So, you have made up your mind to start a small home-based business but you are searching for something to call it? Unless you are doing consulting or freelancing or another type of business where you can simply use your own name, you probably want something creative and catchy that represents you and your business aspirations. Whatever name you choose–try to make sure it is simple and easy to spell…
There are all sorts of jokes about long-winded business names that are difficult to say and even more challenging to spell. I know of a grocery store here in my home town that gets referred to by all sorts of names–not because it is particularly uninspiring, but because the name is so long and with several words so no one gets it right. Unlike a one-name store where people can learn the name easily enough, a business with several words in its name is tougher for people to learn and remember.
The same issues can come up with spelling–if you choose a creative way of spelling something typical or ordinary, it may often get misspelled. This can be a problem when it comes to mail, checks, etc. Your bank may get used to cashing checks with all sorts of different versions of your business name on them, or they may not–why take the chance?
You might want to do some research and look at business that YOU frequent–from grocery stores, to the dry cleaner to department stores. What are their names and how are they spelled? Are you more likely to remember a complicated name? a creative one? Or a simple one? Figuring out what sort of business names appeal to you can be a great guide in coming up with a name for your own business. When in doubt, forgo the complicated and uber-creative name for one that customers and individuals are likely to remember.
Also: Ideas Can Come From Anywhere
So, You Have an Idea for a Business, Now What?