How to Choose a Name for Your Business
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Choose a name for your business - easier said than done, right?
In this video, you'll learn how to choose a name for your business if you can't decide between using your own name or using a product name.
When you choose a name for your business, it really comes down to your industry, your vision, and your long-term plan.
If you want to build a business around being an expert, like a coach or speaker, choose a name for your business that reflects you, like your actual name.
On the other hand, if your business is more focused on a product or service that could potentially be sold one day, you may want to choose a name that is more fitting to the business (examples include Whole Foods, Organic Avenue, Instagram).
Keep in mind there are countless companies that decided to choose a name based on their founders, but now exist without them, like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.
When you choose a name for your business, what is most important is that you're clear about what you want and where your company is going.
C'mon over to www.marieforle... where the main discussion happens after the episode!
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On the flip side, the disadvantage of naming your company after yourself is that if something goes wrong that hurts your reputation, then your company can take a major hit because your name and reputation are strongly tied to your company. An example is what happened with Martha Stewart. Also, it can be harder to sell a company that is your name because buyers may not want to buy something that has your name all over it.
I am currently working on starting my own company. I want to focus the most on freelance graphic design (it is what I love, and went to school for), but I don't want to limit myself to just graphically design in the future. I don't want to use my name though. I haven't decided the name yet, but I DO know I want to call my business by a one or two word name, using a made up word or something similar. Something that stands out, and is memorable. That way, it won't limit me in the future! :)
This question literally kept me up all night last night... and then I see this video on the homepage this morning lol
Marie, You could expand on this as it s a huge subject. Thanks Marcos
Coming back to this old video was so helpful for me today! Thank you Marie! Just launched my blog today after watching this video that gave me the final push for my domain name!
Dear Marie. I have two company names. One that didn't head the way I wanted and so I started a new one based on a local focus, but after doing b-school I plan on doing something online to grab a more global audience.
I chose to name my business after myself. As a photographer, that just made intuitive sense. And, additionally, it made financial sense (as a sole proprietor--saving on taxes, etc.).
OMG!!! I have playing with this for a "minute." I am divorced and currently have my ex's last name (which I kept for my only child's sake) and I hate it. I was trying to decide if I should go back to my maiden name & rename my business. I also go back and forth with the "International" or "Enterprises" and all that jazz on the end. Nevertheless, thank you for providing clarity about which route to choose. Love all that you do for entrepreneurs! ~ Blessings
Btw: the part about change...absolutely true. I moved from photographer to graphic designer to writer to now a Godscribe and author, all under the same name.
Impressed that this was 8 yrs ago and still on point and reliant. I share it with my Business clients when deciding their business name! Thank you.
Plus chalk filled on how’s your and how to do a spectacular CZcams video in less then 5 min and bring amazing value💥🌹
I changed my last name after I got married and the next day I said one day I will be a CEO of Nino Fisher Inc.
Was thinking two have different businesses under the name. (I am THE biggest dreamer there is).
Years later - I kept the name and own Nino Fisher Inc. Still working on my first business and a second one is about to be planned. ❤️
Just another amazing video from Marie Forleo :-) As a SEO expert I often receive this question. And I totally say the same as you did: Depending on your industry and your long term goal! 2 important things to be aware of and to think about. Thank you for sharing!
Serving as an 24hr Salon w/Boutique, Cafe & Lounge Elements Providing
Affordable Quality Beauty/Fashion to Men & Women.
After i created this statement I knew I was going to name it The Upscale Beauty Bar
I went through several names before deciding on one to use. I changed it three times after launching my first site. Wish I would have know how to choose a business name to grow into when I started. I chose to use my name and my brand over a company name.
Hey Marie, I love that the video is only 4.10 secs but the message is succinct and powerful. I love watching your videos. Keep smiling, Ally
After 11 years I am watching this video and my god what a good quality it have 😍..
We're so happy to hear that! And so grateful you found us (11 years later ❤❤). Keep in touch!
Such well-reasoned advice. I now know what to tell someone in this quandary. I've always used my name, in fact when I got married at the ripe age of 42, I kept my name because it was too tide to my business. Besides, when you've been a Sneed for as long as I have, you just can't shake it loose.
Awesome video! I chose to use a business name since it was easier for people to remember. My name is easy to misspell!
I'm still trying to figure this all out, but this video helps a lot! I'm halfway through design school, so contemplating starting a graphic design freelance business. That's basically been what I've been trying to decide… do I name my business after myself or pick something creative? Anyway, you've given me a lot to think about - thank you!
I want to start my own business I been praying for God guide me then I saw your video.
Very practical and timely tips. Thanks for sharing Marie!
Love this video! Have been having real issues in terms of using my own name / a different name / mixing the two / changing names on online accounts (currently: work in progress...) Thanks for this - great advice! 😍
I so love this concept! I'm in between whether to take the dive and name my business Jana Kingsford or keep it under the 'Mums Juggling Act' banner... I notice alot of your graduates have called their businesses their own names... Possibly a confidence thing they learn from BSCHOOL! Hope to be in BSCHOOL 2013! :)
I also struggled with deciding on using my own name or business a name🤔 Great tips
I use my name dot com, and the main issue is there is WAY too much freedom. I'm on my 3rd topic... I went from Internet marketing, to email marketing, to list building specifically. I guess fine tuning your focus is good, but readers/prospects/customers can get confused. Thanks for this video!
Yes I have!! I have face painting company,, and use my name,,,people are always tellng me I should change it...however...nothing else ,,that is not taken,,,ever seems fitting to me. So I stick with it.
Makes sense, this is a question I get from a lot of people I work with. Great video!!!
I picked a few names I liked, & then let people vote on them to decide which I should choose.
Just stumbled upon your videos today. I've been listening to one after the other. You're fun and on point! SHARING! Hope to meet you one day.
My god you look fabulous! The hair, the dress,... and great advice in the video! I think the ego wants to use your own name, but it's not always best as you pointed out.
The only problem with using your name is that if it's sold, you may lose the right to use your own name. Or if you have sold the business and then you become involved in a scandal, there's an outside chance that the business might come after you to say that you are in some way damaging the brand. I forget the example instance this happened, but I know there was a legal case like this. I think a company name SIMILAR to someone's name but not my exact name, if that were the case.
Fantatic advice Marie! Thanks for sharing. Looking gorgeous as always
This video is exactly what I needed. Thank you Marie!
Awesome video! You nailed it! Thanks for answering my questions! I am currently trying to figure out the paperwork around this youtube channel!
Yay seemed like you made it work!
I thought you said "todays question comes from tomorrow" in the beginning lol
i'm conflicted btwn using petite friendly vs height friendly coz i want to attract both demographics but i want emphasize on petite bcoz it's not an issue faced by a tall women over petite women
Awesome Video! I'm starting my own advisory firm so one thing that I am struggling with is the name. I am not sure if I should simply name it after me or create a business name. Thanks for your awesome insightful advice!
i want to start an architectural firm...what should i name it....i have thought of "MIRRor architects-we reflect what you think "
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee helpppppppppppp helpppppppppppp pleaseeee replyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
awesome thanks for sharing!!! very helpful!!
-lainey
How should one name a business in ints initial(budding) stage so as to not look amateur to anyone.( I hope you get my point )
hi there, see when you crating a business for graphic designer. Is it best to put your unique name followed by design or your personal name followed by design or leave design blank. I don't know if I put designs customers will know I do design work, plus i see some designers that put there name folowed by designs. So for example Katie designs. I have a business name just don't know if I should put design at the end or not. Great video by the way!
thanks
THANK YOU! Amanda Mac it is 💃🏻
Timeless and #relevant.
Ok so the next question is, do I use my full name or a nick name? My full name is long and hard to pronounce, or I can use a nick name + my middle name (which is shorter and catchier), though it could sound more childish too maybe to some. What do you think?
I'm having trouble naming my business i change the name 3 times already. thanks for this tip
差差喔迂掃。
To further assist current and potential entrepreneurs: Read the complete entrepreneurial workbook “So What`s your Plan?” available on
Amazone.com (books)
Maybe you should do a little googling on how much stuff Marie has done and does!
Put in google the search term: Overview of Trademark Law - the first one should be an entry from Harvard and it has some very interesting information.
I don't feel like the question was actually answered.
Thank you for this! I just decided on a name for my new nutrition and health coaching business and was still feeling unsure about it. I am excited and feel like I made the right decision now!
Thank you for being you.
Great answer to a question I have also been struggling with ...This makes sense and it's seem to be a good way to go. What about if my name in easy to mispell or if people cannot remember how the spelling goes? Thanks Marie
Okay, your laugh is life!! Lol fyi
I already named by business Haute Shots, but as I have grown with my business, I often wonder if I should have just gone with my given name, Stacie Frazier. As an artist (photographer) my given name makes sense, but as a movement for women, I liked the name I went with. Haute Shots makes more sense for the TV show based on it too. But, here I am still questioning if I made the right choice or not. Sigh. Any advice for changing the name after a business has already begun Marie?
Hey Marie! After watching tuns of your videos, I finally landed to the most concerned video "Choose a name" and got puzzled. Well! I am soon instigating a Medical devices (Surgical and dental instruments) export business internationally (It's a small scale business), and I am terribly stuck up at deciding the name. I need your help in this regard so as to choose the perfect name expressing my long term vision as well as my products.
I named my business Ilia Garcia "The Spiritual Diva".
Hello Marie. I'm starting to make my own products for natural hair. Starting out in my kitchen, but I also want my name branded now. I have one in mind, could you tell me which website to go to in order to see if that name has been taken. Also the price of branding. I just found you channel by the way.
reddsswifee try this site knowem.com/
What's in a name? Everything sometimes. Just read about when they launched the
"Got Milk?" campaign into Mexico, it instead accidentally asked "Are You Lactating?
Needless to say, it really didn't help sell milk in Mexico.
love love this
My name is sanjana and i want to start my coaching what i gave my company or business name plzz suggest any ???
Hi, soo glad that I found your channel .. and I need a straight advice. My name is "Fahad" (Leopard in Arabic).. how do you feel about "Fahadography", for Photography? it's available in all platform
Thank you!
Love this!!
Hey Marie, i was EXACTLY in the process of finding my new company name. I want o be a web consultant, but the problem is that my name is french and somehow confusing for english people to spell it. "Alain" is my last name (confused for "alan", "allan" etc). So i wanted to use my name as a domain but im afraid ill miss lots of referal if people cant get my name right. What do you think?
Decision made! Phew. Thank you :)
What if your name is hard to say in english?
What would you do then?
+Hasan Ozgur Gultepe Great question, I struggle with the same
+Wietske Welten Don't worry:) I think it makes your name stand out that much more from others!
Wietske Welten it's not a good idea to choose a difficult name because people will feel it embarrassing when they would not be able to pronounce it well. which will result in declining customers.
Thanks, this is really helpful :)
In real estate you do not want to name your company after yourself because you want to make it hard for others to sue you.
Great advice!!
Helped alot , thx lady
Love you
Thank you
have started manufautring of boys shirt kids age group 4 to 18 but not able to name the brand pls cam u help me
I'm Surprised your not doing the Harlem shake like the rest of CZcams.
Is it better to name our own to from my family members name?
Thanks! You're awesome :)
What if I created a business name and had a small company find me a domain name that may be a little off, for example, I am a newly real estate investment company called "First Stream Real Estate Associates, LLC" and my registered domain name is "dads_house.com". Is it me or does it sound off?? With that being said, should my company name be different from my domain name? I ask the company why did they choose "dads_house" for the domain. They responded saying both words generate a lot of traffic on the web. What are your thoughts??
Thanks,
I want domain of my company suggest I am confuse .starting a business I want my website help
shabana farid please be specific..
i'm still thinking about it .
Thank you sooooo much
My problem is: 1) My name is f@cking long 2) How do I make it clear what my business does just from my name?
I'm currently wondering how to start my youtube page with my business name ... but Google won't let me do that. Anyone know the secret on how to do that?
What if you name is taken? Even across of all social media outlets. :(
well explained!
thanks
Thank you!
Very helpful
I’m struggling to come up with a name now.. Ice cream business.
Helpful but doesn't quite answer it for me. For example, who are you going to sell marieforleo.com to? No one would want because they are not YOU, and you also wouldn't likely want to sell your name domain as who knows what they might do to your reputation. Could you sell a part of your business? Do you have different urls for different programs so they could potentially be sold later? Otherwise, I'm sure you are wildly successful, but you biz is you, and can't be sold or passed on if you have kids or others you want to run the business later.
Can I have my name for my company, a company that deals with industrial goods etc? And Oh by the way.. Marie you're cute.
I just started with amway what should my website be
James Russell Jürgen hilft FG zB Übung h Juli
My name is so not catchy hahahahh I would like to name my business my name but it's not that cool haha
i am still struggling :(
Hi marie,can i use my name for my business . I make shoes.. handmade leather shoes,belts and bags.
You absolutely can! Think of other big (and small) designers who've used their name for their business - Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Kate Spade, etc. Your name is an excellent choice!
- Team Forleo
Thank you very much Marie. Needed to hear that. By the way, the video was extremely helpful😍😘
dilys benibo We're so glad to hear that! And best of luck with your business :)
- Team Forleo
I named my website after me, because I discuss various topics. simply Iamericakelley
The background is my shower curtain
Hi
Please, Feel free to head over to BrandString, We'd Love to assist with acquiring an Excellent Domain Brand Name for your Business. Thank you.
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thank you
thank you