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Vol. 38, No. 6

Announcing a new (and just for fun) contest: One Great Name

by Marilyn Cavicchia

Naming products and services is a deceptively difficult art. In fact, it’s possible to make a good living as a freelance product naming consultant.

But as a bar association professional, chances are, you don’t spend your entire workday coming up with great names for that CLE program, member benefit, or whatever else is new. That’s all the more reason we should celebrate those multitasking bar staff members who have knocked it out of the park when it comes to naming.

What’s the perfect name? To my mind, it’s one that makes you sit up and take notice. It tells you exactly what the thing is that’s being offered—or it intrigues you enough to read on for more information. It has a twist or an extra something (say, humor, a pop culture reference, or a ripped-from-the-headlines tie to current events) that helps set this product, service, or event apart from any others.

It has that “wow” factor. It gets members talking, and it might even prompt that all-important click or call to register, sign up, or buy.

Does that sound like something your bar has named recently (let’s call it within one year or less)? If so, please email or tweet on or before Tuesday, July 29, 2014, to let me know:

  • the name (limit: one per bar association),
  • the nature of the product, service, benefit, event, etc.,
  • who named it, and how,
  • any member feedback or feedback from others regarding the name, and
  • any results you think the name received (e.g., an unusually high number of registrations or orders).

I’ll tweet all the names as I get them, so that everyone who enters get a little bit of the spotlight. Then, I’ll narrow it down to five finalists, which I’ll share via Twitter and on the NABE Communications Section Listserv. I’ll take votes in both of those places, too, and will then declare the second runner-up, first runner-up, and the big winner.

What’s the prize? Only glory among your peers—and perhaps a handsome certificate (suitable for framing, of course) to help you proclaim your excellent naming skills to your coworkers and bar leaders.

Ready? Send me your One Great Name today!