What's In a Name?

I'm working with Doug on a project that has been near and dear to his heart for years.  VisiOlo is a tool to measure your marketing efforts in a way that's easy to use and easy to decipher.

As we've had beta testers using the tool in their actual marketing systems, one tester asked where the name "VisiOlo" came from.

As I read Doug's explanation, I was struck by how much thought and planning went into the name.  He didn't just sit around waiting for the name to come to him.  He thought about what his criteria were for his product's name.  He even mindmapped, used whiteboards, and entered into discussions with others. 

What if everyone approached their projects (and writing) this way?  Whether they do or not, they should.  I teach that, in writing, you need to determine your purpose, audience, what your audience already knows, what they need to know, and what they want to know. The more time spent in that arena, the better and more clear your writing (and project) will be.

Comments

[Doug Hudiburg]

Thanks for the kind comments Dawn! I actually spent more time and effort on that name than I *ever* have on a project.

It's never an easy process for me, and this one took several months to finally gel.

I guess the lesson learned is to be persistent if it is important!

[Don Morris]

"one tester asked" -- Hey, Dawn, that was me!