Choosing a name for your business is important. Select it
carefully.
Be sure the name fits these criteria:
. Indicate what kind of business you are in.
. Easy to remember.
. Distinctive - stand out from your competition.
. Catch the client's attention.
. Create a professional image.
. Inspire clients to buy from you.
Which of these has more appeal? HyperTyper or Judy's Word
Processing? "HyperTyper" tells what Gloria does. Not only
does she type, but she types fast. Many people have
commented they choose Gloria's services because of her
business name.
A Promotional Tool
The right name is an effective advertising tool. If the name
doesn't describe the nature of your business, potential
clients may not realize that you offer something they need.
Choose a simple name your clients will be able to remember,
pronounce, and spell. They have to remember your business
name to look you up in the phone book or call information
when they lost your phone number. For example -- Which of
these is easier to remember: "Bob's Graphics," or "La
Sécretere Rapide?"
The first letter of your business name will affect where you
are listed in the Yellow Pages. Keep your name short - a
long name increases your advertising cost.
List Characteristics
List all the characteristics of your business. Find
synonyms. Check several categories in the Yellow Pages and
look for existing names you like. Play with combinations and
variations of all of the above.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm to come up with ideas for the perfect business
name. Brainstorming involves the interaction among several
people where each throws out ideas. Send a short survey to
your friends and business associates. Have them vote from
1-10.
If you offer secretarial services, try using any of these
descriptions in a name: Word Processing, Secretarial
Services, Transcription, and Office Support.
Should You Use Your Own Name?
Using your name, followed by the type of service works well
if you have a reputation in your specialty. An example is
"Michelle Smith's Medical Transcription."
Looking like a one-person organization makes your business
more personalized. People like to deal with the same person
rather than with different people each time. Try your own
name in combination with any of the above. Add words such
as Professional, Excellent, Reliable/Dependable, Fast,
and Creative.
Test Your Name
Once you have chosen a few names, test them out on friends
and family, potential clients and everyone you know. Ask
them what kind of service they think you provide and what
feeling they get about the name. Check the fictitious
business names to be sure nobody else uses the same name.
Register Your Fictitious Business Name (D.B.A.)
If you want to operate your business under a name other than
your personal name, e.g., John Doe doing business as "Typing
Plus," the county, city, or state may require you to
register your fictitious name. Registering your business
name also prevents others from using it.
Procedures vary from state to state. In many states, you pay
a registration fee to the county clerk at the county office.
Some states require placing a fictitious-name ad in a local
newspaper. The newspaper printing the legal notice for your
business name usually files the necessary papers with the
county for a small fee. Check your local papers and shop
around as prices vary drastically.
Your bank may require a fictitious-name registry to open a
business account. Call your bank or local city courthouse to
find out the procedure for your area.
Fictitious-name filings do not apply to corporations in most
states unless the corporation is doing business under a name
other than its own. You won't need to register a fictitious
business name if your own name is part of your business name
because the registration's purpose is to protect your
clients by making it public knowledge who owns the
business.
Sample Of Fictitious Business Names
A Way With Words, Anderson Typefast, Office Specialist,
Hypertyper, Private Secretary, Qualitype, SOS Secretarial
Services, The Branch Office, The Office Extension, The Steno Pool,
Word Processing Emergencies
After selecting your business name, you can create your
logo, letterhead, envelopes, and business cards.
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