Stuck in a rut (need branding ideas)

6 replies
Hey guys.

I'm working with a company right now that actually represents 3 different entities. They are wanting to bring everything under one umbrella as a single brand. My task is to develop a name for it that makes sense and is easy to remember.

But it's proven more difficult than I expected. So, I'm turning to my fellow warriors for a little help. Someone tell me if this is against the rules or I should post it in another forum, but I'd like to ask for your ideas on a company name and whichever name I choose, I'm going to pay the namer $25 via paypal.

Company description:

Focus is on alternative energy products and services. They control the manufacturing of equipment, sales, installation, delivery and maintenance. Basically, it's a full experience from production to upkeep.

Some ideas I've come up with that suck...

greenleaf (taken)
verde3 (taken)
greengenesis (stupid)
alternastar (stupid)
enerco (taken)
emera (cool, but again, taken)
various combinations with the word 'terra' (largely taken)
latin words for strength, enduring, life, light, etc. (confusing)

The list of epic fails goes on. If you can find a way to make sense of this process and come up with a truly unique name, I'll pay you $25.

Rules:

-You release all intellectual property rights to the name you submit
-Must be available as a .com
-Must not be substantially similar to any existing company (google it)
-needs to be 2-4 syllables if it's a made up word
-needs to be 2 words if its a combination word
-needs to be 3 words otherwise (for a 3 letter acronym. i.e. GTI, etc.)
-the easier it is to say and spell, the better
-Post your best idea in the comments

That's it. Thanks for helping me crowdsource this. I look forward to solving this problem and happily paying someone for their superior creativity.
#branding #ideas #rut #stuck
  • Profile picture of the author MelanieandMiles
    At this point your request is quite vague.... A few questions that could help us help you better include:

    What area(s) are their target market? Specific metro? State? Region? National? International?

    What are the names of the current entities?

    You mention:
    Originally Posted by Josh T. View Post

    Focus is on alternative energy products and services. They control the manufacturing of equipment, sales, installation, delivery and maintenance. Basically, it's a full experience from production to upkeep.
    And were wondering if your talking passive solar? Solar-electric? Wind power? Is it something new like Bloom energy's Bloom Box? Biodiesel? Ethanol? Geothermal? Hydrogen? Algae? Biomass?

    You probably 'get' all this because you've been working with them already, but from an outsider looking in, the scope of what your looking for is soooooo broad that without further focus, it is tough to just start rambling off ideas.
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  • Profile picture of the author MouseandMice
    Rule #1:

    Your brand is the FIRST thing that a prospect will see. It does 1/2 the selling before you even open your mouth. Your logo, your business name, your website design, and whatnot all create a brand for your company that can either make people trust you and see your authority or click the back button.

    Your name should sell. It isn't just there to be cute.

    I don't know much about your business or whatever so I can't really help... but just bear that all in mind.

    Bonus Tip: If you can, choose a name that has a "reason" or "story" behind it as you can use it to close a sale— talk about the company name, the reason behind it, and why that means they should trust you and whatnot.
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    • Profile picture of the author Josh T.
      Melanie,
      Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I can't be any more specific than that. Basically, I started suffering from some severe writer's block and was hoping for some fresh ideas based on the general description of green energy and full service.

      Mouse,
      Thank you also. I agree with some of the things you said, but some of them do not apply on this situation.

      I now have a lead on a possible name after some further exploration, but will still honor my commitment to anyone who inspires me with something better than what I have.
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  • Profile picture of the author MouseandMice
    Are they not trying to sell a product or service? In that case you are right. Otherwise, no, the things I said about the brand most definitely apply to your situation.

    I have no horse in the race. I'm not trying to "win" and get your end of the bargain. I'm trying to make sure you are able to help the client out in the way you and they deserve.
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    • Profile picture of the author Josh T.
      Sorry Mouse. I reread your post and the majority of it is on point. Didn't mean to come off as dismissive. It's just that I'm already on board with your line of thinking.

      What I need is inspiration for a name, fresh ideas. I keep looking around the same ol tired words and nothing stands out.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Marcoux
    name what the product does or a geometric shape.
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