Just a few of the many reasons to have a premium .com name:
Domain names are one of a kind. If you own it, only you have the name - no one else does and that includes your competition.
Attract quality buyers and seekers of information Your website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Helps connect your marketing efforts Track the performance of your other advertising by using a specific domain for the ad campaign
Memorable, easy to say and spell names are key People will type the item they are looking for into the browser - be sure you also have related phrases to your industry.
Increase authority and professionalism. Show you are the industry leader by having the keyword or search phrase for your industry, even if you already have an existing site or blog.
P.S. Thinking about a .net or hyphenated name? You'll lose potential customers - many will enter .com or forget the hypen. Also, your competitor can acquire the premium .com and have a stronger online presence.
Pursue the premium .com name...it will pay off in the long run.