Seven Business Names: Ideas To Never Rename Your Business
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The right business name ideas help you to get your business name right the first time.
The following seven business names ideas will create a name that you’ll never have to replace:
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think of as many name options as possible.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose a name that expresses what your business does.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose a name that enables your business to grow in different directions.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Select a name that leaves a positive image with your target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Assure that name options are available.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Query your target market.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Consider the connotations and sound of the words for each option.
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 Reflects Your Business
If you are fortunate enough that your name reflects your business well, or if you have name recognition, you can label your business with your name. Otherwise don’t do it.
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
Consider possible ways that you may want to grow your business as you select a name. Then select one that will cover you if you grow your business in new directions.
To demonstrate what I mean, my first business name limited my business. It was Sulton Books. “Sulton” didn’t add anything positive to the business name, and “Books” pigeon holed it into just books.
After Sept. 11, 2001, the name developed a negative connotation. So I had to change it, incurring additional expenses. I renamed it “Best Books Plus,” which enhances the business and incorporates more than 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
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
It’s time to try your name options on members of your target market. Get as many as you can to tell you which name options they like best and what comes to mind with each option.
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 - Learn The Connotations And Hear The Sounds Of Each Name
You should consider the connotations and sound of the words in each because a name that sounds pleasant and flows well will generally work best.
To create a positive image, you must know how the words in each name option express different meanings across cultures.
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.
Conclusion
If you follow the advice under each of seven business name ideas, you’ll select a name that will last a lifetime.