Finding a URL and Company Name

Relax (But Avoid Really Horrible Ones)Process for Getting a Great URL Go for a run (or whatever exercise you enjoy doing).Have a double espresso.Do something totally relaxing, like petting your cat, to clear your mind and let inspiration set in.Choose some "themes" that relate to your biz.Brainstorm with some pals to come up with a really long list of words that vaguely relate to those themes.Use bulk registration to test a lot of them. Make a shorter list of what is available with .com.Check that shorter list against:a trademark search on uspto.gov,some people who will give you an honest response,a few major languages for the "mangy dog" test.If that cut leaves you short, go back to some of the names you like and try them out with .net. In some cases .net is okay, particularly if the .com name is owned by someone small and non-competitive whom you can buy out later.Still coming up short? Try country extensions. For example, if you want rabbit.com, try rabb.it (Italy). This is risky. It sounds clever and occasionally works, but mostly confuses people.Once you get a viable list of three that check out, buy all three and then test, test, test. And test with as broad a community as you can get. Use Twitter, your blog, whatever connects you to your network quickly. And go outside your network.If all three fall short of this last hurdle, start from the top: go for a run, double espresso, etc. Allow time for this. The best ideas come at the oddest times and usually when you are thinking of something else.When you find your chosen one:Register the trademark at uspto.gov.Protect major country extensions, .net, .info, and other extensions that a squatter or competitor may try to take if they see you get traction.Create a logo that works.Ensure the company name is available. In the worst case, CoolSite.com could be run by Boring Company LLC doing business as (DBA) CoolSite.com.Go, baby, go!Discuss