Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

When To Change Your Business Name -if Ever?

Posted by aircookie on 5/10/2013 at 1:26 PM ET 250 Points
I have a repurposed furniture business that I started 9 months ago. I wanted a unique name that people could easily remember and one that would compliment my vision.
I used my last name, Greene, as part of the business name. It is gREene Again. My dilemma is that people constantly ask and think the business is associated with "going green", the environment, ecology or something similar. My second dilemma is that the name does not indicate what type of business it is although my tagline does. Now I am second guessing my choice. I want a name with potential for personality rather than just a description of the business. I want a name I can evolve with and not be forced into a descriptive corner that does not extend past that description.
I am no longer feeling the name. I repurpose, paint and sell amazing furniture pieces that are one-of-a-kind creations.
I need a new business name. I am a funky, creative, urban fashionista. I want my business name to reflect my personality. Please offer suggestions! Thank you.

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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 5/10/2013 at 2:19 PM Accepted
    So let's get the basics: Who is your target audience? Where? How do they find you? What do you know about how they decide on where to buy furniture? What words do they use when they describe what they're looking for?

    The goal should be to find a name/tagline combination that captures and communicates the end-benefit you deliver for them.

    P.S. You are wise to address the naming issue quickly, before it looks like the business was sold to someone else when a familiar name changes.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 5/10/2013 at 2:35 PM Accepted
    Unless your name is synonymous with what you sell in your community, you're best off not using it. Especially since it's confusing your prospective customers.

    PS - What's your tagline (that you like)?
  • Posted by aircookie on 5/10/2013 at 3:01 PM Author
    @Jay. My tagline is REfreshing Furniture for REal life!

    @mgoodman. My target audience is primarily women ages 35 and up; (I do have male clients), DIY'ers, and anyone else who loves flea market finds, repurposed and vintage inspired items. I am located in Houston, TX. Most of my clients find me through word of mouth, referrals, FB or my website. As for what people buy or are looking for, I find that people just buy what they like. In this business, finding alike items are rare. The business thrives on one-of-a-kind unique pieces. Thank you for your responses.
  • Posted by SteveByrneMarketing on 5/10/2013 at 3:35 PM Accepted
    (The) Funky Furniture Fashonista (of Houston)
    Remaking Interiors with Paint & Vintage Pieces
  • Posted by aircookie on 5/10/2013 at 9:18 PM Author
    Hi Steve Byrne,

    I LIKE it. A lot. You may have hit the nail on the head with this one. It speaks to me and my personality and the tagline certainly fits my business model. Pondering a few others but this one just got a big thumbs up. Thank you for responding and for the name suggestion. I see you are listed here among the top 25 tagline/name experts. Impressive!!
  • Posted by SteveByrneMarketing on 5/10/2013 at 10:01 PM Member
    Thanks for the comment aircookie. Happy to be of some help. Best of luck!!
  • Posted by Moriarty on 5/11/2013 at 4:01 AM Accepted
    Fiery Furniture - your interior fashionista
    Red Hot Fashionista - interior design with a sizzle
  • Posted by aircookie on 5/11/2013 at 12:38 PM Author
    @Moriarty. Thank you. To all respondents who may choose to offer a name change suggestion, I thought I would add a bit more information about my business.

    At gREene Again, owner tywana gREene REpurposes vintage furniture and REdesigns other unique finds to create wonderfully unexpected pieces for her clients.
    Every piece of furniture I cREate has its own character. It is not intended to be perfect. I love the "imperfectness" because that's what life is: imperfect.
    For most of my projects, my favorite paint is chalk paint because it needs no primer and is extremely versatile. The finish is powdery and "crackled," giving even new furniture a vintage look.
    If you're looking for a special piece of furniture, I will go on a custom hunt and then style it for you. CHOOSE YOUR OWN PAINT COLOR!!! Visit us at www.facebook.com/greeneagain
    Thank You!
  • Posted on 5/15/2013 at 2:09 PM Member
    Question deleted and wrote to person with instructions on how to post a question
  • Posted by Moriarty on 5/15/2013 at 3:14 PM Member
    Amy - post a question that states your needs and the things that your customers like about your business. We can do some real thinking for you then.

    Just think "why do people choose me to decorate their concrete?" I mean it's not quite the same as cake decorating, but that's just life ;-)

    Over to you!
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