Giving Your Business a Name

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Deciding what to name your business can be fun, but it is also important and needs to be carefully thought out. A clever business name attracts customers and is easy to remember. It should represent you and what you do. If your business name does not include your name (e.g., Susie Smith), a "doing business as" or "dba" name will have to be filed with the county clerk in most states unless it is a corporation.

A business name shouldn't box you in. The name should allow you to expand and grow.

Example: Children's clothing
Good name: Amanda's Closet
Bad name: Amanda's Sleepwear
A good business name should make sense to others and not just to you

Example: Editorial business
Good name: WriteStuff
Bad Name: Opus Lexicographer
People should be able to pronounce your business name easily. If they can't pronounce it, they sure aren't going to remember it.

Example: Silk flower arrangements
Good Name: Forever Fresh
Bad Name: Ersatz Arrangements

When you decide on a business name, conduct a screening search to see if anybody else is already using it. If you go ahead and use a name that is registered by someone else, they can seek legal action against you. After all, would you like it if somebody were using your business name? Your accountant , lawyer, or local business office can tell you how to do a business name search in your area. Do a national name search if you plan to do business outside the state you live in.

Can't come up with a clever business name? Why not throw a business naming party? Invite your family, friends , and other business people to vote on the names they think are the best. If you've tried and tried but just can't think of what to call your new business, there are companies that will develop and research a name for you. Shop around because prices can vary.

I l @ ve RuBoard