How to Name Your Business in 5 Easy Steps
Choosing a name for your business can be a big task. Is it catchy enough? Will people remember the name? Naming your business is a big decision, but these five easy step should help make it simpler.
1. Whiteboard of Ideas
Before you can come up with a name for your business, you have to think about everything you want that name to mean. Take a large whiteboard, chalkboard or piece of paper and cover it with words about your company. Consider everything your business does. Use descriptive words to list your business services and products, the features and benefits.
2. Brainstorm
After you have a long list of products, services and features of your business on the whiteboard, you can use it for the Brainstorming step. Invite a group of at least 10 family, friends, coworkers and colleagues to help. Ask them to suspend all judgment on any names suggested during the brainstorming session - its best to get all ideas on paper before making any decisions about them.
Look at your list from the whiteboard and put ideas and words together that might make good names. Have the group suggest ideas associated with your business and points of view that may have been omitted from the whiteboard originally. Write down all ideas and make a list of at least 100 names. It sounds like a lot, but it’s worth it.
3. Narrow Your List
Look at the list of 100+ names and start to eliminate names that probably won’t work. Look for anything that is more than two or three syllables. Cross off any names that are hard to pronounce or would be difficult to misspell - you want it to be as easy as possible for people to remember the name of your business. Take out any names that are too generic and don’t really describe your business. Of the same token, eliminate any names that are too limiting and would not allow for your business to grow.
4. Continue to Refine the List
By this point, you should be left with a list of names that you would feasibly consider calling your business. There are a few practical steps that may rule some more out. First, check to see if domain names are available for your name. Also make sure that there are trademarks available for your business names. Cross off any names that don’t have domain names or unavailable trademarks.
Now, go through the list and really examine which names highlight your business features. Look for names that are unique and could withstand the growth of your business.
5. Choose a Name
Narrow the list down to a few names that you would be confident using for your business name. Say them outloud and feel how they roll of your tongue and how they sound. Tell your choices to friends and family and get their feedback. Use all of this information to narrow it down and choose one name.
Congratulations! You have just named your business!
Looking for something a little different? Want to see our very best business opportunities of the month? Click here for our platinum, gold and silver opportunities!