16 October 2007
If you've followed the story so far you'll know that a few weeks ago I decided to go ahead and get some new business cards made, despite the fact that Mike (our multi-talented designer) was on his holidays. "Pffftt", I thought, "How hard can it be to design some business cards? We'll just keep it simple."
But the more I thought about it the more "simplicity" seemed like the wrong approach. The simple card was so borrrrring... Name, Phone Number, email address... SNOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE. It had all the personality of a green bean. I wanted much, much more.
After all, what is a business card for? It certainly isn't about giving someone my contact details in a handy, wallet sized format. Do you keep the cards other people give you? No, neither do I.
So perhaps it's about two things; making a connection with someone, and keeping your name in front of someone for a little while after you've said "good bye".
So I started to ask myself some questions:
- How will I make this dull, green bean piece of communication, more interesting?
- How will I add hooks, drama... stories?
- How will I make each card different?
- How will this reflect me, and the personality of the business?
Then things got fun... and here's the card that I am now carrying around in my wallet. It's not simple, in fact it is deliberately complicated. Some of the type is tiny, and you have to make an effort to read it. Sure it has all my contact details, but it also has story headlines, personality hooks, hieroglyphics and yes... a space for a little doodle on the back of each one. Why not?
Posted by Nick Warren at 8:22 AM
