So you gave up the job search, going for job interviews, filing for unemployment insurance, and are ready for self-employment, so what's next? After you've created a business plan, the next step is choosing a good business name. A good name is the start of an excellent trademark. The name should be unforgettable and generate a positive reaction when seen and heard. Here are some guidelines on how you can create the perfect one that isn't already taken by another business:

Reflect on the perception you want to create by the sound of the name. Put pen to paper and sort the words according their main denotation.

Consider the feeling you want people to get and think about words that create similar feelings in you. Find phrases and alternative words. Look for translations of the words and connotations such as color, animals, plants, people, and actions. List different mixtures of the words, phrases and part of the words.

• Evaluate the lists and write down the feelings associated with each word or phrase.
• Ask a second opinion on the feelings the words create, easy pronouncing, and the lasting impressions.
• Discard the ones you don't like and rank the rest according to their importance.
• Research the availability of the name.
• Find out if you can register the name as a domain since you want the name to be part of the domain on the web.
• Make use if the Internet and business name searches at the company registrar office in your town.
• Register the domain.
• Protection is the next step in choosing a good business name. Apply for registration of a trademark.

Further guidelines in choosing a good business name:

• Stay away from names such as Mickey's Balloons or Pete's Pizzas since they are not easily remembered and are difficult to trademark.
• Steer clear of common names that plainly illustrate the merchandise or service, such as Wooden Windows or Stainless Steel Cabinets, Inc.
• Refrain from using place names because you may want to expand or move to another location and then your business will still say Florida Meat when you are in Texas.

Don't limit the name to a small service or product field, rather think in global or expansion terms, including the possibility that your product line may change altogether. Don't make the name long or difficult to pronounce.

Requirements for choosing a good business name

• A phrase book, glossary or thesaurus, lexicon for translations, and a dictionary
• Paper and pen
• Second opinion
• Internet access for domain names