5 signs it might be time to pick a new business name

Time for a name reboot?

• Generic syndrome: If your business name is as generic as “Business Services Inc.,” it might be sliding into one-size-fits-too-many territory. A vanilla name can leave customers forgetting you exist faster than they forget their third-grade teacher’s name.
• Trademark tangles: Discover your business doppelgänger lately? When legal emails start popping in and the word ‘infringement’ gets thrown around, consider it a neon sign pointing to Name Change Avenue. It’s an example of how trade mark registration is good for your business, but can be a pain if it’s used against you by a third party.
• Global gaffes: Ready to conquer the world but just realized your quirky local name translates to something embarrassing overseas? That’s a belly flop waiting to happen, and plenty of branding snafus have hit the headlines in the past for this reason. Go for a title that scales cleanly across borders.
• PR puzzles: When folks trip over your company’s tongue-twister of a name or they’re hitting up different businesses because yours is just too confusing, that’s the universe dropping hints it’s time to simplify.
• Evolution expedition: Maybe you started selling handmade doohickeys and now you’re all about tech-gizmos. Outgrown names are like high school nicknames; cool at 15, cringe at 30. Update that tag if you’ve started to feel the burn of embarrassment when hearing it out loud, or if it simply doesn’t fit your brand’s persona and product line-up any longer.

Using a business name generator to come up with new ideas

Alright, so you’re on board with giving your business a new identity. Where to even start? You could bust out the old notepad and chew on pen caps… or, let’s kick it up a notch with some 21st-century techno magic – a business name generator.

Here’s the lowdown. These nifty online tools are like treasure chests for creativity. Just toss in keywords that capture your biz’s soul and bam! Out pops an array of options, cooler than the other side of the pillow. Just make sure to choose a solid business naming platform; scout for one that makes use of AI to ensure the monikers it spits out are as unique and compelling as you’d expect.

A blueprint for switching it up

You’ve landed on a name that’s got more spark than a 4th of July fireworks show. Sweet! But don’t break out the champagne just yet – there’s grunt work to do. Here’s how you pivot without tripping over your old business persona:

• Legal eagle steps: Soar through the official stuff first. File for a new DBA (“doing business as”) or amend your Articles of Incorporation with your state.
• Notify the alphabet squad: IRS, EIN, and any other acronym-heavy agencies need to know about your rebrand so they don’t get lost in the mail shuffle.
• Trademark trailblazing: Protect your shiny new name by filing for a trademark stat; don’t let someone else swoop it up!
• Bank on change: Give your bank a heads-up to avoid furrowed brows when you deposit checks under the new biz badge.
• Web masterstroke: Snag that domain name and update your website faster than you can say “DNS propagation.” Your online presence should scream new-name pride.
• Email evolution: Transition to an email with the updated domain – proof that details matter.
• Social media makeover: Update your handles and bios across all platforms. Consistency is king – don’t leave followers scratching their heads because your Twitter handle is stuck in the past.
• Marketing material renewal: Toss out those dusty old brochures and business cards. You want every piece of swag to shout your new name from the mountaintops.
• Signage switcheroo: If you’ve got a storefront, it’s time for some redecorating. A new sign will do wonders and grab eyeballs like a magnet.
• Internal affairs: Get your team hyped about this fresh start! Make sure everyone’s on the same page with memos, meetings, or even a launch party (because who doesn’t love an excuse to party?).

Conclusion

Alright, you’ve got the inside info on swapping out a stale name for something stellar. It’s like giving your brand a glow-up – intimidating but oh so worth it. Follow these steps, and watch your business strut into its new era with confidence.