Every start-up business dreams of the day their name becomes a household word. There is no easier way to judge a brand’s success than by listening for it in everyday speech. Just think of the last time you asked for a Kleenex or a Post-It. Those brand names have become synonymous with the industry itself. In reality, not all facial tissues are from the Kleenex Company, which is owned by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. There are actually multitudes of companies that produce facial tissues, each one trying to get out from under Kleenex’s hold on the industry.

Author and community leader Yehuda Berg was quoted as saying, “Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity.” Linguistic experts have studied words and language for decades, attempting to identify and explain why words do what they do. Why do fun words or phrases stick in our heads? How do some words create vivid imagery when others stay bland and dry? What is the best way to say what needs to be said?

The English language is one of the most diverse and complex languages spoken around the world. It is also one of the most prevalent. In fact, according to linguistic scholars, English is currently the second most popular mother tongue globally, with an estimated 350-400 million native speakers. As equally important is the fact that over a quarter of the world’s population can understand the language and have at least a rudimentary competence in its use. All totaled, between 1 1/2 and 2 billion people write, speak, and/or understand English.

A company’s name is often its most valuable asset, reflecting the morals and ethics that customers are looking for. Companies that create a solid and identifiable brand identity are the ones that typically enjoy long-term success. Unfortunately, that brand identity can also become a detriment if a company is rocked by scandal or suffers a public perception catastrophe. Some brand personas can be salvaged, while others are forced to start from scratch. Can a name change get a company out from under an image crisis?

Naming your business is one of the most important activities you will accomplish as a startup business. Your business name is among your most valuable assets. It is vital that you protect it as you would any other precious possession.

Nothing can torpedo a startup faster than a poorly chosen name. Brandability is all about identity and recall. Consumers who don’t remember your name because it is confusing, awkward, long, or bland will not become customers. It is only by choosing a unique and memorable name that your business will be able to start building its brand and developing loyal customers. For some companies, their brand is the most valuable asset they have. Yes, it is that important. Fortunately, the naming process doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you stay mindful of a few essential tips.

Success in today’s business world depends as much on communication as it does your actual product. The Internet has drastically changed the way consumers interact with companies and visa versa. The days of face-to-face contact are slowly drawing to an end. Many people now do business without ever hearing or seeing the client or representative involved.

Today’s ultra-technological society has made creating an online presence for your business a necessity rather than a luxury. The process can be intimidating, especially for those who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the Internet. Fortunately, it is possible to create the presence you need without being a technology expert.

Many people find that deciding on the company name and operational vision are the hardest parts of establishing a business. Although making such decisions can seem laborious and overwhelming, the hardest part is hardly over. Coming up with a clever and creative name is worthless if you fail to attract customers. Even the most innovative and progressive products will stay tethered to the shelves if there are no customers.

Do you have an idea you consider unique and innovative? Something the world doesn’t even know it’s waiting for? Are you full of ideas that are screaming to get developed? Too many people can answer, “yes” to these questions. Unfortunately, many ideas never get out of the vision stage. It is one thing to have great ideas and enthusiasm; pursuing and being successful with those ideas is something altogether different.