Business Name

The name you choose for your business now will continue to influence the initial impression customers have of you in the future. The name of your business will determine how easily your customers can find your business and information about you in phone books and other directories. It will also provide a snapshot of your business which your customers will use to develop their very first impression of you.

Research the business names of your competitors to determine which names catch your attention and which ones are easy to miss. When you come up with a list of name options, bounce them off of people who know you as well as people who don't.

When choosing a business name, consider the following issues:

• Make the name easy to understand, spell, pronounce, remember, and find in the telephone directory listing.
• Project your business image in the name. Include words such as service, speed, quality, skill, low cost, experience,effectiveness, etc., in the name depending on what you emphasize in your business. The type of product or service you provide, such as cleaning, catering, or consulting, should also be included in the name to help the customer remember who you are.
• Remember that periods, spaces, and first words such as "an" or "the" will change alphabetical listing of your business in directories. Acronyms or abbreviations can confuse the customer looking for your name in a listing.
• Do not choose a name that sounds or is identical of another business, especially a competitor. It can confuse your customers and anger the other business. You may even get sued and be liable for damages.

When you have an idea for your business name, you will need to make sure no other business is using it (check to see if the your business name is already taken http://www.search.asic.gov.au/gns001.html). You may even want to make a list of several possibilities in case one is taken.