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.
PurpleSneakers · 05/01/2022 21:24
@topcat2014 I mean registered with the business naming registration (government) not TM as this is another step with different legal requirements. When you register, they will only allow you to take a name available, but still can be very similar (as I have unfortunately found out). I have the same domain name and website name.
@Scrunchcake yes I did consider this also and I like it’s connotations, but not sure it would convey to clients?
MacavityTheDentistsCat · 05/01/2022 21:40
For what it's worth, I'd stick with what you've got. It's not only a good fit with the nature of your business but also easy to remember because it incorporates an established phrase (plus you already have the domain and website names). Moreover, it's only been two weeks since the other business appeared so there's no need to be anxious (
) about their reaction.
But ... if you absolutely must make a change, based on the logo you describe my last suggestion would simply be ... Flourish!
(And thank you for complimenting my user name BTW!)
PurpleSneakers · 05/01/2022 21:47
Thanks @Scrunchcake for your reassurance.
All good @topcat2014 all above board outside UK.
Appreciate your thoughts @YellowDots
Agreed @Hippychicken1- I have tried to make the site minimalistic, not too clunky to load, easy to navigate
@horizontilting brilliant! Definitely one to consider.
Thank you all for taking the time to give your thoughts - I really appreciate it. I will take it all onboard and make a informed decision.
WhatsitWiggle · 05/01/2022 22:02
Keep the "New Leaf". No question.
Keep the hypnotherapy if this is the service you are offering on launch.
Change to or add something else if there will be other services.
You are giving too much credence to a competitor. Imagine you had launched first. Would you contact them to say 'oi, our names have 2/3 same words, I insist you change your name'?
I doubt it, but if you did, what do you think their response would be?
Finish your training, launch your business, be confident and fantastic and get word of mouth recommendations. Because as much as people google for businesses, personal recommendations are king.
ANameChangeAgain · 05/01/2022 22:04
Just to chip in late, but what about Birch Leaf just looking on t'internet and found this, if no one else has suggested it
"One of the most sacred trees for the Celts, birch tree symbolizes new beginnings,rebirthand hope. In the Celtic Ogham—....... To celebrate new beginnings, birch trees are used to make maypoles during the Beltane or Gaelic May Day festival, along with other Celtic festivities like Samhain and Imbloc. Because of its symbolism, it was also used for infants’ cradles and besom brooms, in hopes of removing negative energy from homes. In Native American culture, the tree stands for truth and the cleansing of the past for a new beginning."
WhatsitWiggle · 05/01/2022 22:04
And just to make a point that once you're established, the name doesn't matter ... there is a children's swim school near me called "Floaters". No word of a lie. Two things spring to mind when considering that word - people who've drowned, and poo that won't flush. Neither of which I'd want to associate with a kid's swim school!
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