There are no established rules for choosing a name for your business. The
following points, however, may serve as a guide when you need to christen
one.
1. You need to understand the business activity you are involved in. Get a
clearer picture of what you want to achieve, offer or sell. This also involves
having the "guts" or conviction that what you want to venture into is right
for you.
2. You need inspiration in choosing a name that is "meant" for you. Business
names are not "spur of the moment" creations. An understanding of your
business activity is the gateway to choosing the most suitable name, but
inspiration gives you the best idea. Organize a brainstorming session with
your colleages, friends and family. In some cases, ideas for a name come
after a deep sleep or times of being alone - meditating.
3. Have a Thesaurus or at least, a dictionary as guide. List words that have a
relationship with your proposed business activity. Compare and contrast the
words you have chosen to find the ones with the perfect match. Single words
are increasingly difficult to use as business names; therefore, you may have
to try word combination. But be careful when doing this and don't dismiss
any idea that comes your way.
4. Take note of possible meanings, emotional connotations, and spellings.
Marty Blalock noted that products have failed overseas sometimes simply
because a name may take unanticipated meanings in translation. Example is
the Olympic copier "Roto" in Chile (roto in Spanish means "broken"); the
Chevy Nova in Puerto Rico (no va means "doesn't go"); the Randan in Japan
(randan means "idiot"). Naming a product and a business is communication at its simplest
level.
5. Welcome an opportunity for criticism. Be open to criticism, especially
when it is a constructive one. At times, people you least expected have better
ideas that would make you stand out. Don't crucify anyone for not "buying"
your idea of a name. Instead, ask for his or her opinion then add it to your
list.
6. You can't authenticate the availability of your new name until the name
registry says so. Business naming procedures differ from country to country.
So you need an understanding of how the one in your locality works. Seeking
the expertise of professionals is advisable.
7. Goodluck!
following points, however, may serve as a guide when you need to christen
one.
1. You need to understand the business activity you are involved in. Get a
clearer picture of what you want to achieve, offer or sell. This also involves
having the "guts" or conviction that what you want to venture into is right
for you.
2. You need inspiration in choosing a name that is "meant" for you. Business
names are not "spur of the moment" creations. An understanding of your
business activity is the gateway to choosing the most suitable name, but
inspiration gives you the best idea. Organize a brainstorming session with
your colleages, friends and family. In some cases, ideas for a name come
after a deep sleep or times of being alone - meditating.
3. Have a Thesaurus or at least, a dictionary as guide. List words that have a
relationship with your proposed business activity. Compare and contrast the
words you have chosen to find the ones with the perfect match. Single words
are increasingly difficult to use as business names; therefore, you may have
to try word combination. But be careful when doing this and don't dismiss
any idea that comes your way.
4. Take note of possible meanings, emotional connotations, and spellings.
Marty Blalock noted that products have failed overseas sometimes simply
because a name may take unanticipated meanings in translation. Example is
the Olympic copier "Roto" in Chile (roto in Spanish means "broken"); the
Chevy Nova in Puerto Rico (no va means "doesn't go"); the Randan in Japan
(randan means "idiot"). Naming a product and a business is communication at its simplest
level.
5. Welcome an opportunity for criticism. Be open to criticism, especially
when it is a constructive one. At times, people you least expected have better
ideas that would make you stand out. Don't crucify anyone for not "buying"
your idea of a name. Instead, ask for his or her opinion then add it to your
list.
6. You can't authenticate the availability of your new name until the name
registry says so. Business naming procedures differ from country to country.
So you need an understanding of how the one in your locality works. Seeking
the expertise of professionals is advisable.
7. Goodluck!
