Activity

USS Biz Trek Activity #6: Give It a Name

To succeed in business, you need to show the world that you do something new — something better — something more exciting than anyone else out there! You need a business concept, a name, and a slogan that sets you apart from all other businesses.

By being different, some companies have even caused changes in whole industries. For example, when Domino’s Pizza first offered to home-deliver pizza in 30 minutes, everyone thought the concept was crazy. Now, almost every pizza restaurant in America offers delivery in 30 minutes or less. Even if you don’t change the world, you will definitely have more fun (and get more customers) by being different.

Where to get ideas for business concepts, names, and slogans:

Read ads in magazines and newspapers.
Drive around and read signs.
Study the yellow pages in your phone book.
Brainstorm ideas with your friends.
Watch television commercials.

Basically, customers want to know two things about your business: (1) What do you do?; and (2) How will it help me? Your business name gives them part of the answer. A good business slogan gives them the rest. (A business slogan is a four to eight-word phrase that describes what your business does.)

Some popular slogans include:

"You deserve a break today."
"Where a kid can be a kid!"
"Nobody does it better."
"Let your fingers do the walking."

Loggin’ On!

Make a new page in your USS Biz Trek log titled "Business Names & Slogans." Use the tips listed above to get ideas for a business name and slogan. Each time you think of a possible name or slogan, write it in your notebook. This could take several days, so let your mind be creative. Giving your business a name is an important step and should not be rushed.

After you have a whole list of possible business names and slogans, begin eliminating those that you don’t like or that promote the wrong concept. When you have narrowed your choices for a name and slogan down to about three, take a poll among your family and friends to see which they like the most. When all the research is done, the final choice is up to you!

Steps for creating a business name and slogan:

1. Brainstorm ideas.
2. Play with words and word combinations.
3. Try saying names and slogans out loud.
4. Narrow your list down to two or three choices.
5. Take a survey to see how customers respond.

Finished?

Rocket back to Lesson 2

Rocket forward to Lesson 3