Rules for picking a company name

On a previous post about starting a company, there was mention of the importance of picking a company name.  While preparing to post about this specific topic, I found this article, by Martin Zwilling for CNN Money, on this very subject.

The author agrees that this can be the most important step in starting a company.

Startup Name Choice ... 

10 rules for picking a company name

by Michael Zwilling, contributor
CNN Money

Kick-off Small Business

Of course the only way to truly have control of your income is to manage the product acquisition (develop or dig), sales and distribution, accounting / collections and contracts, product support and pay the taxes.

Passion

Begin at the beginning ...  First, find your passion and determine its value to others.  Now create a mission statement -- a great mission statement is what you want to drive and steer your passion.  It also determines how your potential customers perceive you.

Prepare and think

Review the legal requirements for your region: country, city and do not overlook your apartment complex, home owners association or neighbors.  If you need parking or have a lot of shipping and handling, there could be some repercussions you might want to address before they occur.

Create a great label

Now, you need a label that has breadth, detail, longevity -- your company name.  This should be agonized over and debated among your most trusted family, friends, future colleagues and business partners.  Later you can get marketing and branding around the company name and your mission -- and product too, but don't be focused on the product, that could change over time.

EIN

Finally, you are ready to apply for your EIN (employer identification number).  During the application you will have to decide how to incorporate.  If you have concerns, get legal advice.  The key is who needs protection and are you going alone or with business partners.

Community and Networking

This video from Kansas Business Center website encourages you to join a community.