What's In A Name? When It Comes To Your Business, Plenty!
Q: How important is the name of a business? Should the name of a business reflect what the business does or is it better to come up with something catchy and easy to remember?
-- Randy P.
A: What's in a name? When it comes to your business, Randy, a lot more than you might think. In fact, deciding on a business name is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The right business name can help you rise above the crowd while the wrong business name can leave you trampled in the rush.
With the economy in a slump and competition on the rise, now more than ever it is important that you put considerable thought into coming up with the perfect name for your business.
Unfortunately, this is a task that is easier said than done.
It seems like all the good business names are either married or? no wait, that's a different subject, but the analogy holds true.
We live in an age when a business called "The Body Shop" might repair wrecked cars or sell skintight jeans to teenagers, so before you send your letterhead to the printer, consider the following points to help you select the business name that's right for you.
The first thing you should do is conduct a little research to determine if the name is already in use by someone else. You would be surprised at how many entrepreneurs forget to research this point and open a business with a name that is already in use. Check with the county clerk and the secretary of state to make sure the name isn't already licensed for use or incorporated with the state.
Also check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office to see if the name is already trademarked, i.e., owned, by someone else. Using another company's trademarked name exposes you to legal action by the trademark owner. Even if your name is just similar to the trademarked name, you may find yourself in court defending your right to use the name. And odds are it's a battle you will lose.
If the name you choose is not in use, you should immediately reserve the name with the secretary of state (if you plan on incorporating) and apply for a trademark to ensure your legal ownership.
If you do not trademark the name someone can come along later and attempt to steal the name out from under you. Imagine spending years building up your business only to have some upstart trademark the name and engage you in a legal battle over rightful ownership. This is one fight you don't need, especially when the hassle could have been easily avoided with a few bucks and a few forms.
Another important thing to consider is the domain name for your business. The domain name is the website address a customer will use to find you on the Web. Is the domain name for your business name available? If not, is there a domain similar to the business name you're considering?
You will undoubtedly discover that securing a suitable domain name is actually harder than choosing a business name.
Most logical domain names are already reserved, but you might get lucky. Keep in mind that domain names should be short and descriptive, and preferably have the .com or .net extension. You can use other extensions (I've even used the ".to" extension on occasion) if necessary, just keep in mind that you will need to put forth a little extra marketing effort to promote the website address as people typically assume a .com extension as the norm. Whatever you do, don't use a domain name that is a confusing amalgam of letters and numbers that is hard to remember and even harder for your customer to type in.
One good way to approach the task of naming a business is to do so from your customer's point of view.
Your business name should clearly define your offering and communicate your message to customers. Put yourself in your customer's shoes for a moment. If you were looking for a business that provides your product or service, what would you expect that business to be called? If you were in the market for computer parts, for example, wouldn't you look for a business that has "computer parts" reflected in the business name? Jim's Computer Parts may not sound as snazzy as Jim's Electronics Emporium, but snazzy doesn't pay the bills. Happy customers who quickly identify you as the source of their purchase do.
The name of your business can also spark subconscious reactions in a customer that may drive them to you or drive them away. Words like quality, complete, executive, best, low-cost, and on time often spark positive reactions in the mind of the consumer.
Words like cheap, discount, and used tend to create negative emotions. You'll notice that no one claims to sell used cars anymore, but the dealer lots are loaded with vehicles that are "previously owned."
Finally, let's talk about things to avoid. Experts agree that you should avoid using generic terms like enterprise, corporation, partners, and unlimited as part of your everyday business name. These terms are fine for the legal business entity name, but are often too unclear for everyday use. Can you tell me what any of these companies do: ABC Corporation, Big Dog Enterprises, M&B Partners, and Discounts Unlimited sell? I didn't think so.
Also avoid abstract names like Yahoo, Google, Monster and Flip Dog (I am not going to list the names of the numerous local high tech firms that have bucked this rule :o).
Abstract names will require a subtitle to explain what the business does or an expensive marketing campaign that brands the name into the minds of consumers. Unless you have deep pockets, I suggest you go with a name that describes your business at first glance and leave abstraction to the likes of Cher.
Finally, you should avoid hokey names, unless of course, you are starting a hokey business. Crazy Dave's Stereo Shop is a great name if the business is really run by Crazy Dave and his personality is exploited in the marketing of the business.
However, if you want to be taken serious, then give your business a serious name.
Would you go to Crazy Dave's House of Dentistry?
Neither would I.
Here's to your success.
Tim Knox.
Got A Closet Full of Trendy Clothes? Watch Out!
You just bought a pair of Ugg boots to go with your hip hugger jeans and trucker cap. And that's not all. You scour the fashion magazines for the latest trends, then go running out to fill your closet. Trendy is good, right? Uh, not so fast. Keeping abreast of the trends in fashion is essential to not looking outdated, but having a closet full of trendy clothes can quickly turn into a big waste of time and money, unless you're Paris Hilton.
Maybe Paris can afford to buy and discard clothes like candy, but the average woman needs a wardrobe with some staying power.All the fashion experts agree that you should build your wardrobe around classic pieces like: blazers, tailored suits, neutral bottoms and tops. Classic clothing lasts for years and is very versatile. On the other hand, trends come and go. Those Ugg boots you just bought along with the trucker caps are already pass? (according to fashionistas in the know). You can either give them away to Good Will or keep wearing them...
Got A Closet Full of Trendy Clothes? Watch Out!
Jeans > Got A Closet Full of Trendy Clothes? Watch Out!
How to Avoid a Flip-Flop Flap in the Office
New Hope, PA (ContentDesk) July 30, 2005 -- By now most of the world has heard about the "flip-flop flap" -- the controversy the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team caused when they wore flip-flops to their photo-op with President Bush. However, if flip-flops are a no-no at the White House, does that mean that they are a yes-yes at the office?"When I was a child, flip-flops were attire for going to the beach or the pool only," says certified etiquette and protocol consultant Leah Ingram. "You might get away with wearing them to the mall or the movies but you would never enter a house of worship or a government office wearing them. Unfortunately, flip-flops have become so ubiquitous that frequently I see young women wearing them to church, to special occasions, to the office and now, as the national media has recorded, to the White House."With Labor Day right around the corner and the official end of summer, workers everywhere could use a fashion refresher from a good manners...
How to Avoid a Flip-Flop Flap in the Office
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NBC's Gideon Horowitz at Ushers' Record Release Party
(ContentDesk) March 29, 2004--Gideon Horowitz from NBC's The Restaurant, managed by Steven Calapai at EMPI was a recent guest on the red carpet at Superstar Usher's record release party at new club "Boulevard" in New York City. Dressed in Gerbaud, Gideon did the red carpet with the biggest names in entertainment such as "Treach" from Naughty By Nature, Michael Rappaport from the new movie, "First last Kiss" starring Will Smith andd of course "Usher". AOL was on hand to sponsor the event as well as notables, Wire Image and Pepe Jeans owner Jonathan Crespo.Celeste Miller Public Relations handled some of the PR for the evening.Everyone had a great time and was very impressed with Gideon and USHER!Contact:Steven Calapai-MANAGINGEMPI451 Greenwich Street7th. FloorNew York NY 100131-212-609-09001-212-609-0901-Fax.
NBC's Gideon Horowitz at Ushers' Record Release Party
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Tropi-Ties Swimwear to Show its 2005/2006 Signature Collection Swimwear Line at MAGIC, Las Vegas
Santa Barbara, CA
May 28 2005 -- Tropi-Ties Swimwear, one of the leading online swimwear retailers, (http://tropi-ties.com,) will be showing their Signature Collection of swimwear this summer, at the upcoming MAGIC apparel show in Las Vegas. Tropi-Ties Signature line has only been available to consumers through Tropi-Ties' online catalog. However, this year, Tropi-Ties will be inviting other, "brick and mortar," retailers to carry their wares.Many of the 2005 styles will be carried through to 2006.
However, there will be additional, custom prints and trims that were specially created exclusively for Tropi-Ties to tie in with the current line.
This season Tropi-Ties will be focusing on earth tones, as well as a red, white and blue euro look.
Turquoise and coral will also be big colors.
Look for some vintage accents and trims."I've been busy working on creating a lot of our very, own, prints...
Jeans > Tropi-Ties Swimwear to Show its 2005/2006 Signature Collection Swimwear Line at MAGIC, Las Vegas
Designer Kelly Nishimoto Retains aLine media for Public Relations Representation
(ContentDesk) March 21, 2006 -- Design maverick Kelly Nishimoto has retained aLine media public relations to assist in the launch of her newest fashion collection. Best described as simply elegant fashion with a creative flair, the line includes flowing hooded dresses and drawstring pants to backless blouses. ???The Kelly Nishimoto line offers women a way to add timeless pieces to their collection which are both comfortable and fashionable.
Designs utilize soft luxe fabrics of stretch silk and vintage t-shirts that are embellished with Swarovski crystals and abalone shells. Our partnership with aLine media will greatly enhance our brand recognition and continue to promote clothing for fashionable women everywhere, says owner/designer Kelly Nishimoto.
aLine media is an aggressive full service public relations firm with expertise in the development and execution of media coverage, event planning, artist representation and brand marketing. aLine media has been listed in...
Designer Kelly Nishimoto Retains aLine media for Public Relations Representation
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Custom Tailor-Made Clothing is Not Just for the Chief Executives Anymore
After long anticipation, The Executive Clothing Company Inc., announces the launch of a unique offering - affordable custom-made clothing for the professional man or woman. The company, started by brothers Aenis and Shawn Harris, offers custom tailor-made clothing, custom cobbled shoes, and accessories at affordable prices, that is 40% to 60% less than its competitors and comparable to off-the-rack apparel of similar quality. For men, that is a custom tailor-made shirts starting at $49, and single-breasted suits starting at $291, and for women, we offer cotton blouses starting at $55, and pantsuits starting at $321.00.
"I'm delighted to be able to offer affordable custom-made clothing with a conscious toward a high level of service, quality, and choices," said Aenis Harris.Aenis Harris and Shawn Harris, Co-Founders and Owners, who have collectively been wearing custom clothing for years, decided to offer the custom-made clothing experience to professional who may have reserved...
Jeans > Custom Tailor-Made Clothing is Not Just for the Chief Executives Anymore
Weight Loss Tips and Diet Information
Even the most seasoned weight loss expert can use some weightloss tips every so often. Our eating habits are tied very closely with our behavior and using a behavioral approach to dieting can be beneficial to certain types of people who have bad eating habits that can be overcome with a little behavioral intervention.
Many times an individual eats without thinking. This means that the person's habitual behavior has overrun his cognitive functioning. In a nutshell, we basically shove food into our mouths just because it is there.
Among the many weightloss tips offered, thinking before snacking is the prime tip as far as the behavioral approach goes. When we act on impulse, we rarely make good choices.
The behaviorist will look at the problem in a number of ways. The best approach would be to get into the habit of slowing down a little bit. Some good weightloss tips include waiting ten minutes before grabbing that snack that is calling you from the...
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Top 10 Fashion Mistakes: What NOT to Wear
Image includes everything that is in your appearance ? not simply how well you put your makeup on and style your hair, and not just how expensive is your bag, but also how well you put all these things together. Sometimes a tiny flaw can ruin the carefully concocted look. Don't let that happen to you. Fashion Mistake #1. Skirt too skimpy.
The skirt should not rise up to mid-thigh when you sit down. If you have to pull it down constantly then maybe it is too short or too tight. Make it a rule of thumb to keep the skirt for daytime attires maximum an inch above the knee. Fashion Mistake #2. Silly, not cute.
Avoid frilly blouses when you don't party. It's a popular belief that a frilly blouse will make you look feminine and romantic; instead it makes you look unprofessional and frivolous. Choose a blouse in ivory or white ? it goes well with everything. Fashion Mistake #3. Bare legs in winter.
Leave it to chic Mahnattanites in Sex And The City to show off bare legs...
Top 10 Fashion Mistakes: What NOT to Wear
Jeans > Top 10 Fashion Mistakes: What NOT to Wear
Jeans What's In A Name? When It Comes To Your Business, Plenty!
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