Business Ready - Post 2 "Name Day"

What does it take to make your business name official?  This is what I did in 5 steps -

1. Secured and paid for a domain name, i.e. a "dot.com" name
http://www.ehow.com/how_2114_register-domain-name.html

2. Decided to file as a sole proprietor See Business Ready posts1 & 1a    
     

3.Checked Internet on how to register a business name in California 
http://www.ehow.com/how_4525144_register-business-name-california.html

4. Checked the Alameda County Clerk's website for name availability http://www.acgov.org/auditor/clerk/fbn.htm

5. Visited Clerk's office to register name (Required - an application, $40 fee and about 15 min time)

The Clerk's Office gave me 3 copies of my form:  one for my records, another to open a bank account and a third to submit to my local newspapers to declare my business as a Fictitious Business.  My business name is valid for 5 years.

All right, so after all of this step-by-step info, what name did I choose for my business?  It took some brainstorming, wondering and stressing but the name that finally came to me is Optimal Habits.  For me, it's exciting and scary to have a business name.  We'll see what the future holds.  Am hoping for the best!