Need help with Business Name

[Naomi Ridley]

Can anyone help? We have to re-name our London lifestyle magazine because of problems with trade marking issues. We need something a bit different, but it still needs to explain what it is - a lifestyle magazine and what's on guide for local areas. I also need something that I can take to different areas of the country (we are online for Cornwall).

Any help would be great as most of the names I have thought of have been taken!!!

[fastfences]

Hi Naomi

Choosing a 'business' name is so personal; surely you can come up with something? I looked at your sites and immediately sensed 'action' within both London and Cornwall pages.
I wonder if that were a word you might incorporate? London Action. Cornwall Action?

If you're considering publishing in Arsenal, perhaps 'Action' may not be appropriate.

Going now, cheers, Nigel

[Twokids]

I agree with Fast fences - it is pretty personal and you know the business best.

Since your name will be in two parts with one part being the area name how about this fgor an idea.

Invite your freinds and close colleagues around to a mid week 'get together' at your house.

Get some 10cm post-it notes and start of by writing down a number of areas you want to target - London, Wales, Cheshire etc - don't make it more than five.

Next - spend the next few hours ( over a few bottles of wine/beer and a few nibbles ) to brainstorm as many associated words as you can - let your collective imaginations rip. Think of as many words as you can that would sum up your magazine or associate it and ring a chord with prospective buyers.

Let's say you get 'Action', 'Beat' 'Pulse' 'Rhythm' etc etc etc - hopefully you will get about 30 - 40 associated words.

Now start putting them together on the wall with the area names and see how it sounds , London Pulse, Pulse London, Cheshire Beat etc.

Sooner or later one or two winners will emerge as the group feels it's way towards concensus.

I bet you will soon find a stunning combination that works!


Good luck

Jim

[VeryMark]

Naomi,

You need to make a proper assessment before spending any serious money on design or print - we can help with choosing a reasonable name and on making proper legal clearance searches. We also have free factsheets and a free guide we can email.

Too many people either end up with a name that has a significant risk of infringing someone else or which is difficult to protect.

But even more people launch under a name without even realising whether they are taking a risk or not.

[Naomi Ridley]

Thanks Philip

I am getting whatever name we choose trademarked this time! I am in touch with someone about this. I am close to a couple of names, I just want something that leaps out and sounds good, and one which someone else hasn't already got! All the good names I have thought of so far have been taken, including all the suggestions of friends and relatives.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[VeryMark]

Lateral thinking helps, and brainstorming, I think.

And make sure whoever you use for trademarking is a Registered Trade Mark Attorney. (Solicitors are often just GP's - and you wouldn't use your GP for brain surgery would you?)

[Jayne]

Hi,

Paint it red or RED (as in town)! Razzel (as out on the)! Aller (go)! Purr..fect (as out on the tiles)!

Silly things that came into my head, may give you inspiration. :D

Best Wishes

Jayne

[Naomi Ridley]

RED is good but there's a woman's magazine with the same name. Now you mention Razzel, 'RAZZ' may be a good idea (out on the razz..'

Keep 'em coming! :)

[Jayne]

Hi,

Had another thought,

CANDLE = Cornwall AND London E (E=evening outs/events)

(To burn the candle at both ends) :D

Something else for you to chew over,

Jayne

[fastfences]

Gee Jayne, I hope your cakes are good!!
Cheers, Nigel

[Jayne]

Only trying to help the lady. :D Better than no help at all! And my cakes are yummy thank you :D

Jayne

[Jayne]

Thought of another one :D

LOCO! :D (London and Cornwall), see Nigel, i'll be able to give up baking soon :lol:

Jayne

[Naomi Ridley]

Thanks everyone, but the name needs to be for lots of regions, not just London and Cornwall. Thanks anyway!

[SillyJokes]

highlight, spotlight, nights, treasure, discover, get into, whats up?, way to go, feeling as in Feeling Cheshire, explore, open all hours, romp, furtle, grab hold of, get a piece of.., have me Cheshire,
Pressure, Cheshire Pressure - I love it, bwahhahah. lock in, on the lash,on the town, over the tracks, opps up side your head.

Give Me..

[Jayne]

highlight, spotlight, nights, treasure, discover, get into, whats up?, way to go, feeling as in Feeling Cheshire, explore, open all hours, romp, furtle, grab hold of, get a piece of.., have me Cheshire,
Pressure, Cheshire Pressure - I love it, bwahhahah. lock in, on the lash,on the town, over the tracks, opps up side your head.

Give Me..

Loads of brill ideas here Naomi, you'll have to let us know the name when chosen. I quite like the spotlight one :D

Best Wishes

Jayne

[daveashton]

Branding gives to options

1: A name that means something so that people relate to what you are doing straight away.

Downside: People interpret things thing differently so unless it has a very clear message it often confuses as much as helps.

2: A made up name i.e. BIZAL and then you build the brand to what you want it to stand for. Also there is higher chance of getting the domains.

Downside: Cost with building a brand from a name that has no meaning is a lot higher than option 1.

Hope this helps

[Cornish Steve]

At last! Cornwall is first on the map! I enjoyed browsing your website and learning of the many activities taking place over the summer. Thank you, Naomi. I shall forward the news to my many cousins in the country (sorry, county).

I have just one little gripe: The first headline I read when the site came up was for Plymouth! I know that, in practice, many people from Cornwall visit the Pavilions; however, Cornish folk are a little sensitive about the big city next door.

Cornishmen are known for their "short arms and deep pockets", so the name Cornish Freebies would have us all flocking to your site! Seriously, though, what about Time Out for Cornwall, Why Cornwall?, Your Cornwall, Cornish Lights, or Experiencing Cornwall?

Good luck, and I hope you find the right solution.

[Eagle]

Naomi,

You need to make a proper assessment before spending any serious money on design or print - we can help with choosing a reasonable name and on making proper legal clearance searches. We also have free factsheets and a free guide we can email.

Too many people either end up with a name that has a significant risk of infringing someone else or which is difficult to protect.

But even more people launch under a name without even realising whether they are taking a risk or not.
Top advice Naomi - I've spoken with Philip recently and he offers sound advice. (Take this as an endorsement! ;))

(I'll get things moving for you when you've decided on the name but do bear in mind that the trade mark process can take six months or more)

8)

[Naomi Ridley]

Thanks for your help everyone!!

I know, Plymouth isn't Cornwall, but Plymouth Pavilions has some great 'big' acts playing, so people from Cornwall will travel up there. I can also get competition tickets, which is a bonus! That's the only part of Plymouth that will be featured, though! :)