Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am starting a business out of my home making eye pillows and neck pillows filled with flax seed and lavender.  Not a new idea, but I`ve seen what`s out there and think I can do better.  Most names like Tranquility and Pleasant Dreams are taken.  I want to market to spas, gift shops and dentist offices (neck pillows).  Any ideas out there?

Hi there :-)
We`ve had lots of discussion about company names, as well as brainstorm sessions on specific names. And out of it all come a couple of thoughts you might be able to use.

The name of your company really doesn`t matter all that much. What really counts is "branding." That`s the connection between whatever name, and the product people will come to recognize. For example, AT&T really doesn`t mean much on its own. Not many folks think of American Telephone and Telegraph.

What people DO connect in their mind, are the letters ATT with phones, communications, and network systems.

Another aspect of this has to do with expansion and diversification. Right now, you have a common product in "pillows." But suppose you decide you want to branch out? What if you want to also sell herbal bouquets or teas? Suppose you decide to include a line of skin creams or health nutrition books?

Two ideas where you might start would be your own name, or your geographic area. For example, "Lake Pacific Health Products," or "Alicia`s Boutique."

It`ll be easier developing a logo if your business name references a line of products, like "health" or "spa" or "personal." But then you`re back to the issue of diversification.

Think about Liz Claiborne, then think about AVON. :-)

pick something that can be a registered trademark - ask your lawyer

-------------------------

James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

Thanks!  That helps.  Now I`m thinking of using my name (nickname) because right now my pillow tags say "Tranquillite" Eye Pillows by KC.   or Neck Pillows by KC.   I can`t use Tranquillite because of course the name is taken.  Any ideas using KC?

Hmm.....what would be the overall "set" of items under which pillows would fall? I`m thinking of "KC`s Products," and replace the word "products" with whatever is this global set. Like "KC`s Something."

Thanks lizzers!  Who would`ve known it would be so hard to come up with a name.  Actually, I`ve come up with several, but so have other people and are using them.  BTW, I get migranes too and love my pillow.  I`ll let you know when I set up my website so you can order one.  Mine are silk and silk-like fabric.  How do you like the name "Simply Unwind"?

 

 

I like "Simply unwind" as a tag-line, or motto. :-) Maybe not as a business name, though. At least my own opinion....