[nitescapes]

Hello all,

Let me start by saying I have only been a member here a few days and have learned tons from the endless well of information on here. I am hesitant to say more than I have learned in actually hands on but a good amount none the less.

I have been running a small part time landscape buisness for the last year to try to get it up and running. I have had some decent jobs but nothign to really write home about yet.

This year I am going to push it hard as I feel it is time. There are a ton of little guys around here, alot with a lawn mower and weedeater calling themselves landscapers and I have seen the mess some of these guys leave behind when attempting to do anything more than maint.

I had selected a name for my company last year and went through all that good stuff of getting permits etc. Now that I am wanting to push my buisness hard I am seriously wondering if I chose the right name.

I have read (wonder where!! LOL) that alot of home owners tend to like to deal with companies that the owner(s) use their name in the name of the company. I understand they feel like that if someone is willing to put their own name on it then they must be confident in what they do.

Here is where my problem lays... I am seriously wondering if I shoudl go ahead and change it now before season kicks into high gear and I start pushing myself.

I am looking for a little input from the well of knowledge and experience here.

The current name I am using is Nitescapes Outdoor lighting & Landscaping.

I am now leaning toward J.W. Reid Landscape & Construction.


I am one of a very few (less then 4 others that I know of) in the area that is pushing low voltage lighting. I really enjoy lighting and pond work. However I also enjoy excavating and home improvements etc... That is where the landscape & construction comes in.

I am putting a builder package together to take to the local builders that would include doing the final punch-out and ladscape be it sod, seed, hydroseed, basic or upgraded packages.

I am thinking that if I can land a few custom home builders who can provide stable work then I can really push the lighting and ponds hard and establish myself as the leader in the area in those applications.


SO I am ready for the input be it good, bad or indifferent... Am I on the right track or am I heading for a derailment??

Thanks
Justin

[Stonehenge]

Hey Justin,

I'm not sure that your company name is going to destine you to success or failure. There are guys that do really well despite a terrible business name, and others that do poorly in spite of a good business name.

For me, the choice was easy - my last name doesn't roll off the tongue, so I had to choose something else.

You have an advantage, in that using your name might make you sound old and established. Does to me, anyway.

But I'd consider this carefully, and if you do it, commit to only do it this one time, and never again.

[nitescapes]

Jeff,

If I do switch it will be for sink or swim!!! Thats why I am thinking about it now before I start putting it out there in front of everyone.

I know of some irrigation contractors around here who do some terrible installs and after awhile of bouncing all over their work reputation caught up to their name. How did they handle this, they changed their name and kept rolling. I know of one who has had 4 names in 6 years. When we use to get calls at the irrigation warehouse I ran from homeowners asking for referrals allot of them would say please don't refer XXXXXXX I have heard about him and all his companies!!

So I know not to do it again. I was just thinking that the more I gear toward making my living on my own I like the use of my name out there.

[cutntrim]

I disagree that customers will be more likely to choose a company where the owner's name is used. Perhaps initially when looking through the yellow pages, a customer might be influenced by the name...but "Joe Smith Landscaping Inc." might be Joe in his unmarked old truck with a wheelbarrow in the back, wearing overalls and a straw hat. Whereas, "Nitescapes" could show up with professionally logo'd newer trucks/trailers and apparel, which I would argue conveys more professionalism in the customer's eyes.

If you're looking to market yourself in the niche of outdoor lighting, then I like "Nitescapes", but if you're going to do general construction, then you might use your name and then mention "outdoor lighting" as an area of expertise.

Both names sound professional...though up here in Canada it would be N-I-G-H-T scapes...and not N-I-T-E scapes.

[wfmathews]

was curious as to which you chose?

I think if you chose Nitescapes that you could incorporate some walkway illumination lamps in a walkway for a logo...

remember 90% of business is first impression the other 10% is all you, I learned this working as a Chef for many a year, Presentation is everything...

don't get me wrong...using your name personalizes your business, but it seems that route of using ones name is soo over worked...use some imagination and creativity...it'll pay off in the long run

just my 2 cents