Solo In Chicago…Grow Your Practice!

New Proposed Biz Card Design: Good, Bad, and/or Ugly…and Why?

Posted by Peter on October 15, 2009
marketing

Take a peak HERE and PLEASE COMMENT!

Tags: Business Cards

7 Comments to New Proposed Biz Card Design: Good, Bad, and/or Ugly…and Why?

Dave! says:

October 15, 2009 at 3:20 pm

I think they have too much information on them… I like cards that are very simple and have basic contact info, with space for me to make notes about the person.

That’s just my .02!
Chris Small says:

October 15, 2009 at 10:19 pm

Took a look and it’s not too bad. I only have two comments. First, have you considered adding any color to the card to make it stand out a little more? White is okay, but there are so many options out there for jazzing it up (including incorporating your logo in a stronger context).

Second, I love all of the information on your card. The only problem is, half the info is for one group, and half is for the other. What I’ve found to be much more beneficial is to have two cards – one that is strictly for clients (with tons of information they can use), and onethat is strictly for colleagues (ditto onthe info).

Very nice look overall though.
Marie says:

October 16, 2009 at 2:00 am

What font is that on the front? Do you love it? I’m not a typography person, but I think it looks a little weak. Sorry.

What do you think of this layout:

Peter R. Olson, Attorney and Counselor
Chicago, Deerfield, Oak Brook, Park Ridge
Phone
Fax
[blank line]
Web site address [but no italics]
Email address
[blank line]
Areas of Practice:
[and then list them like you have, but can you use a little round bullet instead of the squiggly line? Also, I like a space bullet space before the word, so the first word isn't crammed right up against the bullet. And, there's no squiggly line showing up on your last area of practice.]

Peter, I’ve been a longtime reader of your blog, but can’t remember if I’ve ever commented. If I haven’t, hi! And, I apologize if this sounds too pushy.
Marie says:

October 16, 2009 at 2:01 am

Oh, I meant to tell that I absolutely love your graphical “O”! That is very nice.
Peter says:

October 16, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Thanks for the great feedback. The design was done on uPrinting.com so I was restricted by its features. Unless I was missing it, they actually didn’t have a bullet option because other wise I likely would have used something different than the squiggly line.

I wouldn’t mind a bit of color too, that’s probably my cheapness talking in not using any.

My thinking on the 2-sided cards is hopefully it’s a net positive. Granted the Solo in Chicago stuff is more aspirational than real right now but I do speak fairly regularly at different lawyer events. But essentially my card gets in the hands of mainly 2 groups: other lawyers and potential clients. Lawyers in a sense are the audience who might solicit my services as a speaker/consultant so I want the 2-sides for them. As for clients I’d expect their reaction to be either who cares or
wow, this guy is really top notch if he’s sought after for conferences/consulting.

Dave, particularly re: practice areas I want that person who has my card sitting around forever to know me and know exactly what I do not just that I’m some lawyer.
haz says:

October 16, 2009 at 6:59 pm

I think it is has too much info, and the photo makes it not so classy. I can guarantee that the photo will not be printed with a high enough resolution and level of detail to make you feel comfortable with it.

The “O” would be useful if that is part of your brand and you include it on letterheads. Otherwise, it seems out of place.

In sum I would remove the photo and the “practice areas” section (the “Family Law Office” part tells people what you do already) and center the rest of the information. Hope it works out.
My New Business Cards: An Epilogue says:

October 21, 2009 at 9:51 pm

[...] A heartfelt thanks to all for the feedback regarding business card design. I heard form 10+ persons between the comments and direct e-mails. It may not be the most riveting topic but I do think the old, paper, “calling card” is still an important branding/marketing device and it’s only the second time since I started my practice that I’ve actually ordered new cards so it was kinda fun. Interestingly, for a few years there it really didn’t seem like I went through too many cards, but recently with a semi-regular speaking engagement(s) and a weekly breakfast marketing meeting I’ve been running through the card supplies more quickly. [...]