Hello , how are you doing today?

Choosing the name for your business is as important as choosing the structure for your business.

In fact, when you make a mistake in your name, it could cause you a lot.

For example, we have worked with clients who lost their brand identity at the point of incorporation due to name Mistakes.

In today's newsletter, I will share with you some very important tips on how to name your business.

Whether you are a newbie entrepreneur or you are looking to register a new business, the following tips will help you in avoiding naming mistakes a lot of other business owners will make.

#1. Keep it simple

Avoid unnecessary long and confusing names.

Choose a name that is unique yet simple.

An example of an unnecessarily long name would be Okeyson Global Services International Company Nigeria Limited.

Seven (7) words in one name is rather long.

Also, if the name can be nicely appreciated, that would add lots of spice to the whole mix.

#2. Your name should resonate with your brand.

When people hear your name, they should be able to associate it with what you represent. Choose a name that appeals not only to you but also to your ideal clients.

#3. Avoid restrictive names.

I know that as community owners and business owners we are advised to pick names that tell people easily what you care about, while that is good, you should not be too restrictive and narrow-minded.

restricting yourself when naming would make it hard for you to venture out when the need arises.

Don't be caught in this web.

#4. Be Creative with your name

If it's a partnership business, you could coin a name from the initials or first letters of each partner's name.

You could use new forms of spelling or nondictionary words in naming your company.

For example, instead of *Boutique* you could simply use...

Butik.

klasik for Classic

Trayna for Trainer etc.

#5. Use descriptive words Seldomly.

Avoid frequent use of descriptive words unless you offer professional services in which case it is important for people to know exactly what you do from the word go.

When I was choosing a name for my law firm, I didn't want to use the usual *ABC & Co* as is common with lawyers.

I wanted something unique and specific so I opted for Barinaada Legal with (BL) as a nice abbreviation.

because it is simple, it appeals to me and my clients and it adequately describes who I am and what I do, which is Law Practice without being unnecessarily restrictive.

And by the way, Barinaada means "my God never sleeps" which is a way of saying my lawyer never sleeps...

And why we are always there and never try to sleep on you.

#6. Avoid already existing names.

It doesn't matter that you have been using a particular name for years if someone else had already gone ahead of you to do registration with CAC using that name...

you will have to change that name or at best tweak it so that it does not conflict with an existing name.

This is why it is a bad idea to start flaunting and using a name you are yet to register.

Someone might just go ahead of you to secure it.

And each time you market with that name, you might just be doing free PR for the other brand.

Remember that your name houses the goodwill of your business so protect it as best you can.

I hope this helps someone.

Talking of names and incorporation...

how would you like us to help you with that?

reply to this email and we will be in touch.

Cheers!

-Barinaada.