At the end of yesterday’s post I mentioned the potential birth of a new business. My friend Brett’s last comment which I just posted basically nailed it on the head……
I am 80% of the way there!
I suppose I should work out what the other 20% is. Maybe after some needed naps today I’ll get to those details.
If the naps run long I’ll have to push the whole thing out and deal with it another time. Or industrious readers here can leave brilliant suggestions through their comments. Hmmmm….maybe I’ll just leave it to you guys! 
Here’s where I’m at:
- There’s a space downtown available and waiting.
- I’ll be looking at the space today.
- I have several portrait clients this afternoon.
- The necessary equipment is already in my posession.
- I’ve got the funds to give this a whirl.
- My client list for outside consulting is growing each week.
- I’m doing my laundry.
Ok, that last bullet point is totally irrelevant to the topic, but it is a true statement. In mere moments I’ll step away from the computer, walk to the park office and move the laundry from the washers to the dryers. So exciting!
One of the things I haven’t worked out is a name for my business. Ah Brett, you nailed that one too!
So, what will the business do? Photo sales, creating prints for other photographers and painters (with a wide format printer), custom shots for clients, computer consulting (so long as it’s a Mac), and maybe a few unique items that I’m not going to list quite yet. Gotta keep some mystery right?
But what do I call this venture? This is where your comments could help.
As a side note, I just went down to the laundry room and popped stuff in the dryer. See, you didn’t even miss me, did you?
So, what should the name be? Here’s my short list:
- RLC Photography
- RL Charpentier Photography
- Image Engineering…….
Ok, done with my short list. Clearly I need some help on this one. I do like the image engineering concept, but maybe we’ll skip that one……………
Comment away gang!
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Well, you’re right, other than all the money and getting started stuff…the name is most important. I think you did a good job with explaining what you’re planning on doing. One concise name needs to encompass everything, then you can make a listing of what it is you do…either further down a window, sign, or business cards. If you get too specific with one thing and then you decide NOT to do that one thing in the future of your career, you’re kind of “stuck” with a known business name. I present:
RL Charpentier Photography
*A Gallery and Studio of Fine Art*
*art printing - large format printing for photographers and other artists
*Professional Photography - Portraits, Weddings, Special Occasions
*Macintosh and Technology Consultation
*Exotic Dancing (oops…did I let the cat out of the bag? Sorry…)
Now, you know 2 lovely and talented ladies who do excellent graphic arts, not to mention one that has designed and executed several signs and all of the advertising, business cards, and other various things for her own thriving and successful business. I love this part of it most of all (although, you know how I ADORE paperwork as well) but, colors, design, names and sinage are a hoot…Not only have I’ve helped a few people decorate and color their homes, but I’ve also painted murals and signs for other businesses in town (do I get the job??
)
You also need to pop by the City of Prescott and get a tax license application. While you’re there, ask how you get the state license (I think it’s through their website…I can teach you how to fill out all the monthly paperwork if you need help when you get to that point) When you decide on a name, you need to then go and register it (which means they do a search for you to make sure you have the only name like that…I can’t remember where you go to do that, but I’ll ask my mum) Look at the space and decide if you can work with it, choose how you want to “build” it…refine, choose colors, get lights, decorate…one step at a time…and I think you’ll be surprised at how fast it comes together! Try to be flexible…And remember it’s supposed to be fun fun fun!!
I’d start with the Image Engineering name& work from there. You want to keep some sort of computer-ish connection there; the straightforward RLC Photography sorts of names just don’t do it. The term image beats out photography all hollow. RLC Images, for instance, or RL Charpentier Imaging. Another word you might play with is pixel though it’s a bit to close to pixy for comfort. I’ll think on it for a while longer.
Ok, you asked:
I can understand wanting to have the name of the business have your name in it, but believe me that will just lead to lots of correspondence with your last name butchered….. The name will evolve into an acronym if you are not careful, you need to be sure that acronym in not a bad one….
The advice I have always been given is that the name should be descriptive to what the business does, if you can include your name, great but it needs to fit, and roll off your tongue when you answer the phone…
How about PRO CAM TECHNOLOGY as the name of the business. The name covers it all, asserts you’re a professional, and refinement descriptions can be added below, e.g., Portraits, Digital Enhancements, Imaging
Consultation, etc.
I, too, think it’s best to leave the surname out of the name of the business. Some day you may wish to market the business lock, stock, and barrel; this name would expedite the sale. You can always include your name as proprietor on business cards.
Well, things have progressed since we last spoke. This is an exciting time.
I’m sure you remember I went through this… once. Like Sadira says, it must be fun, and it was. I even designed my logo on my Mac SE (still works).
Your name lends itself to an image since your parents gave you a name with an adjective for nickname… just some thoughts:
Rich Image
Rich Image Engineering
Rich Photo
I would concentrate on a name/logo for the store-front (web site) which is photo oriented (prints / portraits / cool HDR / etc). Anything you do outside of that is just a different file in Quickbooks and will be fairly local in scope I would imagine.
I will be sure to book you for Sarah’s bachelorette party when the time comes.
I’m on my way out the door and just read this post. I’d love to elaborate more, but I’m kinda in a hurry, so here’s my uber-quick contribution to the name game….
1. Visually Rich - I’ve got a great tagline for this one too, but my brain isn’t translating it very well right now.
2. BigShot Studio - Fine Photography & Portraiture. Large Format Printing. ??? Consulting.