Seven Business Names - Ideas For A Name That Lasts A Lifetime | Branding

By LindaP.Morton
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Follow these seven business name ideas, and you'll never have the expense of renaming your business.

The following seven business names ideas will create a name that you'll never have to replace:

Business Names: Idea 1 - Start with many name options.

Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose a name that reflects your business.

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 - Conduct trademark research.

Business Names: Idea 6 - Conduct target market research.

Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn the connotations and hear the sounds of each name.

Business Names: Idea 1 - Create Numerous Name Options

Start with lots of business names. Ideas will be eliminated as you process through to determining the best one. So make a long list of name options. Ten options will do, but more are better.

Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose A Name That Expresses What Your Business Does

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 "Smooth" and you've discovered an herbal mixture that smooths wrinkled skin, then go ahead and use your last name in your business name. But you probably wouldn't want to if your own a construction business.

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.

I learned this the hard way and had to rename my business within its first five years. I originally named it Sulton Books. "Sulton" didn't add any value or positive image to the business, and "Books" kept me from expanding into other information products.

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 - Be Certain That The Name Relates Positively To Your Target Market

Consider how each business name idea will impress target market members. This requires knowing as much as possible about your target market members so you can select a final name that they will like.

Still don't select a name that is so specific to your target market that you can't expand into new markets later. You don't want to have to rename your business in order to expand it in anyway.

Business Names: Idea 5 - Conduct Trademark Research

It's vital to determine that none of your name options are already being used by other businesses.

You can search for trademarks that use any of you name options at the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. Eliminate all options that are a part of a trademark name to assure that you don't get sued and have to change your name later.

Business Names: Idea 6 - Query Your Target Market

Next detrmine which ideas that your target market members like best. Ask them what first comes to mind when you mention each business name.

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 - Consider The Connotations And Sounds Of The words In Each Business Name Idea

The best business names sound good and flow well of the tongue. They also portray positive meanings.

And don't forget that words' meaning vary in different cultures. What you consider positive in your culture may not be so in another culture.

Today we live in a multi-cultural nation and world. It's vital to know what words mean across cultures to avoid mistakes like that of "Nova." The name of this American-produced car actually meant "no go" in some languages.

Conclusion

If you follow the advice under each of seven business name ideas, you'll select a name that will last a lifetime.

About the Author

Read more information on Target Markets and learn what best appeals to yours. Find completed Target Market Profiles. Linda P. Morton writes on many marketing topics.

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