Since I was a kid I have been fairly good at imagining stories and being able to put some of that down on paper. My mom at one point tried to encourage me into a carrier as a creative writer. One thing stopped me and it bugs me to this day. I am horrible with names. Not just remembering them, but making them up. So, it can be no surprise to tell you that it has taken me a while to decide on what I am going to call my little side business.
My wife and I talked through several different alternatives before I finally just came up with one a few days ago. First there was the name it after me approach, but it seemed like Danny’s Woodshop would be a bit cliche for my tastes and I really didn’t just love that name. Then, Jenny suggested we name it after our german shepherd that sits and watches me work. His name is Fibber and something about Fibber’s Woodshop seemed to suggest to me a hint of untruthfulness.
Suddenly it hit me and there is a bit of an explanation to go along with my decision. If you know anything about swing dancing then you’re already at the head of the class. In college, I was heavy into dancing and music (jazz and blues) and at a certain point I was an authority on swing dancing in Oklahoma. Now, the actual name of the original style of swing dancing that almost everything after the 1940s is based off of is Lindy Hop. I’ve always had an affection for the name Lindy and in my mind it is more than just a description of a dance style. So, I’m deciding to officially name my shop: Lindy’s Woodshop.
Really all this is some formality for me; taxes and all. I’m not turning pro any time soon, especially considering the hand cut dovetails I did this last weekend. Yeesh! But, since I want to have some recognition, I do think it is important to have a shop name. I have already had a few people who know me ask for business cards (scary) and I’ve been doing my best to write down a phone number on a slip of paper that I’m sure will get lost…
-- Happy Ripping!!!
8 comments so far
Peter O
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633 posts in 362 days
posted 332 days ago
Danny, naming is hard, and it sounds like you came up with a great name with a great story. The story will help the name stick in people’s minds. Good marketing!
I think Staples and Kinkos print small runs of business cards. Even if you don’t have graphics – just the name of the shop, your name, and a phone number – I’d get a few. And here’s something interesting I’ve found about giving out business cards: if you give someone one card, they keep it. If you give them two, they give them both away and then ask you for more.
Good luck, and have fun!
-- Coffee is best with a fine layer of sawdust on top. -- http://www.north40custom.com
MsDebbieP
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11933 posts in 648 days
posted 332 days ago
I can see your business card now—you with your shop smock on performing a little Lindy with a plank of wood.
Now… add the name of your business to your signature here so people can start to recognize the name and tie it to your work! Congrats on this big achievement.
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Todd A. Clippinger
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2537 posts in 587 days
posted 332 days ago
The first two questions that people ask are: 1. Do you have a card? 2. Do you have a website?
These two are asked of me equally. They are the first signs that you are legitimate or serious about what you do. That is the first and most important moment to make a serious impact. Even if this is “on the side” it is important.
Also to establish yourself as a legitimate business with the IRS it is important. You have to claim all your income but you get to deduct the tools and trips to historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes, trade shows, etc. Keep a good relationship with your accountant.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Thos. Angle
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3236 posts in 450 days
posted 332 days ago
Danny,
Why not do your business cards on your computer. It works for me. Use the print shop for brochures. Interesting name, someone might think it’s your wife’s shop. LOL! I’m old but I never did the Lindy Hop. But I remember when it was all the rage among young people a few years ago. I even saw some Zoot Suits. Some of you kids were really good dancers. I never learned to swing dance even though it’s considered a cowboy thing. When all the town cowboys were learning to dance, I was sitting on a horse 28 days a month. No time to learn to dance. Sounds like you’re having fun with this anyway.
-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon
Peter O
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633 posts in 362 days
posted 332 days ago
Todd – that’s interesting, people always ask for my business card, but when I suggest they take a look at my website, they almost always say “you have a website?” I wonder why the difference?
-- Coffee is best with a fine layer of sawdust on top. -- http://www.north40custom.com
cajunpen
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5348 posts in 553 days
posted 332 days ago
How about “Lindy’s Creative Woodshop” Creating tomorrow’s Heirlooms Today
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
dennis mitchell
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2945 posts in 802 days
posted 332 days ago
Hummm…who’s Lindy again?
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
miles125
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920 posts in 493 days
posted 332 days ago
I think i recall Rodney Dangerfield doing the “Triple Lindy” dive in the movie Back To School. I get cracked up just thinking about Rodney..Lol
I think the best name i’ve heard in a while was a guy that named his lawnmower repair shop “First Jerk”. Hehe
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""