#Brandspeak: What is in a name?

I noticed that I have a thing for  “Brand Names” much so because I have helped quite a few friends and family come up with brand names for their businesses, products, and services. Looking back, I think I should have asked to be paid for those services!

A Business Name is something that is so very important. Yet it is given such little attention and thorough thought. Just imagine how many of us as would-be parents(especially among certain Nigerian tribes) agonize over the name(s) of our yet-to-be-born children, wanting to make sure that the names are full of meaning,believing that the name(s) will bestow good things on the child? Not forgetting to ensure those names are unique and memorable.

That’s the kind of effort we also need to put into ‘naming’ as we dream up that idea, concept or business.

Your choice of name gives your business life!

So,recently I had to formally put my skill to work on a project entailing naming new ideas and it was not just fun but exciting!

I decided I should share the experiences and skills I put to use and share some of those tips here.

These few tips will help anyone who is going on a “Naming Trip” and needs to know what to do and not to do.

BRAND NAMES- No, No’s!

• Avoid names that are hard to pronounce;the combination of all your names or your kids names may seem cute but please think of your clients and the competition out there!It’s not about you- Who wants to have “LAWCHUSOLWICE” hot sauce sitting on top of their kitchen self-I just made that up by the way! Bet you, I have seen worse! .This is not to say you can not knock up letters together to make a name. It’s just that there is an art to it.
• Your brand name should be strategic,putting future brand growth-both local and global into consideration.The example above is destined to be in a Names museum,for dead businesses.
• Your Brand name should avoid being another brand clone or pass off-it shows a low level of creativity, is fraudulent and you could be taken to court.

Once you have  a name that fits all criteria:You MUST meet a Trademark consultant to ensure that your name has not already been taken.If it is available,please snag i it,fast!

Some of my personal examples are:

What are your brand name experiences?What would you consider in choosing a great brand name?

Share your Examples pls!

If you are at a point where you are giving some serious thought to your Brand name(s) and require more info about how to go about it, give me a shout at onome@ezulwinicompany.com. Let’s create great brands together!