| Choosing a proper name can make a BIG | | | | 2. Keep your business name sensible -Don't make |
| difference in the success of your new business. | | | | your name too restrictive. At times, business |
| Business names that are easily remembered have | | | | names that reflect a specific location may pose a |
| a better chance of getting word of mouth | | | | problem. What happens if you move, would you |
| referrals and customer recognition than names | | | | want your business name "Lincoln Street Clinic" if |
| that everyone forgets without fail. Businesses | | | | your physical location was "Fourth Avenue"? While |
| grow and expand because they offer quality | | | | having your location easily memorable, you want |
| services and products AND because they enjoy | | | | your name to reflect your services more than |
| name recognition. Think of names like Google, Dell, | | | | your location. Also keep in mind where your |
| AT&T, Welch Allyn and The Mayo | | | | business name will fall alphabetically in the phone |
| Clinic.When I was trying to come up with a name | | | | book and professional listings. Does your listing get |
| for my business I tried several different names | | | | lost because it's in the middle of 7 pages of the |
| and variations. | | | | listings? This is why there are so many businesses |
| So here are a few pointers that I'd like to share | | | | with the letter "A" in the beginning of their names |
| with you so that you can come up with a great | | | | - the closer you are to the front - the easier you |
| name for YOUR venture. Get out a pad of paper, | | | | are to find. |
| a pen and let's get those creative juices flowing! | | | | 3. What does your name say about your |
| | | | business? - Another thing to keep in mind...what |
| 1. Keep the name short and pronounceable - You | | | | does your business name mean? If you are |
| want to choose a name that is descriptive of | | | | serving a multilingual population this could be a |
| your product/service/location, etc. Beware though | | | | problem. Marketing history is filled with examples |
| - names that may be cute or clever could easily | | | | of companies committing HUGE blunders while |
| backfire on you. I mean, would you want to visit | | | | choosing names for their products simply because |
| "Porky Pine Acupuncture" or "Crazy Cures' Medical | | | | they did not translate well into a different |
| Clinic"? While these names may be pronounceable, | | | | language. Also don't forget that you (and your |
| are they really the best representation of your | | | | staff) will have to answer the phone, record voice |
| practice? Try to remember that your name is an | | | | messages, etc. Can you say the name without |
| "image" that will come to the mind of your | | | | being embarrassed or humiliated? If not, it's time |
| potential customers and of course, other | | | | to go back to the drawing board! |
| professionals. | | | | |