Ok, another option....

lneuner09

[POLL}[Poll]

sarges05girl

It's definitely better than 18 Carrots, but it may backfire in that "cakes" is prevalent in the name....may make you seem like just a dessert place.

lneuner09

that may not be the end of the world. I'm now leaning a bit more towards that now, with intentions of maybe a cafe at a later date.  I just think full-service catering is kind of overwhelming, and would need jsut as much money for that as I would a cafe.  Cafe seems way less stressful. 

sarges05girl

lneuner09:

that may not be the end of the world. I'm now leaning a bit more towards that now, with intentions of maybe a cafe at a later date.  I just think full-service catering is kind of overwhelming, and would need jsut as much money for that as I would a cafe.  Cafe seems way less stressful. 

Then it gets a  from me! I like it. Crazycakes.... 

maryandkirk0909

While I think crazycakes would be a cute catchphrase for a specialty bakery or something, I think you're going to lose a lot of audience- people who you wouldn't necessarily be targeting to begin with, but who would really help the success later (like a business clientele) and also people who might be sensitive to mental illness (because although it makes sense in the context of your education and current position, that takes explaining to a stranger who doesn't know you from Adam).  

dbucks

Maybe it's a regional thing, and this would work out in CO? I don't understand why you want to go with such cutesy names. You're starting a business. Don't you want people to take you at least semi-seriously? I feel like these names are the equivalent of naming your daughter something super youneek. Please don't do that to yourself. And I mean that in the most supportive way possible.

tdmd09

maryandkirk0909:

While I think crazycakes would be a cute catchphrase for a specialty bakery or something, I think you're going to lose a lot of audience- people who you wouldn't necessarily be targeting to begin with, but who would really help the success later (like a business clientele) and also people who might be sensitive to mental illness (because although it makes sense in the context of your education and current position, that takes explaining to a stranger who doesn't know you from Adam).  

This was my concern too, although Mary (as always) said it much better than I would have. I use the phrase crazycakes with my coworkers on a daily basis, but I would honestly never use the term in public (let alone to try and start my own business) for fear of who it would potentially offend or otherwise detract from my business.

lneuner09

dbucks:

Maybe it's a regional thing, and this would work out in CO? I don't understand why you want to go with such cutesy names. You're starting a business. Don't you want people to take you at least semi-seriously? I feel like these names are the equivalent of naming your daughter something super youneek. Please don't do that to yourself. And I mean that in the most supportive way possible.

I want something fun.  I'm a fun person and want to have a FUN business.  A business can be professional and fun.  I don't want some uptight, stuffy name for a business.  I'm not boring, and I don't want my business to be either.

lneuner09

tdmd09:

maryandkirk0909:

While I think crazycakes would be a cute catchphrase for a specialty bakery or something, I think you're going to lose a lot of audience- people who you wouldn't necessarily be targeting to begin with, but who would really help the success later (like a business clientele) and also people who might be sensitive to mental illness (because although it makes sense in the context of your education and current position, that takes explaining to a stranger who doesn't know you from Adam).  

This was my concern too, although Mary (as always) said it much better than I would have. I use the phrase crazycakes with my coworkers on a daily basis, but I would honestly never use the term in public (let alone to try and start my own business) for fear of who it would potentially offend or otherwise detract from my business.

But do you really think that many people will associate it with mental illness?  I don't really forsee explaining the name of the business to anyone.  Crazy+Cakes+Catering isn't really rocket science.  Maybe I'm UNDER thinking this (for once) but I don't really think that people will look at a business card and say "wow, that's really insensitive."  And I consider myself to be pretty aware of stigma and cultural insensitivity.  Yes, it where the idea came from, FOR ME, but I don't think anyone in the general public will really see that. 

lneuner09

I mean, you all DO know I named my blog Peace, Love and French Fries, right?

"Lindsay Cooks" just wasn't going to cut it.  That's not who I am. 

I can't believe "they both suck" is up to 31%.  Thanks guys.  I know I said be honestly, but hell.  Where the hell was all this honesty when khart wanted to name her child Emory and Sterling?!  (sorry Kristin, I like Wyatt MUCH better)

thanks to those who at least offered other ideas without just being insulting. 

dbucks

lneuner09:

dbucks:

Maybe it's a regional thing, and this would work out in CO? I don't understand why you want to go with such cutesy names. You're starting a business. Don't you want people to take you at least semi-seriously? I feel like these names are the equivalent of naming your daughter something super youneek. Please don't do that to yourself. And I mean that in the most supportive way possible.

I want something fun.  I'm a fun person and want to have a FUN business.  A business can be professional and fun.  I don't want some uptight, stuffy name for a business.  I'm not boring, and I don't want my business to be either.

You can be fun without being a joke.

But for all that's worth, if I'm looking to hire a caterer, I don't care how fun you are. I'm not going to be hanging out with you. I care about the price and the quality of the food. I can't imagine seeing the name of a company and immediately thinking, "Yes! This company is going to have awesome food for an awesome price!" but there are definitely names that would make me think, "Probably cheap, and probably poor quality." The two you've come up with fall into the latter category, at least for me.

I don't think you will deter any potential customers by having a "boring" name. I think you will deter some by having a cutesy/fun name. I don't think setting yourself up for that just because you want people to perceive you as being fun is a good way to start a business.

lneuner09

dbucks:

lneuner09:

dbucks:

Maybe it's a regional thing, and this would work out in CO? I don't understand why you want to go with such cutesy names. You're starting a business. Don't you want people to take you at least semi-seriously? I feel like these names are the equivalent of naming your daughter something super youneek. Please don't do that to yourself. And I mean that in the most supportive way possible.

I want something fun.  I'm a fun person and want to have a FUN business.  A business can be professional and fun.  I don't want some uptight, stuffy name for a business.  I'm not boring, and I don't want my business to be either.

You can be fun without being a joke.

But for all that's worth, if I'm looking to hire a caterer, I don't care how fun you are. I'm not going to be hanging out with you. I care about the price and the quality of the food. I can't imagine seeing the name of a company and immediately thinking, "Yes! This company is going to have awesome food for an awesome price!" but there are definitely names that would make me think, "Probably cheap, and probably poor quality." The two you've come up with fall into the latter category, at least for me.

I don't think you will deter any potential customers by having a "boring" name. I think you will deter some by having a cutesy/fun name. I don't think setting yourself up for that just because you want people to perceive you as being fun is a good way to start a business.

And how does something like 18 Carrot Cupcakes imply that I'm a joke?!  I'm not going to name my business "Diamonds and Pearls"  so people think I'm worth money.  That's just not who I am. 

The most successful cupcake chain in Colorado (I think they are actually nationwide) is called Gigi's Cupcakes.  People don't think Gigi is a joke.  And as much as the name makes me want to hurl, the cupcakes are good.  (too much icing, but whatever). 

I'm not worried about deterring customers because i have a boring name.  I never said that.  I said I'm not boring, I don't want my business to be either.  I refuse to not be true to who I am.  That's 99% of the rationale behind this hopeful career move.  I'm not selling out to anyone, even potential customers.

And FWIW, I chose all of my wedding vendors based on talent and personality.  I needed someone who understood MY personality and what I wanted.  I didn't want some stuffy bakery or florist doing THEIR interpretation of what I wanted because they assumed they knew better than I did.  i LOVE the name of the bakery we used (a private caterer, actually) - Sugar.  Simple, sweet (literally and figuratively) and said A LOT about the owner. 

I need (not want, NEED) the name of this business to say something about me.  You can agree with that or not.  And regardless of feedback, the name of this business WILL say something about the person I am.  And that's not a stuffy, boring person.  Classic?  Sure.  haven't found anything I like that fits that.  Fun?  Sure.  Have a few options that fit that.  And the right name will also give the impression that I'm good at what I do. 

lneuner09

and now we're up to 38.9% awesome.  Thanks. 

Love you guys too.

shmoo-lou

I happen to like the CrazyCakes idea. 

I think that it's cute, and the clients you already have are familiar with it. I think some people are reading way too much into the "crazy" part of the name. I just don't think that clients will ever be like, "oh, that name is offensive." It's more likely that they won't be interested in the name at all, and that the website, prices, reviews, and quality of food will be priority. 

I'm not sure what market you are trying to reach out to-weddings, showers, parties or if it's more for work functions, etc. But, CrazyCakes would definitely be something that I would think "oh, cute name. I'll check it out." For a party, shower, or wedding, I think a "cute" name is more appropriate. 

The whole point of starting your own business is to love what you do. Have fun with it, and understand you are never going to please everyone.

 HTH. 

 

melpfaff

I don't think either of them suck, but of the two I think 18 ct catering is better.  I think the cakes part will make people thinking wedding cakes, and you do a lot more than that.

I saw you mentioned the place called "Sugar." I like one-word names for companies.  

Salt, Olive Oil, Flour come to mind.

Just out of curiousity - do you plan on doing this out of your house or buying/leasing kitchen space somewhere?

melpfaff

Also, can my DH and I move out to CO and work for you?

shmoo-lou

Oh-

And, for the record, if I were to come upon your website and saw the name I would automatically associate you with:

Fun

Cute

Dessert

Happy

Easy-Going

Flexible

....Just my opinion. I think maybe your next poll shouldn't be "do you like this?" But, "I chose this; Which group of words does it make you think of?"  

MBMcC421

lneuner09:

and now we're up to 38.9% awesome.  Thanks. 

Love you guys too.

I wonder if that percentage correlates with the 7.9% that said "Good riddance" to the Niners....

dbucks

I really wasn't trying to offend you in any way, Neuner. You asked for brutally honest, I'm giving you brutally honest. I never said you should have a boring or classic name, but I do think you are limiting the number of people who will approach you, and I don't think that's a good idea when starting a new business. I think you need to keep everything as approachable as possible. You will bring the fun factor to your company. You don't necessarily need your name to do that for you.

maryandkirk0909

I wasn't trying to offend you either Linds.  You know that.  I didn't pick that they both suck either, I just think 18 Carrots is better than Crazycakes. 

What about going with Peace, Love and French Fries?  Too long?  I think that with that, you're going to at least get brand recognition- it is fun, it is cute, and you've got at least some concept of what you're about.

I'm still thinking, it isn't that I didn't want to help, I just haven't come up with anything that "sticks" so to speak.

Diamond_Doll

MBMcC421:

lneuner09:

and now we're up to 38.9% awesome.  Thanks. 

Love you guys too.

I wonder if that percentage correlates with the 7.9% that said "Good riddance" to the Niners....

This.

I clicked worse than 18 Carrot Catering. Like I said yesterday, I don't dislike that idea. I just think you want to be sure before you commit. (Although, this is my opinion on everything. I usually look at 1279073 choices and choose the 1st thing I saw.) When I read CrazyCakesCatering, I would think you only do elaborate cakes, like on the TLC shows.  I would probably stay away from the word cakes, just because most people will asume you're a baker more than a caterer. No? Idk.

I like the idea of single words for a catering company. Maybe it's the phrases that are getting too "cutesy" for some people. (Not me, but I work in an elementary school, so what do I know.) Sugar is adorable, but taken. Spice? Crave? A name that's a spice like Rosemary or Ginger?

Where did I see the name SugarBakers for a catering company? That might be a local place or I may have seen it on one of those shows. I think it's adorable.... although still more baker-ish.

Diamond_Doll

maryandkirk0909:

  

What about going with Peace, Love and French Fries?  Too long?  I think that with that, you're going to at least get brand recognition- it is fun, it is cute, and you've got at least some concept of what you're about.

I thought of this yesterday, but figured you'd already ruled out the idea. I think it's something to consider, though. Between your blog, catering company, possibly some future cookbooks, you could create a real "brand" with that name. It's definitely memorable. And maybe french fries could be one of your specialities? Maybe I'm stretching here, but people love the late night snacks/ bar food at events now. You could make it really gourmet (I'm sure I'm showing my ignorance by using that word. haha) by doing sweet potatoes, zucchini, fall squash fries, and you could have a bunch of different fancy ketchups, like at the restaurant Ketchup.

maryandkirk0909

Diamond_Doll:

I like the idea of single words for a catering company. Maybe it's the phrases that are getting too "cutesy" for some people. (Not me, but I work in an elementary school, so what do I know.) Sugar is adorable, but taken. Spice? Crave? A name that's a spice like Rosemary or Ginger?

I love the idea of the name Crave.  cravecateringco.com; cravecatering.net are available, and cravecatering.com is for sale (although it'll cost more than $10, sometimes buying domains is really reasonable).

kmo630

I personally like fun/cute names better.  I think it says a lot about a company, in a good way.  I think you should go with your gut.  You are the boss and the only one who knows how you want your company portrayed.  Also, FWIW, with my anxiety I am technically categorized as having a 'mental illness' (lovely) and I found no offense what.so.ever in the name crazycakes.

MBMcC421

FWIW, I've always been a fan of CrazyCakes, in any context. 

dbucks

JillianAshley6:

2. I don't think a name makes you or breaks you- our wedding bakery was called "Cake"....and we went with them because their cake was the best. I think your food makes the difference, and obviously you have no concerns there!

3. I plan events and book caterer's for all the med student events....I think a lot of the people who plan events at businesses are people like me...and names aren't going to turn them away. The key is simply to get them to taste your food.

4. I also think a good website is key. And here is where-if you are concerned- you can explain the "Crazycakes" name in your About me section

5. You need to find a name you are comfortable with and love. If that name is fun, energetic, etc, then awesome. Its not going to make or break you. Unless you name it "Crappycakes".

I never said it would make or break. I just think it creates an unnecessary obstacle. People are going to be sifting through a long list of caterers, and making a short list. She needs to make as many peoples' short lists as possible. With no reputation to build off of initially, her name will be what most people choose to judge her business on.

Up until 6 months ago, I also planned all catered events for my company, and we purposefully try to work with "fun" vendors. But I still wouldn't choose to contact a company named "Crazycakes." Other people would, and that's my point. Why would you name your company something that only some people would respond to, while some people wouldn't? It's difficult enough getting started.

I do agree, though, that a really great website is a solidly redeeming factor.

lneuner09

Too many to quote to bear with me -

for those who asked about moving - PLFF: a) I think it's too long.  b) I was worried about that being too unprofessional.  It's ok as a blog, but not really as a business name. c) I think it's somewhat misleading.  Especially at the beginning, I'm probably going to be doing mostly desserts jsut due to space and staff restraints.  While I want a name to grow into, I feel like PLFF isn't realyl representative of that, you know?

JA - Sugar and Spice has been taken - in CO and in like every other state.  One of the first names I considered.

others that liked one-word names: also agreed, I've gone through about a hundred one-word names I like and they're all taken, including: Garnish, Frosted, Sugar, Butter, Iced, etc. 

I appreciate the idea of Crave, but there's already a Crave Cafe, Crave Baking Company, Crave Colorado Catering, and Crave Coffee.  All in Colorado. 

HOWEVER - on a positive note (trying to ignore the negativity at this point), another one-word idea did come to me last ngiht - what about Whipped?

MBMcC421

lneuner09:

HOWEVER - on a positive note (trying to ignore the negativity at this point), another one-word idea did come to me last ngiht - what about Whipped?

Kinky.  *cracks whip*

Along the same lines, have you ever considered an adult novelty -- meets -- cupcakerie?  I think we might have stumbled upon something great here...

dbucks

I like Whipped a lot, although I'm afraid to say that because apparently you don't think I'm trying to help you.

amelianguy

lneuner09:

HOWEVER - on a positive note (trying to ignore the negativity at this point), another one-word idea did come to me last ngiht - what about Whipped?

I like. I was thinking abotu one word names as well and I wish freaking Alex Guanarschelli didn't name her restaurant Butter because I love that.

 I had a couple of other thoughts last night, but they'd really only work for bakeries-

A Cupcake A Day...

Snowflake Sweets

 

maryandkirk0909

LOVE Butter.

Like Whipped a lot too.