Your Small Business Name -- Important?

You bet a name is important. Many small business owners try to come up with a clever name for their business rather than one that explains what they do. And, nine times out of ten, that is a mistake. Your business name should give your prospects some idea of what your business is about.

One of the most useful processes you can use to come up with a good name is to turn it around. Rather than looking at the name from your perspective, approach it from your prospect's perspective.

1. Identify your target market. Be specific. What are their wants and needs? Specific gender? How big are they? Do they make a certain amount of revenue? What do they look like? Draw a picture of your prospect.

2. Why should they do business with you? What are the benefits? What makes you different from all the other businesses in your industry?

Based on your answers to 1 and 2 above, brainstorm a list of words that could potentially turn into a company name. Now try putting them together. Experiment with all sorts of combinations. Eliminate those that just don't appeal to you at all.

Now narrow down that list to 10 possible names and walk away. Let the list sit for at least a day. Then come back and take a second look. See anything else that should be removed? If not, you have a potential list of names. Access your state directory of business names to make sure yours are not taken. Check the Library of Congress for patent and trademark names too.

Narrow your list again, this time whittling it down to three names. If at all possible, run those names by people who are your target market to make sure they "get it."

Okay, you're almost done. Take that list of three names and rank them in terms of how you feel about them. Say them out loud just like you would if you were introducing yourself to someone or answering the phone.

That's it. Select the name that works the best for you and get your business going.

About the Author

Denise O'Berry frequently speaks to professional organizations, is the author of three booklets, and several "how-to" manuals. She writes a weekly small business column, hosts an online small business owners forum and is called upon regularly by publications such as Entrepreneur, Bank Rate Small Business, Florida Trend, Inc., various newspapers, radio and television to provide expert comments on small business issues.

http://www.whatspossible.com
http://www.justforsmallbusiness.com
http://www.deniseoberry.com

---

The Very Basics of Design

Design is a very subjective thing, therefore, if you ask... Read More

Nike / Sears / Kmart

The Sears-Kmart merger hopes to fabricate some sort of silver... Read More

Brand Value Plan - Brand Identity Guru

Developing brand value is critical to every organization and when... Read More

Differentiate and Dominate

Quite often small business owners will ask me to reveal... Read More

Image is EVERYTHING

The absolute foundation of your small business is your image.... Read More

Corporate Internet Branding ? Branding Your Business Online

Let me tell you a story about Pete and a... Read More

Your Identity Speaks Loudly...What Are You Saying?

Your corporate identity is a graphic expression of who you... Read More

How To Create A Brand That Sticks

Most people, when they hear the word branding, think logos... Read More

Personal Branding: Characteristics of a Strong Personal Brand

How many times have you been at a networking function... Read More

Corporate Logo Design ? 6 Keys to Success

A corporate logo design should be highly instrumental in building... Read More

Picking The Design Company Which Is Right For You

So you've decided to go for it-you're ready to choose... Read More

The Importance of Branding - Can It Really Make a Difference?

As consumers, we don't really think about the importance of... Read More

Getting Started in the Mail Order Business. How Much Does It Cost?

INTRODUCTION To get any business started successfully takes many ingredients.... Read More

Into The Limelight

To stand out in a cluttered world, become a recognized... Read More

Co-Branding in Automotive Service Businesses

In a world of co-branding, point of destination strategies and... Read More

You?ll Bring a Parade of Business to Your Door!

Parades happen in every big city and many small towns.... Read More

Understand Brand

Branding has been defined, explained and examined extensively. There are... Read More

Shattering the Branding Myths

If you've been online long, you're sure to have seen... Read More

Brand Value - Brand Identity Guru

Successful Guru marketers have a secret weapon that they use... Read More

Top Eight Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Business

Naming a business is like laying the cornerstone of a... Read More

Play Your Position! - The Only Way to Win in Business

Have you ever watched 5-year-olds play soccer? It should be... Read More

Pressure Washing Companies and Co-Branding

Pressure washing companies often miss what we call 'super niche'... Read More

Brand Components

Your brand is the culmination of everything about you and... Read More

The Trust Issue In Marketing

One of the prime motivating factors in the purchase decision... Read More

The Top 10 Strategies for the Positioning of Success

Many businesses of today are often driven to compete striclty... Read More

Importance of Branding - Whats in a Name?

Branding is perhaps the most important facet of any business--beyond... Read More

Whats In A Name? When It Comes To Your Business, Plenty!

Q: How important is the name of a business? Should... Read More

Branding Your Business To Make More Money

Branding your comapny should be the first thing a company... Read More

Not So Stationary Stationery

The elements and functionality of the basic stationery system is... Read More

Your Brand is Your Promise! (So What Are You Promising?)

When people mention the word "brand" they usually mean a... Read More

Hummer is an Excellent Brand

What size is your Hummer? Hummers Come in All Sizes;... Read More

Branding ? Brand Identity Guru

Brands are important aspects of any business, but unlike money... Read More

Value Proposition Writing - Brand Identity Guru

Your Value Proposition, or as I usually call it, your... Read More