Episode 048: Register Your Trademark

Do Weekly Podcast

Welcome back to another installment of the Do Weekly Podcast! We’re learning stuff again this week, y’all! “Learning what,” you ask? Maybe don’t tell people to burn in hell, especially if they’re your friend IRL. Oh and that reminds me, this week’s podcast is sponsored by “Never Burn Bridges” because you never know when you might need the help of someone you gravely insulted. Now, let’s get to our show notes!

Last Week…

We talked about getting certified. Certifications help businesses and biz owners in a couple of ways. First, a certification is a formal acknowledgement of your skills and expertise in a given subject. Second, a certification can open up opportunities and possible leads to people seeking out those skills as well as provide lead generation from organizations that recognize people with those skills (think professional directory).

Natalie took some tests to become a certified accessibility professional. That certification will provide her access to a network and directory of professionals providing accessibility consulting services — it’s something she can add to her resume and to her LinkedIn profile etc. It provides her a boost in trustworthiness, too.

As for myself, I applied to become an ActiveCampaign Certified Consultant. It was a test I took that helped me get added to their professional consultants directory. It should also help with lead generation as well.

This week’s challenge!

Trademark. Do you have one for your business? What even IS a trademark??

Trademark: a symbol, word, or words legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product.

Trademarks are important. For not too much money, you can register a trademark for your business name and logo imagery. It can help prevent other folks from using your name for their business.

Some years ago, early on in my business, I registered trademarks for my business and logo. I found a user on Twitter who was squatting on the username ‘DigiSavvy.’ I filed a trademark dispute with Twitter citing the user wasn’t using their account and misrepresenting the name. Within a few days I was awarded that account. That wouldn’t have been possible had I not filed a proper trademark.

One possible downside is that you are compelled to defend your trademark in the event it’s being used by another business. Meaning that you must file cease and desist letters and contact that business owner directly when you find a violation of your trademarks being used by other business entities.

As always, don’t forget to leave us that gushy 5-star review on iTunes on Apple Podcasts. And remember, kids, keep it simple and most importantly Keep it Doable!

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

Random observation for the week: Many hands make light work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to let people know that you may be struggling.

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