Company names
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I faced that issue a couple years back when starting my own LLC. It really depends on what the goal of the company is. There is no one size fits all. * Does he intend to stay a single member or single owner and only do consulting or contract work? If so, keep it simple. Something like First Name Last Name Services LLC (e.g.; John Doe Services, LLC) is good enough. It has the added bonus of making sure your clients remember your name. * Does he intend to grow and add more people as members/owners and/or employees? If so, using a domain name generator with keywords that describe his type of business. A good one to use is Impossibility[^]. If the domain is free chances are the company name is free too for your local area. And don't forget, it's not about what you think is cool. It's about what your customers think is cool. If the two align, great. If not... customers come first.
Jeremy Falcon
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
If so, keep it simple. Something like First Name Last Name Services LLC (e.g.; John Doe Services, LLC) is good enough.
That's exactly why I didn't put my name in the company name, I want my customers to have the idea I'm not just one person (and I hope I won't be in the future).
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
If not... customers come first.
Yes, and no. I think selling your business is a lot easier when it's your business, not when it's the business your customers want it to be. I can really talk proudly of JUUN Software because it's completely my name and my company :D Of course, if there's a huge discrepancy between what you like and what your customers want, for example having a middle finger as a logo, you'll have to find some middle ground (well, you don't have to, but that would make it easier to get customers). Besides, you can't really think for your customers. Maybe they'll love the idea of getting the finger :D
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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Jeremy Falcon wrote:
If so, keep it simple. Something like First Name Last Name Services LLC (e.g.; John Doe Services, LLC) is good enough.
That's exactly why I didn't put my name in the company name, I want my customers to have the idea I'm not just one person (and I hope I won't be in the future).
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
If not... customers come first.
Yes, and no. I think selling your business is a lot easier when it's your business, not when it's the business your customers want it to be. I can really talk proudly of JUUN Software because it's completely my name and my company :D Of course, if there's a huge discrepancy between what you like and what your customers want, for example having a middle finger as a logo, you'll have to find some middle ground (well, you don't have to, but that would make it easier to get customers). Besides, you can't really think for your customers. Maybe they'll love the idea of getting the finger :D
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
Sander Rossel wrote:
not when it's the business your customers want it to be.
You're in business to serve your customer's needs.
Sander Rossel wrote:
Besides, you can't really think for your customers.
If you don't know your customer and what they want... you don't have a business. You don't need to take my word for it. Do some market research. With very rare exception has a company thrived when they did what *they* want and not what their customers want. This is quality information I'm giving you for free... use it.
Jeremy Falcon
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
Time to put on his thinking cap. Use his/her imagination. I needed a name a few years ago when it became necessary to become an LLC. "Bitmask Design" as a company name and the rest followed easily. How about Techno_Scrawl? He'd get my business !
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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I already made that joke, sent him a car pic and said "this will be your company car." I had to explain it was a CADillac :laugh:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
First time I got an email account, I wanted to use my "full name". Couldn't. Someone at that same ISP, had the same name as me, and used the same spelling for his account. At one time, there was like one Schmitz (family) in all of Canada (practically). Then I wanted to use my initials for a software company. Couldn't. Someone used them too. GHS ("Green Hills Software") or some such nonsense.
It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allow himself to be confused by it. ― Confucian Analects: Rules of Confucius about his food
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
So, let's see if I've got this right? Your AutoCAD friend has the full-blown AutoCAD program on disk, is a perpetual license owner, wants to sell his copy (actual license not a subscription) to me for $101.00 with no strings attached plus has actually contacted AutoCAD and told them of his plans to sell his software to me and AutoCAD has acquiesced by sending him a license transform form through surface mail and he has it in his hot little hand? Lessee, that just about covers all the bases. Now, listen, very, hard ,,,
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
uncrappycad.com is available (unless my entry triggered someone to buy it) same for cadalicious.com, cadtoseeyou.com, cadyourway.com, cad-yshacktosuccess.com, cadimgood.com, mocadfoyou.com, bestcadforyou.com, cad_for_you.com, ohyouwantcad.com, youneedmycad.com, cadtomeetyou.com, cadforcoolpeople.com, totallyawesomecad.com, sheets-o-cad.com, totallybestcad.com, ill-have-the-cad-shes-having.com (Harry Met Sally reference) ... What are you talking about? There are TONS of domains available!
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So, let's see if I've got this right? Your AutoCAD friend has the full-blown AutoCAD program on disk, is a perpetual license owner, wants to sell his copy (actual license not a subscription) to me for $101.00 with no strings attached plus has actually contacted AutoCAD and told them of his plans to sell his software to me and AutoCAD has acquiesced by sending him a license transform form through surface mail and he has it in his hot little hand? Lessee, that just about covers all the bases. Now, listen, very, hard ,,,
It sounded like his friend just wanted to create a business offering CAD services. Don't know where you got the 'sell AutoCAD license' from?
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uncrappycad.com is available (unless my entry triggered someone to buy it) same for cadalicious.com, cadtoseeyou.com, cadyourway.com, cad-yshacktosuccess.com, cadimgood.com, mocadfoyou.com, bestcadforyou.com, cad_for_you.com, ohyouwantcad.com, youneedmycad.com, cadtomeetyou.com, cadforcoolpeople.com, totallyawesomecad.com, sheets-o-cad.com, totallybestcad.com, ill-have-the-cad-shes-having.com (Harry Met Sally reference) ... What are you talking about? There are TONS of domains available!
David O'Neil wrote:
There are TONS of domains available!
I didn't say there weren't, I just said that there weren't any GOOD ones available ;)
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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So, let's see if I've got this right? Your AutoCAD friend has the full-blown AutoCAD program on disk, is a perpetual license owner, wants to sell his copy (actual license not a subscription) to me for $101.00 with no strings attached plus has actually contacted AutoCAD and told them of his plans to sell his software to me and AutoCAD has acquiesced by sending him a license transform form through surface mail and he has it in his hot little hand? Lessee, that just about covers all the bases. Now, listen, very, hard ,,,
RedDk wrote:
So, let's see if I've got this right?
You've got that left. He just wants to sell his services as an AutoCAD expert. For now I think that means making some custom drawings for customers.
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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David O'Neil wrote:
There are TONS of domains available!
I didn't say there weren't, I just said that there weren't any GOOD ones available ;)
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
When you are blind to good taste, stay out of the elephant pen! :laugh:
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Why not start locally with InstaStone? :confused:
Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
Anonymous
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The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
Winston Churchill, 1944
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Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
Mark TwainI think that would be geared more towards the hippie and headshop market
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
I feel like there is not enough "& Son" or "& Daughter" (also Child, Parent, Cousin, Brother, Bestie) companies around. Someone alrady got the singular use, just add another to make it plural we at Jamie's Software & Buddies are far better then those at Jamie's Software and Buddy
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
The name is a sales tool. Ideally it should be an advert in itself. That doesn't necessarily equate with sounding cool - he isn't a retail brand. When a potential new client hits Google searching for an AutoCAD expert, what terms are they likely to use? Is there a name around those terms that instantly conveys the nature of the service, answers the searcher's requirement, and therefore likely to get the click almost before they have the chance to think? You need to strike the right tone with it. What type of person is likely to look for such a service? What are their concerns and goals? E.g. If clients are likely to be people in serious engineering with primary concerns like competence, credibility, safety and reliability, perhaps in a certain age range and with a certain type of background and mindset, you need align and fit with that. They might be put off by a gimmicky or frivolous name that suggests different and doesn't obviously relate to CAD services. Is it a name that won't sound right when they tell their middle-aged boss who they've hired?
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
Automated name generators are affective and sometimes hillarious! https://www.domainhole.com/namespinner
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
Try the "This Word Does Not Exist" web page: This Word Does Not Exist[^] It will display random AI-generated words and "definitions."
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Try the "This Word Does Not Exist" web page: This Word Does Not Exist[^] It will display random AI-generated words and "definitions."
That's actually pretty cool :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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The name is a sales tool. Ideally it should be an advert in itself. That doesn't necessarily equate with sounding cool - he isn't a retail brand. When a potential new client hits Google searching for an AutoCAD expert, what terms are they likely to use? Is there a name around those terms that instantly conveys the nature of the service, answers the searcher's requirement, and therefore likely to get the click almost before they have the chance to think? You need to strike the right tone with it. What type of person is likely to look for such a service? What are their concerns and goals? E.g. If clients are likely to be people in serious engineering with primary concerns like competence, credibility, safety and reliability, perhaps in a certain age range and with a certain type of background and mindset, you need align and fit with that. They might be put off by a gimmicky or frivolous name that suggests different and doesn't obviously relate to CAD services. Is it a name that won't sound right when they tell their middle-aged boss who they've hired?
Ian_Sharpe wrote:
E.g. If clients are likely to be people in serious engineering with primary concerns like competence, credibility, safety and reliability, perhaps in a certain age range and with a certain type of background and mindset, you need align and fit with that. They might be put off by a gimmicky or frivolous name that suggests different and doesn't obviously relate to CAD services. Is it a name that won't sound right when they tell their middle-aged boss who they've hired?
Exactly this. Too bad though, that people relate the name to the quality because they have nothing to do with each other. A name is just that, a name. It helps to have it related to your industry, mainly for findability. Naming your company "QualitySoft" doesn't guarantee quality software, just as "GarbageSoft" may just be a "fun" name and may deliver excellent quality software. Actually, my friend thought of a very cool name, but I've asked around a bit and everyone thinks it's too childish (but they also admit it's a fun name and they'd click on it if they found it because it makes them curious, so...). Apple got away with naming their computer company after a fruit (and they did a bit more than "get away with it"), so it is possible if you have the right marketing and perhaps a bit of luck. But B2C has less strict demands when it comes to "looking professional" than B2B. In the end it's all about keeping up appearances though.
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
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Only available in .Bible, .LifeOfBrian, and .RadicalImam domains.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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A friend of mine wants to start a company, but finding a company name seems impossible :wtf: He makes drawings in (Auto)CAD. All the good names are gone, the slightly lesser names are also gone, some of the boring names are gone too. Some names aren't taken by companies, but by assholes who buy up all good domain names so they can sell them for $$$. The really boring names like "[last name] CAD" remain. He has a common name though, so googling for his last name gives you some chemist, a car dealer and a stage builder as well. I've been through this pain a few years ago when I ultimately settled for JUUN Software. Sounds cool (if I say so myself), but juun is just local dialect for onion, which I chose when I went to lunch frustrated, because I couldn't think of a good name, and found an onion in my fridge. Spoiler alert, there are already multiple companies named Onion as well :laugh: The Dutch word for onion is ui (English doesn't have the sound we use to pronounce this, but it's kind of like the "ui" in "guide"), but you can see how UI is a problematic name as well :rolleyes: JUUN is cool because it's a local export product, just like me, and because they say good software is like an onion, built in layers (at least that's what I tell my customers). It also makes you cry, but let's ignore that :laugh: How will the people of the future ever start a new business (or get an email address for that matter)? :omg:
Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Migrating Applications to the Cloud with Azure arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly
