Naming a Business - Six Things to Consider Before You Commit Yourself

flexibility

to start a business now can not have a job later. My job, J. Hammock & Associates, began as a continuation of the writing and distribution services. That was long ago. (c. 1990), but my company name has not changed, and my e-mail address is not changed. There have been occasions where I needed to start a business by another name, and then I registered "assumed business name" which is kind of like an alias. For example, 35North and Nippon Firms are assumed business names of J. Hammock & Associates. (Now J. Hammock & Associates, LLC)

I recommend picking a company name can keep for the long haul. You can always register the assumed name of the company for future projects.

Picking a name that is flexible puts you in good company. Consider Xerox and Kodak. They do not identify their industry, unless they are household words. Consider 3M, makers of Scotch tape. 3M stands for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. They do not do a lot of mining these days, but his name still refers to their mining background.

Of course, if you're starting a business, such as a restaurant, you May not need this flexibility. You can start with a name that clearly and very specifically tells people what they sell.

Unique in the country

You'll have to search the state Secretary of State website to make sure that you are considering a name is already taken.

trademark

Be sure to ask the U.S. Patent web site to make sure that your business name is a registered trademark. I've known companies that were forced to change their name because they are unconsciously using the trademarked name.

Visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Web site.

then click on Search Marks> New User Form Search (Basic)> Enter a name in the "Search term:"> Click "Send request ."

If your name appears identical to the "live" or "Dead." If you live, consider a different name.

Domain Names

This is important! When you select a name, you must consider several other things. For example, there is a restaurant in Bingen, WA Gorge called barbecue. Once they started their business, they found that gorgegrill with.com and.net already taken. It's a good idea to look at the big picture before finalizing your name choice.

Social Networking

Be sure to check if someone uses your name in Facebook or Twitter. Try checking the name availability with all major social networking sites.

connotations

Do an informal survey and ask people what comes to mind when they hear your company name. Be sure not to ask leading questions. Better to ask: "What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the [company name]?" Instead of asking "Do you think that [company name] is a good name for a job?" You definitely need to test because the names. Testing is a good habit to be in. Put your business name listings, domain names, titles, ad copy, website copy to make sure that people understand what you want them. It does not matter that you say what you mean. It is important that people understand what you want them to understand. There is a huge difference.

sale

and select the name can sell for you. For example, if you go out to eat, and you know nothing more than names of two restaurants, which sounds more appealing, "Michaela Grill & Brewpub" or "Sophie"? One name clearly communicates what they nude.Drugo name leaves you clueless.

Here is your checklist:

is the name of flexibility? (if applicable) name is available in accordance with your state secretary of state? is the name of protection? is the logical domain name taken? is the name taken from social networking sites? Does your name mean to others what you think it means? Are there any unintended connotations that could work against you? Does your behalf to sell your business?

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This article is an excerpt from the chapter in the online course: