Have you ever had to come up with a name for a new business or product? If you have, you know it’s not an easy thing.
There aren’t really any rules when it comes to business or product names, but there are some things to think about that will make it easier. Whether you are setting up a new business or are developing a new product, you’ll have it for a while (hopefully)…

Here are some tips to help you come up with a good  name:

The do’s:
•    Make sure the name is simple, easy to pronounce, memorable and easy to spell.
•    Research the web, the companies websites etc. to ensure the name isn’t already taken
•    Ensure the domain name you want is available (and relates to your name – preferably the same word as your name so it’s easy to find online)
•    Ensure it’s different from your competition
•    If you’re considering trademarking the name, ensure someone else hasn’t already done so

The don’t’s:
•    Stay away from negative connotations
•    Make sure the name doesn’t mean something negative or inappropriate in other languages
•    Don’t restrict your name too much (with the eye on future growth) or limit yourself to a place name (in case you move!)

Ideas on how to generate names:
•    Brainstorm words that relate to the product / service
•    Words that relate to the benefits for the customer
•    Words that relate to the values/quality of the company and products
•    Words related to colours, animals, plants, your industry, your types of customers etc.
•    Use a thesaurus to look up related names/words
•    Consider combining words
•    Ensure your name is meaningful rather than too generic
•    Use adjectives
•    Use humour
•    Does it evoke emotion?

A little plug for the 2016 Marketing for Success Programme, starting in April. Don't miss it if you want to bring your business to the next level! Click here for more info!

Till next week, Marijke

I tend to spend more money when I get great service (and the other way around!). So do most people!
 
Recently, I experienced how nice it is when service is personalised. It depends a bit on the type of business you’re in. If you deal with a limited number of clients, your service is easily personalised. But if you deal with a larger number of customers it can be done too.
 
I enter a clothes shop. After looking around for a minute or so, a shop attendant comes over and, after introducing herself: “Hi, my name is Amy, I’ll be helping you today!” she asked me what I was looking for. (Amy was also wearing a name tag).
 
She was then very helpful in finding it and when I wanted to try the item on, she asked me for my name and escorted me to the changing room. She then checked on me several times and would ask: “How is the size, Marijke?”, and: “Would you like to try some other models, Marijke?”
 
After I had decided what I wanted to buy I went to the checkout to pay. The friendly checkout guy asked who had helped me. I said “Amy did”. There is obviously some kind of incentive for the sales Amy gets.
 
I paid and left the store. Amy said on the way out: “Have a nice day, Marijke.”
 
How nice is that? It made me feel special and comfortable to be in that store. And, more importantly, it made me want to buy something!
 
So, have a think of how you could personalise the service in your business. It works!
 
Till next week, Marijke

1. Create a Marketing habit! Set aside a set time each week to work on your marketing & business goals. If you do this, it becomes a habit and you will actually get the things done that you plan to do!  
2. Keep up to date with your marketing! I read 2 marketing or business books a month and I attend conferences, workshops, read online newsletters etc. I don’t remember it all, but I do pick up the things that are useful to my business. And I find it motivational and it inspires me to implement new ideas!
   Do check out the Marketing for Success Programme, you’ll love it!
3. Create a video for your website! Video is a great way to increase the conversion to sales!
4. Keep in touch! Keep in touch with your customers by sending them an update every month or quarter (keep it brief and ensure it relates to them!) Note: do personalise the message!
   
5. Get to know your customers better! Where do they hear about you, what do they want, what do they like, what social media do they use, what could be improved? Plan to survey them regularly. Then create products or experiences that suit your customers!
6. Work with complementary businesses! Develop a package or jointly market your products.
7. Make a list of topics to use in social media & newsletters – then, when you do so, you don’t have to come up with new things all the time! Examples: great photos of customers experiencing your product/service, something funny, something interesting, a link to a video, tips, special deals etc.
8. Communicate your USP’s! Why do your customers choose you over your competition? Your unique selling points, the things that set you apart from others accounts for 50% of your sales. So, do communicate these clearly on your website and promotional material!
9. Make it easy for people to book or buy your product! Whether through online booking, 0800 numbers, distribution through a range of channels. For example if you’re in tourism I mean through your own website, 3rd party websites, booking centres, wholesalers etc. The wider your distribution, the easier it will be for people to find you!
10. Focus on the quality of your service and whole customer experience! The better the service and experience, the better your reviews and word of mouth. Hire enthusiastic staff and train them well!

Do you need help planning your marketing and get support along the way? Do you want to learn new marketing skills and work with like-minded businesses? Then join the 11-month Marketing for Success Programme  starting in April. Click here for more info & testimonials!

Till next week, Marijke