Creating a Business Name…3 Things to Keep in Mind

One of the first questions people ask about Crayons & Marketers is about the name. Where did it come from?  The answer is simple, really…my daughter. As many women in business do, I have children. Well, one actually, but she’s a hand full. When she was younger, I would keep a box of crayons in my purse just in case I had to turn a Starbucks napkin into a coloring page. So, one day, as we sat at a local eatery, she colored as I worked. And as a marketer, it hit me…crayons & marketers. At that moment, it defined what I did, marketing, and who I was, a mom in business, perfectly. And it still does.

Coming up with a business name isn’t easy. In fact, it can be intimidating. And while a great business name won’t keep you in business if your internal house is not in order, it does go a long way in branding your business and helping to position you in your targeted space.  So, I’ve listed a few things to get you started…

1. Take it serious. Spend some time here. Really think about what you do and what you hope to accomplish through your business. Avoid terms that are hard to pronounce or just to trendy or broken. You want it to be catchy but not cheesy.
2. Try NOT to include your name. Many small businesses operate solely within their local footprint.  However, with the rise of so many social platforms, it’s now possible for even a local shop to have a global reach. So, try to avoid using your personal name or the name of the city you reside in.  I’m not saying you can’t, because I know some that work beautifully.  Just consider your options as well.
3. Reserve it.  Even the best name is a no go if someone has beat you to it. Contact your local government and State to check into the availability of your business name. If its available, you can reserve it for a nominal fee. Be sure to keep track of when the reservation expires so you can renew it if need be.

While there are many factors to consider when developing a business name, the most important is to make it memorable.  Think of some of the brands you like…When I think of companies like Emma, Mashable, or ModCloth, I think, how cool are these names?  Starting with a good business name is a great way to build momentum for your business.  You almost feel obligated to succeed because you don’t want the name to go to waste!