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Taglines/Names URGENT - Need Help Fast!

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Name My Company And Save My Career!
Posted By: jampap* on 9/26/2006 8:19 PM (CST)	1500 Points
We are a year old company that builds web based software applications that help small businesses and small healthcare practices manage their business operations. A little explanation is necessary so please read this through. You will be surprised how much it can change your view. Our current name, ProVolve Solutions, is the best we have managed so far and as you can guess from annunciating aloud we get a lot of Pro-who? Pro-Solve, Pro-Salt, Pro-Vault. ProVolve came from smooshing the words Process and Evolution together. This came about because automating and managing the evolution of business processes is a unique characteristic to our software solutions (which to explain is boring, difficult and confusing). One thing to keep in mind is that we are a group of four entrepreneurs who have based all our software solutions on imagination. Because we use the Software as a Service (SaaS), or hosted delivery model and build our applications on a process software engine that manages the state of any business segment (like revenue cycle), we have built some very creative solutions. We've recently adopted a tag line of "Imagination that Works" which although true, we do not necessarily have to keep. We always create software solutions that are far beyond the expectations of what our clients are looking for and greatly exceed their production requirements. This is because the power of our applications often makes the unthinkable or unimaginable, possible. The problem is that any name with imagination is used in some form or already trademarked. The other key thing to keep in mind is that our software solutions are SIMPLE. They have no tabs and don’t require the users to click between screens. Imagine telling your computer “Hey, I need a letter to the Marketing Professionals about my account” and Microsoft Word automatically types out the entire letter about what you need without you doing anything at all, and when its done it prompts your screen with a reminder for you to sign the letter. Yea, it’s like that. Our programs automate most of the processes within a business or practice and automatically guide users to tasks that actually require human interaction-and there aren’t many at all that can’t be automated to some degree. Billing cycle management is a simple example. Most software products have 5or 6 states a bill can be within, submitted, rejected, paid, etc., all which require some form of user action to complete. Our solution by comparison has 60 states a bill can be in, but because our software manages the process automatically, only 3 states require user interaction. Our solutions are very, very simple and intuitive. We desperately need a name that can clearly delineate what it is we offer and what we do, but wrapping that into a name that can do that, and is memorable, has just about driven us all nuts! We want it all I suppose. A catchy, dynamic name that is relevant and easy to remember without being overly limiting or cutesy. We really need substantive responses so if you have any questions at all or need elaboration, please ask.

Posted by: Frank Hurtte	Member Response
9/26/2006 9:27 PM (CST)
Doctorsoffice.com - where automation and health care join

Posted by: W.M.M.A.	Member Response
9/26/2006 9:31 PM (CST)
So, you've spent a year building your name, attempting to create a brand, and now you want to begin again. That's the short of it, right? I didn't notice any mention of a tagline. Is there one? Wouldn't staying with your name, which is memorable, at the least. ProVolve [10] Process Evolition to the Tenth Power Know where you're going, and get there. This needs to be talked through, but would like some feedback on what I presented. Am i way off-base? Randall WMMA Then, briefly describe the solution, in two lines.

Posted by: W.M.M.A.	Member Response
9/26/2006 9:34 PM (CST)
We are willing to work for the points earned, but would like to make it collaborative for a few strings, rather than just throw out postings. So, let's go around the room a few times. We're closing for the night, but will respond tomorrow. This is a great challenge. Randall WMMA

Posted by: darcy.moen	Accepted Answer
9/26/2006 9:45 PM (CST)
Only a year and you are ready to change brands? What about that year you just invested to get folks to say Pro WHAT?!!! Not to be bearer of bad news (but I will be), whatever name you put over the door will have EXACTLY ZERO name recognition too. It takes time to build a brand. Its painful to tell you this, but even after 16 years of building my drycleaning brand, spending 2 to 10,000 a month advertising...I still had customers picking up their orders asking 'who do I make the cheque out to?'. Yeah, pretty sad eh? What was worse was the walk ins who asked: 'when did you open up here?'. Despite your best marketing intentions, and your best marketing, it will take time to build the name awareness. It is a slow process, and it happens one customer at a time. Brands take time to work, and to become known. Like dating, did you get to know every detail of your spouse on the first date? Or did that evolve over time too. One customer at a time. Every time you hear Pro Who?...its one more opportunity to position your brand, to place that thought, to set that hook. It doesn;t that its ProSolve, ProWidgets, or ProTech IMagitive solutions that WORK! Whatever name you chose, or what ever name you stick with.....its the same amount of work. The brand becomes what you make it to be. Have fun creating/living up to your brand, and best of luck. Darcy Moen Customer Loyalty Network (a few thousand points later, and its a brand that is still growing up)

Posted by: rwood*	Member Response
9/26/2006 10:41 PM (CST)
Target your markets ProVolve. Simply Software Solutions Provolve. Software Solutions. Simple. Provolve. Software Solutions. Simply by prescription. Provolve. Software Solutions by prescription Provolve, Your Prescription for healthcare business application management solutions. I agree with Darcy Moen, Keep building your brand. find a focus. a tagline to build upon. A market to focus on. Is it health care practices? That's your decision. Good luck.

Posted by: jampap*	Author Response
9/27/2006 12:23 AM (CST)
All, Thank you all for your prompt and valuable replies. I apologize. I must be a horrible communicator. Please allow me to further clarify. We have not put any work into our name brand this last year or at all in fact. It was a decision to be able to submit the legal paperwork and the need to change our name has not overridden the time needed for other things, until now. We began by building a custom product for a major automotive manufacturer, during which time we were approached by a healthcare company in Texas with a unique business model and asked to build a similarly designed custom product as we did for the car company. True the two companies have no connection per se other than they both need a truly imaginative business software solution to resolve the problems of their business processes. But that's what we do, so in reality we don't consider our current venture a change in direction. To date we have not gone to the public market place with a product. The healthcare solution currently under completion was a natural progression from our last healthcare product and our first crack at a retail product. That having been said, we believe the right name is now even more important whether in the healthcare arena or not. We also feel that ProVolve Solutions Inc. is just not the right name to represent our company. Since we are not KFC or 3M and have no big name brands to throw around we would like something that either speaks to the heart of whom we are as a company (imaginative problem solvers for small business and practice) or that is somewhat more relevant to our craft of addressing those markets with unique hosted business management solutions. ProVolve does nothing to achieve either. Our market has never really changed. It is small businesses and small healthcare practices and our specific market for our first retail product is the Chiropractic profession—a small healthcare practice. Our research reveals the name ProVolve just isn’t serving us very well in addressing this market. Although it a sweeping generalization, it is true that most Chiropractors do not fancy themselves with a sense of humor, so a obscure and unforgettable name (like Blue Hippo, say) wouldn't fly and if the name doesn't seem relevant, they won't even offer a glance. I recently read the Entrepreneur.com article "8 Mistakes To Avoid When Naming Your Business" and it seems we've made every one. You can review it at: www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/startupbasics/namingyourbusiness/art... Our current tag line (mentioned in my original posting) is "Imagination that Works." I'd like to get this one resolved so we can move on to requesting help naming our latest product, which by the way is what started this whole quagmire. So, here we are back to paradoxically needing a name for our software company comprised of imaginative problem solvers. (This one must be the exception to the rule).

Posted by: deni418	Member Response
9/27/2006 5:28 AM (CST)
Would this help- ProSolve

Posted by: MANSING	Accepted Answer
9/27/2006 6:01 AM (CST)
Hi Jampap Thanks for the explanation. Some time I feel – there are so many answers we want to discover and we look every where? But most of the times they are lying underneath where we are standing. At the first place you should consult with your partner. You know all the facts and figure than what I know. I like your tagline “Imagination that Works” As per as the name is concern, try to define your name different way. It is the name a person wants to remember. Think about who you are? What you provide? Is there any word to define those characteristics? Try this, 1. ProSolution - Putting future in Practice 2. ProVolve Creative Solutions - A solution, a click away 3. ProVolvo Connectivity We can give you suggestion; it is you will make right decision. I think changing name will be different; if you like you can extend the name and description. I hope this will help! Regards, M Bhor

Posted by: mozzy	Member Response
9/27/2006 7:07 AM (CST)
About the name: Even if Pro is for Process, when you use it like that (Pro) it's short for Professional... If it's all about evolution, I think you should drop the Pro and stick with the Evolution part. So it could look something like Evolve or better yet eVolve. The only problem I have with this name is that it has nothing to do with Health care... Regarding the Tag Line: Imagination is something that is not real right? So "Imagination that works" is somehow an oxymoron. In a way this is ok, because it makes people think and be intrigued by your company. But the objective of a tag line is to explain what you do when your company name is not enough to accomplish that. You should have a look at other SaaS suppliers and take a look at how they have (or haven't) solved it . You mentioned Saas, Simple, Intuitive How about: "Simple solutions to support your real needs" "Intuitive solutions for Health Care companies" Or even (looking at the approach salesforce.com uses) "Simple and Intuitive solutions with no software" Hope this help your brainstorm... Mike

Posted by: cadbury_heart	Member Response
9/27/2006 7:20 AM (CST)
SOFTPRO

Posted by: vic	Member Response
9/27/2006 11:08 AM (CST)
I would consider "E-Volve". It carries the same message, and relates it to E-Business. It is also difficult to mis-pronounce. If you adopt this name it would not be necessary to change your tagline.

Posted by: prbypr	Member Response
9/27/2006 1:39 PM (CST)
I actually just took a company through the branding process. Rather than just try to come up with a clever name and tagline, take a step back. You need to look at four things -- differentiation, relevance, esteem and knowledge. These are critical to the creation of your brand. To make it easier, I would recommend spending a few thousand dollars to have a branding expert walk you through the process. We did it in a day -- and in the end, the team came up with a name and tagline for the company and its launch that not only represented the company, but would have meaning to potential customers. I know it can be a pain -- but having a third-party walk you through the process can help enormously. After all, we can give you our advice. But we're not your customers. To do this right, you need someone to help you map your branding to your customers. It can be done -- and will be well worth the time and money spent. Good luck! PR

Posted by: NovaHammer	Member Response
9/27/2006 9:12 PM (CST)
Toyed with many similar IT and healtcare combos for you - here is a sample of a few. Pro-Cure...(a little old and a little new and a Medical Remedy ProKure ... (similar but using phonetic K for IT fit with name. Soft-Cure or Soft-Kure (implies SoftWare and Cures. TagLine suggestion; 'Our Custom Rx is better than Generic' ... this speaks to your use of Imaginative Solutions for your clients not In the Box and also compares STRONG specific answers versus wimpy off the shelf medicine. Good Luck

Posted by: hEREE.G	Accepted Answer
9/27/2006 11:17 PM (CST)
Proftware Solutions - simplest ever!

Posted by: pcc	Accepted Answer
9/28/2006 4:53 AM (CST)
Here's a thought - try: 'Imagisoft Solutions' - which can be accompanied by the tag line: 'Intuitive software for business evolution' Easy to remember, easy to spell, creates the idea of imagination and software - the tag line is short enough and punchy, rolls nicely off the tongue and says what you do in simple terms. It isn't exclusive or limiting and will easily evolve as your business and products do. It avoids trying to be too clever. Hope it helps

Posted by: D1	Accepted Answer
9/28/2006 10:15 AM (CST)
Hello James Despite that Branding is not an exact science there are guidelines that help you shape your company name. Most of the time you’ll hear what not to do. I won’t break this rule :) There are two risks if you choose a technological term: 1. Almost everyone in the industry uses one, so there is the risk that you may become invisible. 2. A techno-term sounds very aggressive and won’t go along well with your idea of simple and reliable products. In your shoes I would ‘flirt’ a little with the idea of using a fruit name (for instance: the Carrot). It’s simple, it’s easy, I would say inspirational and ear catching. Best D

Posted by: darcy.moen	Member Response
9/28/2006 4:15 PM (CST)
Soft Initiative Invent Soft Soft Integration (what you are really, you said) Hope those help, and are open and available.

Posted by: KathySmithFilms*	Member Response
9/28/2006 5:48 PM (CST)
Hi jampap, Everything revolves around a decision. I would go with darcy above. Your new campaign or debug will have the new correct tech that is missing. All the best on this, Biz of the Biz

Posted by: crgleader*	Member Response
9/28/2006 6:30 PM (CST)
I think that we tend to try and be too cute with names. At the end of the day it is about the value that you are bringing to the table. What is a goole? What is a xerox? What is an ebay? What is a youtube? What is a BMW? What is GUCCI? I tell you right now I would be pleased to have any one of those instead of some cute name such as Search Engine Photo Copier Auction Site Video Download Site Great car Fancy clothes Keep the name simple and sticky.

Posted by: Danimal*	Member Response
9/28/2006 7:02 PM (CST)
This is an interesting string. Everything I have read makes me think of ROBOTICS. In the auto industry and many manufacturing businesses they have automated the mundane tasks and they have become more efficient. Look at vacumm cleaners. They now have Roomba. If your software completes letters, finishes processes, and eliminates repeatable, mundane steps you should think along the lines of automation and robotics. Here are some ideas: RobotSoft RoboticSoftware BotSoft AutoBotic SoftwareRobot RoboticApps RoboticApp RoboticInnovations InnoBotic InnoBot Robotic Process Robotechix Software Artificial Intelligence Theme Artificially Intelligent Software Innovative Intelligence Innovative Intell Intellovation IntelliSoft

Posted by: kannanveeraiah	Member Response
9/29/2006 9:25 AM (CST)
The tagline you thought of - "Imagination that works" - is really imaginative and simply fantastic. Keep that as it is. Regarding name, how would you like : "Simple Software Solutions" "Software Simplified" "Simplified Software" "Software Powerhouse" Best Wishes, kannan

Posted by: Tatyiana	Member Response
9/29/2006 2:42 PM (CST)
How important is the name of this company and product to the company? Sounds like everyone agrees there is high value. Check - check. I would gather these suggestions, request a meeting and do a brainstorming session with the appropriate people. I don't know what the culture is but grab a pizza and some beer and start to go through a branding exercise. First white boarding and defining your company, your culture, your market and your product. Not only will you probably come up with something better than we could - you will get something even more important than a name. You will get buy-in. Everyone is a closet marketer - I am convinced of it. If you involve them in a session they get buy in for the end result and will defend it for eternity. And forgive it for any short comings it may represent later. It will help to come with suggestions to build on but I suggest the end result will not be any of these. There's more to a name than letters and words. Good Luck, T.

Posted by: jaaustin	Member Response
9/29/2006 6:02 PM (CST)
What jumped into my mind is: SynergySoftware - Imaginative Solutions SynergySolutions - We work hard so you don't have to SynergyTech Good luck.

Posted by: michelletrex	Member Response
9/29/2006 6:15 PM (CST)
I would prefer you choose a name that lets the customer know "what's in it for me?" Who really cares how clever you are? Just a Click ClicknDone DoneInaClick (Funny when you think of it in terms of a Chiropractor!) Freedomware Michelle

Posted by: margec	Member Response
9/29/2006 6:35 PM (CST)
What she said! Tatyiana's advice is right on. Your software sounds fabulous and the method you have developed seems like it would apply beyond the medical field...so you wouldn't want to unnecessarily limit yourself there. But that's an example of the kind of thing you and your partners could establish in your pizza-fueled branding workshop. Good luck. Marge

Posted by: Rick	Member Response
9/30/2006 7:20 AM (CST)
Heres my 2 cents: The Process Group " Imagination at work" The Process Group " Imaginative Solutions that work" Cheers, Rick

Posted by: iseaya_7*	Member Response
9/30/2006 11:39 AM (CST)
Simaginative Solutions "Simple and Imaginative Process Solutions" SimProgin "Process Solution Evolution" Simagin Works

Posted by: gryffinhot	Member Response
10/1/2006 5:16 AM (CST)
Name ur brand short and abbreviative Keep in mind "to build a big brand keep a short name" will this help u: "SOFT SOLUTIONS" and u can abbreviate it as SSN regards sundar

Posted by: rockyboy2	Member Response
10/1/2006 5:30 AM (CST)
ASS4U [Advanced Software Solutions for You] Leaves you more time to kick ass in the boardroom Take the drudgery out of everyday tasks with the click of a mouse. You don't have to be a Techie to use it. Our software saves you time and money and gives you more time to make money. The only limit is how far your imagination wants you to take it. rockyboy2 the tagline man

Posted by: gryffinhot	Member Response
10/1/2006 12:49 PM (CST)
hahhaa rockyboy2 nice name, will attract when they c the name, but still its a bit overwhelming anyway regards sundar

Posted by: KathySmithFilms*	Member Response
10/2/2006 2:01 AM (CST)
Imagi-nationPros Simplistic Solutions Success through Workable Ideas in Motion Tests of Time Proven Results BizWebTools There's 2 more cents! Biz of the Biz

Posted by: jdonovan	Member Response
10/2/2006 10:25 AM (CST)
Didn't check these online, but how about: Solution Evolution--Solving Your Evolving Software Needs Simplex--Innovative Software Solutions Solutions Simplified--Imagination that Works

Posted by: jampap*	Author Response
10/5/2006 2:41 PM (CST)
Thank you one and all for your feedback and suggestions. I apologize for the delay in closing this case. Uncontrollable circumstances forced me away from the office for a few days. It was nice to come back to so many waiting replies. We have awarded points to those comments that seemed to offer the most helpful response. It was difficult to choose because all of your replies were great (except the A.S.S. guy, really?). If you are interested in what became of this effort, I will share with you our approach. On my desk sits a copy of Guy Kawasaki's book The Art of the Start. Guy decided to offer a cover design contest from which the winner’s submission is featured on the jacket front. All the runner ups are featured inside the jacket. Guy needed to get this important task done and wanted a way to have fun while maximizing his time. So, I figured, why not try the same. We engaged the help of senior students at Gonzaga University's Hogan Entrepreneurial Business Center in a naming contest. The students responded to the idea with overwhelming enthusiasm. Contest entries are due back by the end of this week and we are eager to see the suggestions. We felt a little too close to the situation and decided to let imaginative outsiders provide us a name pool from which to draw. Either way it will provide us a name or at least offer new content on which we can noodle. Thank you again and best wishes to all.

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