How to Brainstorm a Business and/or Domain Name

Brainstorming involves generating as many ideas as quickly as possible and getting them on paper.

Brainstorming is a group of techniques used to generate volumes of creative ideas, especially in the business setting. Brainstorming frequently is used is in the development of business names and their Internet counterparts, domain names. The goal of brainstorming, whether done in a group or as a solitary activity, is to generate as many ideas as possible without censoring them. Since brainstorming engages the imagination, any technique, such as mind mapping, that provides right-brain stimulation can improve results.

Things You'll Need

• Flip chart
• Colored markers

Instructions

1. Draw a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter in the center of a flip chart page using one of the colored markers. Write a simple description of your business inside the circle. For example, write "pet sitting in the San Diego area," if that is what you do.

2. Draw a smaller circle in the top right section of the page and put the word "customers" inside, using a different color marker. Using the same marker, make smaller circles around the "customer hub" and insert words or ideas to describe your target customers. Perhaps you believe your preferred customers are "quality-service conscious," "convenience-oriented," "intelligent," and "live in the upscale northern neighborhoods." Connect the customer circle to the business circle using a black marker. Use black for all connections.

3. Draw a circle similar to the "customer" circle in the top left corner and label it "competitor names." List all the names of competitors you can find, including alternatives such as pet boarders. Connect this circle to the business center.

4. Draw another circle in the bottom right corner and label it "benefits." Now list all the benefits of doing business with you. Include benefits that you already have and ones that you are working toward. For example, if you are taking courses to become a professional trainer, you could include that as a benefit. Link this circle to the business circle.

5. Draw another circle at the bottom left of the page. Label it "uniqueness." Here list possible ways to set yourself apart from the competition. For example, if no one else in the market offers pet obedience training, note that as a service that makes your business unique.

6. Write possible names in between the circles that capture succinctly the essence of your business. For example, between the "customer" and the business circle, you might write "quality pet care." If you find that you are planning to offer extra services the competition doesn't, write "extra care pet sitters" between the competition and the business circles. Write as quickly as possible.

7. Put stars by the names you like the best. Then have other people tell you their favorites. Check all the best names against local business records or on the Internet to make sure they are not already registered trademarks. An easy way to check business name availability initially is to type it into a search engine. If it doesn't come up, check further with your county clerk's office. Domain names are easy to check using any free domain search tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit completely different businesses, grocery stores, for example, to stimulate your imagination.

• Use domain name generating tools to find other possibilities.

• Keep domain names as short as possible.

References

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Writing Center; Brainstorming
• The Personal Excellence Blog: 25 Useful Brainstorming Techniques
• Brainstorming.co.uk: Running a successful brainstorming session
• NOLO Law for All: Make Sure Your Proposed Business Name Is Available
• The Blog Herald: Seven Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Domain Name

Resources

• Instant Domain Search: Tool