A new project is similar to a new born baby. You want to give it the best chance to succeed that you can. However, it doesn’t really exist until you give it a name. Unlike naming a new born baby, there isn’t a book of potential names that you can buy when naming a project. Not that I know anything about babies. So, how does a couple of individuals decide on a name for a business that reflects the personality of the business without sounding too contrived or dull?

Image: cc licensed flickr photo shared by electropod

Name What?

My business partner, for lack of a better term, and I are currently going through this exercise. We are looking at expanding out our custom home design business by putting a name to it. As of right now, we operate without a name. In the future we hope to have a chance to bring on more partners or expand out the services that we provide. Adding additional partners is difficult if the business is named after two guys. Also, branding starts to become an issue when we build out our website and try to attract clients. John and John Consulting Having our names followed by consulting sounds like the company my grandfather worked for. Sure it may sound like it has been around a while and invoke confidence. It also may sound egotistical or stale. Desinrs Dropping vowels and trying to look ultra modern may appeal to a few hipsters. In reality it sounds like a group of guys still in college. Not really the image of a company that you want to help you design and build your next home. Home Design Management Spelling out what a company does in its name is also stale. There is no excitement in a name like that. It also shoehorns us into being just that, forever. It doesn’t allow us to adapt to a new or changing market.

Middle Ground

All things considered, we want something somewhere in the middle. We want to invoke confidence but we also want to come across as being modern. We are hoping to create a name that isn’t too vague but is also not too literal. We will probably have a few more brainstorming sessions before deciding on a name. What suggestions do you have when deciding on a name for a new project or business?

• Share

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

Matt
I'm Matt and I share how to build an internet presence through internet business, social marketing, lifestyle design and productivity tools. While here, read about me to learn my story or find out how you can hire me.