Give Your Technology Consulting Firm a Powerful Name
Starting a technology consulting firm r
equires so much time and effort—don’t forget to invest time in choosing a powerful name. An article in Entrepreneur.com reminds startups that the right name can make all the difference. Consider these tips to avoid making your firm’s name an afterthought.
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Does the name sound good? Be sure to say the name aloud, so that you’re sure it sounds clear and bold. Consider alliteration (think “Coca Cola”); ask friends for feedback.
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Does the name have meaning and convey a benefit? When companies hire a technology consulting firm, they want to know they’re getting value for the money. Words like “fast,” “responsive,” and “proactive” can convey a powerful message. Also, don’t pick a name that’s too generic.
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Don’t get too clever – Stay away from clever spellings—customers might have trouble finding you online or offline. Cash-strapped businesses want maximum service from a technology consulting firm; they’ll be more concerned about practicality.
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Check for trademarks – Be sure there are no IT companies with the name you want. Check trademark listings at USPTO, CIPO, UK Intellectual Property Office, IP Australia, or your local country equivalent. Companies like Flat Fee Trademark (whom SP Home Run Inc. utilizes) can also help a lot in this area. And don’t forget Web domains—review your desired Web domains to see if they are available.
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Test your name with Google AdWords – Use the Google AdWords’ "find keywords" option to find similar search phrases. It will also show you the number of local and global monthly searches for those phrases.
Once you have decided on your technology consulting firm’s name, be sure to register the name according to your country’s regulations. For an idea of what needs to be done in the USA, see How to Start a PC Repair Business (USA Business Licenses). Also, register your Web domain.
Please share any advice you have on naming your startup in the comments section below.
And to follow-through on the tips introduced in this short article, be sure to download your free copy of the special report on How to Start a Computer Consulting Business: 6 Proven Ways to Build Your Initial Client Base.
Creative Commons Image Source: flickr Alan O'Rourke