that you have the wrong name yet sticking to the same would spell disaster. Your choice of name should harbor on a perfect blend of practicality aligned with the need to be eye catching and different enough.