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http://www.flickr.com/photos/hajjflemings/2937877512/
We live in a 2.0 world. Resumes have transformed from 1.0 to 2.0 people are developing online profiles on Linkedin. Web presence have transformed from 1.0 to 2.0, social networks are being used to hire and promote jobs. Business cards are typically the first printed marketing material for a personal brand, which most people still default to the 1.0 version. My question to you is why? Why in the world would you create marketing materials that are 1.0 when you operate within a 2.0 space?
What Brand 2.0 Cards Should Do
o Promote your personal brand.
o Spark or continue the conversation about you when you are not in the room or after the event.
o Create brand evangelist for your personal brand.
o Drive online traffic and create digital relationships with you?
Brand 2.0 Card Elements
o Avatar (Global ID): Should be consistent with your social networks.
I greatly respect the Marketing Genius of Seth Godin, but I disagree with a statement from his blog post, Business Card Mistakes about not using your photos on business cards. Are there exceptions to this rule, of course there are? You could work in an industry where this is an issue.
o List your top social networks: List the top 2 or 3 that you spent the most time in.
o Personal Brand Name: Should be consistent with your social networks (i.e. www.twitter.com/HajjFlemings)
o Personal Brand Cloud: Should identify who you are, a single title doesn't always communicate that.
o Blog URL: Promote your blog the place where you communicate your ideas and establish your authority.
o Twitter Address: Not required but strongly recommended. It should be a part of your business strategy and be included.
o Brand Colors: Should be consistent with your blog and other printed materials.
o Logo: Include a clear image of your logo, please make sure there are no white boxes.
For the marketing geniuses who will look at my Brand 2.0 card and say he forgot his fax number I did it on purpose. The frequency of use didn't justify the usage of space. If it is critical to your business by all means add it.
Additional Thoughts
o Be Creative: If you need a creative idea use 'Brand Camp U. Business Card Lab'
o Be Relevant: Your business card should be relevant to your industry. I am a personal brand strategist so my card creatively speaks to who I am.
o Be Remarkable: Do something that makes you stand out in a positive way.
o Quality: Paper stock is important, please do not print your cards from your ink jet print.
Your Brand DNA should be communicated
o Personality- Your personality should be tied into the card (i.e. Branded Since 1971.)
o If you are environmentally conscience- Your cards should be consistent with your core values (i.e. use w/soy inks or recyclable paper for example).
Notes to all Students
o I strongly recommend that you create a Brand 2.0 Card (business card) for job fairs you attend or internships you apply for. You will standout in the mind of your recruiters.
Creative Resource for Brand 2.0: Brand Camp U. Creative Business Card Lab
I realize most people need a catalyst when it comes to inspiration or creativity. You might be a one-person operation with no marketing budget. I have created the 'Brand Camp U. Business Card Lab' it is a Flickr group where anyone can upload their business cards for others to get creative ideas. Use it as your online design resource and share with others.
