Naming your own business is like naming your own child. Without a name your business has no identity, without a name your business can’t be associated with you. Often we choose names for our children based on physical look, emotions we feel towards them or maybe on a religious basis. Either way, careful planning and a lot of consideration are set before choosing a name for our children. And we make sure that the name suits them too. In same processing manner, we also carefully select the right name for our business because it will also reflect a lot about the owner as a child’s name reflects a lot about his parent.
Definitely the process of finding the right name for a business is both a search and a task. However if you have managed to find a name that suits you, like a child who owns a birth certificate, your business will also own its own registration certificate. Truly it is rewarding moment. For now, you can take your child home knowing people will recognize him by his own name and identity. It is exactly the same in your business baby too! Here are a few tips how to get the process going.
1. List down a couple of appropriate names for your business
Make a list of at least 20 names of possible business names. Think of names that reflect your line of business, names that will reflect your personality and touch. Find names that have a nice ring to them.
2. Conduct a name search of your chosen name in the web
After you have chosen a name, try searching your business name at the web. Visit the Secretary of State’s website as well as the websites of both the local county clerk’s office and Chamber of Commerce. Check if there are people who are using your name. If other people have beaten you to that business name you like then try the other 19 names written in your list.
3. File a DBA
DBA (Doing Business As) is written document that states the nature of your business, how it operations and it says that you can do business as company you choose to be.
4. Fill an official business register and pay the fee
Most business registration can be done online. Decide if you will operate as a sole proprietor or a corporation. Then fill up the necessary information. Afterwards, pay the corresponding fees to process the documents.
5. Trademark your business name
Using a trademark will ensure that no one else will trade under your chosen business name. If you do decide to pursue this procedure, it will give you the rights to sue.
6. Gather confirmation documents and file them
Collecting documents is an essential step in business management. Make sure you have all the right documents in order. Reproduce extra copies for business purposes, filing and an extra copy for reference. Invest on a filing cabinet and store one copy there.
7. Place a copy of your business registration in your business establishment
After you have filed a set away for keeping and another copy in your office for future purposes, place a copy to display in your business establishment so customers can see that your business is a legit.
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