Business founders/entrepreneurs
So disappointed. I might need to change my business name
PurpleSneakers · 05/01/2022 19:44
Hi,
I was wondering if any of you lovely people can help me? Last year while still studying, I registered my business name after carefully looking at competitors details in the local market to be sure not to have business names that were similar. I choose ‘New Leaf Hypnotherapy’ (I am not in the UK and it was available to be registered). I have since got a logo, got the domain and 95% of the website is completed, with the business due to start late January.
Fast forward to now, and in the last 2 weeks a new business has sprung up this area (think ‘New Hope Hypnotherapy’ - not it’s real name). I have sought advice ranging from friends to impartial people’s view, with mixed input about whether the names are too similar to cause confusion amongst customers (example on Google ads etc).
There should not be any legal ramifications as both names are registered properly, however I feel a bit obliged to change as I would be appalled if the shoe was on the other foot and it was I who had set out in business first and then had someone else come along with a very similar name.
My question is what would you do in this situation? Do I change my name? I don’t want to change it, but I am starting to think I really might have to?
If I did have to change, can any of you wise people offer some nature inspired names. I can change the wording of my logo, but I don’t want to change the format, so it would have to be in the vicinity of 3-5 words. I would like to keep the ‘leaf’ if possible as it is incorporated into the logo and website, but it could be related to nature/trees. I specialise in anxiety conditions & offer both local and online service.
Thank you so much for any help you can give.
PaperDoves · 05/01/2022 20:35
I do, I honestly think this is a non issue. The word "new" in particular is extremely common in therapy related businesses, and there's nothing wrong with that. Bear in mind that businesses will come along after you with similarish names as well -- no point worrying about it too much. If you have a great logo that you love and are in the midst of making a great website, you're most of the way there. People will remember positive imagery and positive energy, which are the important bits, and will keep coming back for more. 
If it helps, my business has a very simple name but a lot of my clients still get it wrong! It doesn't stop them from finding me though, so I don't think the name matters that much.
PurpleSneakers · 05/01/2022 21:03
@ArabellaStrange as it is at the moment, it is a circular vine type design with leaves sticking out with the words in the middle (I probably haven’t described that very well). That is a beautiful slogan.
Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I don’t think I have ever asked for help on MN before, but I truly recommend it.
@MamaWeasel thank you. Words I need to hear I think.
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