July 9, 2009
all up in your business (card)
Her: Looking at Chicago temps and think 70 degrees seems like winter weather.
Me: Bring a coat! Yesterday it was 80-something here and I wore a cardigan. Brr.
Her: hahaha
Chris and I are getting ready to go to Chicago in a couple of weeks, which means watching the weather and obsessing about business cards and shoes (both equally important, trust me). I’m not buying any shoes, but I need business cards, and fast.
Calling card from Dempsey & Carroll, starting at $210 for 100 cards.
Last year, I ordered cute pink and green cards from Vista Print; they were lovely, except for the fact that as soon as I saw them, I kind of hated them, not because they weren’t well made or anything but because they were pink and green and just too too cute.
I’m over cute this year. Instead, I’m all about minimalism. I’m tired of cards with cutesy graphics and cards with fun pictures and cards that double as toys. I want a card that is just that: a card.
My distaste for cute cards has nothing to do with you or your cards; it has to do with the larger issue of marketing one’s self as a brand. I don’t want to be a brand; I love what I do for a living and I am happy to talk with you about my work and the various sites I write and edit for, but I don’t think that having a cute pink and green card makes you any more likely to hire me.
Because unless you are a graphic designer, no one hires you for your cute card. They hire you because you are able to do something they need, and do it well.
I’ve been reading up on traditional calling cards, the kind ladies and gentlemen used to carry. The most traditional card had only the bearer’s name on it, largely because in the 18th and 19th century, there were no email addresses or URLs or Twitter handles. Calling cards are making a small comeback these days (in the era of virtual offices and networking mommies, it makes sense) but the streamlined minimalist card is still out of fashion; we feel compelled to cover our cards with our resumes rather than letting them speak for themselves.
This year, I’m opting for the old school minimalist card. I’m also going to carry a pen, so that I can write my email (or URL or phone number or whatever the moment seems to require) on the back of my card. Which also means that if you ask for my card, you will need to spend a few minutes visiting with me, while I write things down.That seems like the best reason of all to opt out of cute.
Posted by Susan @ 5:15 pm • pretty things
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July 9th, 2009 at 5:56 pm, whoorl Says:
What a great idea!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:28 pm, Catherine Says:
I love the idea of the traditional calling card. When I was a SAHM I considered getting some for my kids with what days they would be free to play. Just like the old cards had - what day the lady was free to take visitors.
Currently I have moo cards. Small - not a lot of room for rambling on.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:42 pm, Kim Yamaguchi Says:
I would go to Chicago just so I could ask for your card and have 2 minutes with you. That.would.be.awesome! Seriously.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:50 pm, jenB Says:
You are so sophisticated. I am mooing this year as well. New domain, new cards baby.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am, leatitia Says:
this card is like the one George Clooney gives to Matt Damon in Ocean’s Eleven. So slick.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:39 am, EllenW Says:
I have been thinking about getting a set of cards from here - http://mommy-cards.com/catalog.aspx so I don’t have to scramble for a pen and paper in my diaper bag.
July 11th, 2009 at 1:39 am, the planet of janet Says:
wish i were going … cuz i’d love to spend a few minutes visiting while you write stuff down!
July 11th, 2009 at 12:09 pm, Shannon Says:
And this kind is better for if your contact info ever changes. The cards don’t end up obsolete!