So you're launching a new space venture? One of your first crucial decisions is choosing a name for your startup. And no, you can't just throw "space" in the mix and call it a day…
A poor name is like launching with insufficient fuel; it drags your journey, throwing you back into the gravitational pull of mediocrity. But a good name? It's a hype drive!
Now, you might be thinking, "But SpaceX…"
Sure, Musk did it. First. And so, he owns it.
For the contenders - you'll be better off setting your own trajectory (And save a $1M on a costly rebranding down the line). Examples?
- Apple Computer Inc emerged from The Macintosh Company in 1977, then simplified to Apple in 2007.
- Tesla Motors dropped 'Motors' in 2017.
- Hewlett Packard transformed into HP in 2015.
- Compaq Computer Corp slimmed down to Compaq in 1987.
Notice the pattern?
Simplicity. Universality. Trading the descriptive for the distinctive.
Now imagine branding guru Marty Neumeier as your brand co-pilot. Here's a 7-point checklist, that still stands strong, 15y after he wrote "The Brand Gap":
A good name is:
- Different than of your competition!
- Distinctive, steering away from the commonplace.
- Concise, with no more than four syllables – because space pioneers don't waste time.
- Relevant, but not overly descriptive, avoiding the trap of blandness.
- Easy to spell and pronounce, ensuring smooth communication.
- Lends itself to "brandplay," sparking creative marketing ideas.
- Legally defensible. A no-brainer, really.
Still on board? Good.
Naming your venture is more than picking a label; it's about encapsulating your vision, your ethos, your identity. It should resonate with your ambitious spirit, reflect your bold aspirations, and signal your unwavering commitment to the unexplored.
Are you launching just another space firm? Or you're a visionary, an innovator, and a trailblazer?
In the new space jungle, it's the unique that endures and stands out. Dare to be bold. Defy conventions. Challenge the need for "space" in your branding. Dismiss the commonplace, embrace the extraordinary.
What we often do at hypergalactic is we seek for the uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. Efing scary.
Go over the top, then dial back.
So, take the leap, embrace the challenge, and launch the adventure.
Let your thrusters be always primed and ready for lift-off.
Till the next one.
