Being Memorable Matters (Most)

October 5, 2009 · 69 comments

How do you want to be remembered? Better yet, what can you do to make yourself memorable? Whether you’re looking for a job or networking with potential clients, find a way to have an impact and leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet – both online, and more importantly, offline. If you’re not standing out from the crowd, you end up being “just another business card”.

How are you making yourself memorable?

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  • http://samdavidson.net/blog Sam Davidson

    Another way: put a Winnie the Pooh behind your shoulder in your video studio. People never forget Pooh.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Plus 1 for Sam Davidson. So are the fruits of working in the Pediatric Therapy business – I have a plethora of lovable plush characters to subtly place in the background of video blogs. You can’t really see him because of my big head, but Tiggers’ hanging around back there too. The gangs’ all here Sam, the gangs’ all here.

      • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

        Personally, I prefer bobble heads to stuffed animals, but hey, to each their own!

  • http://samdavidson.net/blog Sam Davidson

    Another way: put a Winnie the Pooh behind your shoulder in your video studio. People never forget Pooh.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Plus 1 for Sam Davidson. So are the fruits of working in the Pediatric Therapy business – I have a plethora of lovable plush characters to subtly place in the background of video blogs. You can’t really see him because of my big head, but Tiggers’ hanging around back there too. The gangs’ all here Sam, the gangs’ all here.

      • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

        Personally, I prefer bobble heads to stuffed animals, but hey, to each their own!

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

    I think I’m typically memorable because of all the paparazzi following me around at events like that. It’s why I try not to get out in public too much. But you’re right – even something as simple as being the guy that always wear’s bow ties, or fedoras, or vests with your jeans cuffed at the bottom.

    Dan Schawbel even suggests putting your picture on your business card? Then when people are flipping through a stack it’s easy for them to remember you. Would you suggest going this far? I’m thinking it’s kind of obnoxious – as if that’s ever stopped me before.

    R

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Everyone was telling me to just show up at events without pants. While this would undoubtedly be memorable, it might also be just a tad inappropriate.

      I’m not a big fan of a photo ON your business card, but I can see how that would work – it just a little too “me-centered” for my tastes. Then again, a cut-up notecard with my website written on it probably seems a little ridiculous (and for the record – probably would stay in my pocket at more “professional” events and meetings).

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

    I think I’m typically memorable because of all the paparazzi following me around at events like that. It’s why I try not to get out in public too much. But you’re right – even something as simple as being the guy that always wear’s bow ties, or fedoras, or vests with your jeans cuffed at the bottom.

    Dan Schawbel even suggests putting your picture on your business card? Then when people are flipping through a stack it’s easy for them to remember you. Would you suggest going this far? I’m thinking it’s kind of obnoxious – as if that’s ever stopped me before.

    R

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Everyone was telling me to just show up at events without pants. While this would undoubtedly be memorable, it might also be just a tad inappropriate.

      I’m not a big fan of a photo ON your business card, but I can see how that would work – it just a little too “me-centered” for my tastes. Then again, a cut-up notecard with my website written on it probably seems a little ridiculous (and for the record – probably would stay in my pocket at more “professional” events and meetings).

  • http://www.thewaythatyouwander.com/ Nate

    Awesome video! I have a post right now in my drafts that will be published tomorrow. It is about my business card(s), and they are very similar to yours. I will definitely be linking to this post, as I like a lot of the points you brought up. What a great way to stand out!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      I look forward to your post Nate – Something this “low budget” might seem totally ridiculous for a lot of folks, but the key takeaway here is to do SOMETHING that will have you standing out from the rest. Be sure to give me a heads up when your article goes live!

  • http://www.thewaythatyouwander.com Nate

    Awesome video! I have a post right now in my drafts that will be published tomorrow. It is about my business card(s), and they are very similar to yours. I will definitely be linking to this post, as I like a lot of the points you brought up. What a great way to stand out!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      I look forward to your post Nate – Something this “low budget” might seem totally ridiculous for a lot of folks, but the key takeaway here is to do SOMETHING that will have you standing out from the rest. Be sure to give me a heads up when your article goes live!

  • http://www.360degreeself.com/ Tim

    Matt:

    Thanks for sharing this…you provided some good ideas to help us stand out. I went to a seminar by Jeff Bishop, a duct tape marketing coach, and he literally put a piece of duct tape on the back of his business card. While a piece of duct tape might not be appropriate for all of us, we could add something on the back of our b/c that makes us unique.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Exactly Tim. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top – you can “subtly” stand out – like you’re example with putting something on the back of a business card. I take this approach at social media and more “casual” events because it elicits and immediate reaction from the people I hand it two – they automatically want to know what “lifewithoutpants” is. And thus, a conversation is born…

  • http://www.360degreeself.com Tim

    Matt:

    Thanks for sharing this…you provided some good ideas to help us stand out. I went to a seminar by Jeff Bishop, a duct tape marketing coach, and he literally put a piece of duct tape on the back of his business card. While a piece of duct tape might not be appropriate for all of us, we could add something on the back of our b/c that makes us unique.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Exactly Tim. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top – you can “subtly” stand out – like you’re example with putting something on the back of a business card. I take this approach at social media and more “casual” events because it elicits and immediate reaction from the people I hand it two – they automatically want to know what “lifewithoutpants” is. And thus, a conversation is born…

  • http://www.foiledcupcakes.com/ Mari

    I didn’t just write a blog on it. You were my first post on it. That means (maybe) that I started it because of you.
    And I still remember you. :)

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      But WAS it started because of me? I guess we’ll never know, but I’ll just humor myself and say yes. As long as you remember me, that’s all that matters. P.S. Your business card gets mad props for using the phrase “shiny happy goodness” – couldn’t think of a better way to describe delicious cupcakes (that I’ve yet to try, FYI).

      • http://ItStartsWith.Us/ Nate St. Pierre

        Dude, I came to your site via Chris Guillibeau, and as I was watching this video, I thought to myself “Self, I wonder if this guy knows Mari?” And then of course you mentioned her, and now I find her in the comments, too.

        She’s awesome, and you don’t sound too bad yourself. Thanks for the vid. Oh, and by the way, I just got my first set of business cards in the mail today – somewhat similar to yours. Here’s to doing it your own way. :)

        • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

          Yo Nate! Thanks for coming by (glad Chris could give you that push) – I think you and I have been connected on Twitter for a while but we’ve never really chatted. Hopefully that will change. Be in touch!

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com/ Grace Boyle

    Love it! They’re simple and effective. Without a doubt, those little cards will stand out for sure because of size, curiosity and simplicity.

    It’s hard going to networking events because you’re trying to draw from all your followers and those you follow, handing out business cards and receiving business cards. I like what you’ve done here and good use of a video blog post.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Grace – size, curiosity, simplicity, and maybe overall sheer randomness helps them stand out. PLEASE go watch this video RE: business cards – this guy is totally wacko but in a weird way, makes a lot of sense. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBxeDN4tbk – he redefines what it means to invest in business cards that stand out.

  • http://www.foiledcupcakes.com Mari

    I didn’t just write a blog on it. You were my first post on it. That means (maybe) that I started it because of you.
    And I still remember you. :)

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      But WAS it started because of me? I guess we’ll never know, but I’ll just humor myself and say yes. As long as you remember me, that’s all that matters. P.S. Your business card gets mad props for using the phrase “shiny happy goodness” – couldn’t think of a better way to describe delicious cupcakes (that I’ve yet to try, FYI).

      • http://ItStartsWith.Us Nate St. Pierre

        Dude, I came to your site via Chris Guillibeau, and as I was watching this video, I thought to myself “Self, I wonder if this guy knows Mari?” And then of course you mentioned her, and now I find her in the comments, too.

        She’s awesome, and you don’t sound too bad yourself. Thanks for the vid. Oh, and by the way, I just got my first set of business cards in the mail today – somewhat similar to yours. Here’s to doing it your own way. :)

        • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

          Yo Nate! Thanks for coming by (glad Chris could give you that push) – I think you and I have been connected on Twitter for a while but we’ve never really chatted. Hopefully that will change. Be in touch!

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Love it! They’re simple and effective. Without a doubt, those little cards will stand out for sure because of size, curiosity and simplicity.

    It’s hard going to networking events because you’re trying to draw from all your followers and those you follow, handing out business cards and receiving business cards. I like what you’ve done here and good use of a video blog post.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Grace – size, curiosity, simplicity, and maybe overall sheer randomness helps them stand out. PLEASE go watch this video RE: business cards – this guy is totally wacko but in a weird way, makes a lot of sense. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBxeDN4tbk – he redefines what it means to invest in business cards that stand out.

  • http://explorativeapproach.com/ Shane

    Cool business card. Less is definitely more with business cards.
    I once had a personal card that simply said “Hero for rent” and an e-mail address. It was just as a joke but it made people laugh and think and scratch their heads and ask me about it, which is more than can be said of most business cards. :)

    By the way: well done on ad-libbing that video. I have to edit in a ton of cuts when I make videos. Hope to be able to ad-lib with some practice as well.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      “Hero for Rent” – I like that one. Who said a business card can’t be a little mysterious? To someone I’ve never met (and even most of the people I have) – they wouldn’t know what to expect from a website called “Life Without Pants” (aside from assuming it’s probably not safe for work). But once again, it’s something that sparks a conversation and even better, usually gets a chuckle and a smile out of people. What’s better than that?

      And thanks for the kudos. I’m mostly an ad-libber when it comes to this stuff – which has it’s pros and cons but if I believe in a message enough, I can usually come up with something coherent.

  • http://explorativeapproach.com/ Shane

    Cool business card. Less is definitely more with business cards.
    I once had a personal card that simply said “Hero for rent” and an e-mail address. It was just as a joke but it made people laugh and think and scratch their heads and ask me about it, which is more than can be said of most business cards. :)

    By the way: well done on ad-libbing that video. I have to edit in a ton of cuts when I make videos. Hope to be able to ad-lib with some practice as well.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      “Hero for Rent” – I like that one. Who said a business card can’t be a little mysterious? To someone I’ve never met (and even most of the people I have) – they wouldn’t know what to expect from a website called “Life Without Pants” (aside from assuming it’s probably not safe for work). But once again, it’s something that sparks a conversation and even better, usually gets a chuckle and a smile out of people. What’s better than that?

      And thanks for the kudos. I’m mostly an ad-libber when it comes to this stuff – which has it’s pros and cons but if I believe in a message enough, I can usually come up with something coherent.

  • http://www.timjahn.com/blog Tim Jahn

    Being memorable definitely matters the most and your business card is an excellent example of effectively achieving this.

    And you inspired Mari, which means you truly ARE memorable! :)

  • http://www.timjahn.com/blog Tim Jahn

    Being memorable definitely matters the most and your business card is an excellent example of effectively achieving this.

    And you inspired Mari, which means you truly ARE memorable! :)

  • http://www.webmarketingtherapy.com/ Sarah Caminker

    Hi Matt,
    Making some sort of impression today, whether it’s offline or online, is critical. I give you bug kudos for standing out. The first thing that attracted me to your site, was of course its interesting name! Personally my company, Web Marketing Therapy, always gets a good rise out of people. Automatically people say therapy??? What kind of business is that? It’s a perfect conversation starter and it helps us to stand out from the thousands of marketing agencies that take the more traditional route. We pride ourselves on having a fun, unique, authentic approach. Thanks for the video and great content!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Amazing what a catchy name can do for you eh? I’m happy that the random name grabs the attention of readers but it’s ultimately the content that will hopefully keep them coming back again and again. Hope you’ll be one of those repeat visitors! I look forward to giving myself a bit of “Web Marketing Therapy” as well. Cheers!

  • http://www.webmarketingtherapy.com/ Sarah Caminker

    Hi Matt,
    Making some sort of impression today, whether it’s offline or online, is critical. I give you bug kudos for standing out. The first thing that attracted me to your site, was of course its interesting name! Personally my company, Web Marketing Therapy, always gets a good rise out of people. Automatically people say therapy??? What kind of business is that? It’s a perfect conversation starter and it helps us to stand out from the thousands of marketing agencies that take the more traditional route. We pride ourselves on having a fun, unique, authentic approach. Thanks for the video and great content!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Amazing what a catchy name can do for you eh? I’m happy that the random name grabs the attention of readers but it’s ultimately the content that will hopefully keep them coming back again and again. Hope you’ll be one of those repeat visitors! I look forward to giving myself a bit of “Web Marketing Therapy” as well. Cheers!

  • http://anitalobo.posterous.com/ Anita Lobo

    Good topic Matt!

    Being memorable requires being able to weave an interesting story around yourself that enhances the moment of connect with other people. Your card Matt, is a good example of this.

    For people who don’t have a story worked out, putting your mugshot on business cards is a practical and probably the most effective way. I would recommend this – there’s no need to feel awkward about it. Especially relevant if you’re meeting people who constantly travel – its a big time saver for them!

    Another suggestion is to design cards to reflect ‘what you deliver’ – not an abstract rendering and certainly not an [alphabet] logo – but really what do you deliver? Can a small/ single picture reflect your pitch? That cliche about a picture worth a thousand words, is true!

    Cheers,

    Anita

  • http://anitalobo.posterous.com/ Anita Lobo

    Good topic Matt!

    Being memorable requires being able to weave an interesting story around yourself that enhances the moment of connect with other people. Your card Matt, is a good example of this.

    For people who don’t have a story worked out, putting your mugshot on business cards is a practical and probably the most effective way. I would recommend this – there’s no need to feel awkward about it. Especially relevant if you’re meeting people who constantly travel – its a big time saver for them!

    Another suggestion is to design cards to reflect ‘what you deliver’ – not an abstract rendering and certainly not an [alphabet] logo – but really what do you deliver? Can a small/ single picture reflect your pitch? That cliche about a picture worth a thousand words, is true!

    Cheers,

    Anita

  • http://www.opheliaswebb.com/ Elisa

    I’ll have to upload my business cards sometime. They are green and grey (same color scheme as my blog) and two sided. One the front is Ophelia’s Webb, my byline (which people always stop to read and adore since it’s whimsical and a little nutty…kinda like me!) my name/email/phone and finally my Twitter handle.

    On the back is some vines and leaves and my website address displayed prominently in the center. I’ve had people email and comment that after I gave them the card they HAD to check out the site to see what it’s about. In fact 3 of my email subscribers are from cards at networking events. Granted I’m no Chris Brogan or Guy Kawasaki or Ryan Stephens with those stats but it’s pretty cool for me. :)

  • http://www.opheliaswebb.com Elisa

    I’ll have to upload my business cards sometime. They are green and grey (same color scheme as my blog) and two sided. One the front is Ophelia’s Webb, my byline (which people always stop to read and adore since it’s whimsical and a little nutty…kinda like me!) my name/email/phone and finally my Twitter handle.

    On the back is some vines and leaves and my website address displayed prominently in the center. I’ve had people email and comment that after I gave them the card they HAD to check out the site to see what it’s about. In fact 3 of my email subscribers are from cards at networking events. Granted I’m no Chris Brogan or Guy Kawasaki or Ryan Stephens with those stats but it’s pretty cool for me. :)

  • http://ParkHowell.com/ Park Howell

    We just created new biz cards WITHOUT our proverbial website printed on them. Instead, we offer individualized Google search terms. Mine is, “I’ll raise you a rabbit.” We’ve already seen a dramatic increase in traffic to our website through our teams’ individual landing pages. Check it out.

    • http://samdavidson.net/blog Sam Davidson

      Now THAT’S memorable. I like it…great idea, Park!

      • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

        I love this as well, Park. Would love to see some pictures. I could have some pretty amazing business cards taking this approach. You wouldn’t believe (or maybe you would) the Google search terms I get with a blog title like “Life Without Pants” – priceless.

  • http://ParkHowell.com Park Howell

    We just created new biz cards WITHOUT our proverbial website printed on them. Instead, we offer individualized Google search terms. Mine is, “I’ll raise you a rabbit.” We’ve already seen a dramatic increase in traffic to our website through our teams’ individual landing pages. Check it out.

    • http://samdavidson.net/blog Sam Davidson

      Now THAT’S memorable. I like it…great idea, Park!

      • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

        I love this as well, Park. Would love to see some pictures. I could have some pretty amazing business cards taking this approach. You wouldn’t believe (or maybe you would) the Google search terms I get with a blog title like “Life Without Pants” – priceless.

  • http://www.upgradereality.com/ Diggy – Upgradereality.com

    Wickidly awesome!

    Found this post through Nate at Thewaythatyouwander. :) I must say this is a totally awesome Idea, I love it! I’ve been thinking of business cards but hated the whole formal thing.

    Thanks so much man :)
    Cheers
    Diggy

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      No problem Diggy – Being formal is old news. The best thing about the rules of business cards is that there are no rules! Be unique and be yourself. Leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet!

      Thanks for stopping by man, don’t be a stranger!

  • http://www.upgradereality.com Diggy – Upgradereality.com

    Wickidly awesome!

    Found this post through Nate at Thewaythatyouwander. :) I must say this is a totally awesome Idea, I love it! I’ve been thinking of business cards but hated the whole formal thing.

    Thanks so much man :)
    Cheers
    Diggy

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      No problem Diggy – Being formal is old news. The best thing about the rules of business cards is that there are no rules! Be unique and be yourself. Leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet!

      Thanks for stopping by man, don’t be a stranger!

  • http://www.funnelthru.com/ funnelthru

    Nice idea – super simple and honest.

    There are tons of ways to get noticed and handing out a simple odd-sized card in a sea of undistinguished ones is a great example.

    Thanks!

  • http://www.funnelthru.com funnelthru

    Nice idea – super simple and honest.

    There are tons of ways to get noticed and handing out a simple odd-sized card in a sea of undistinguished ones is a great example.

    Thanks!

  • http://www.thelifething.com/ JONNY | thelifething.com

    Hey Matt, like Diggy I am here through Nate.

    With a blog title like “Life without Pants” then I had no choice but to check it out.

    Being a fellow lover of the “pantsless” existance, as my latest post on Bangkok describes I will be following your blog. Keep up the good work.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Well I’m glad Nate sent so many awesome folks my way (thanks Nate). Glad to have you here – I like the look and feel of your blog. Looking forward to digging through the content of thelifething! Cheers!

  • http://www.thelifething.com JONNY | thelifething.com

    Hey Matt, like Diggy I am here through Nate.

    With a blog title like “Life without Pants” then I had no choice but to check it out.

    Being a fellow lover of the “pantsless” existance, as my latest post on Bangkok describes I will be following your blog. Keep up the good work.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Well I’m glad Nate sent so many awesome folks my way (thanks Nate). Glad to have you here – I like the look and feel of your blog. Looking forward to digging through the content of thelifething! Cheers!

  • http://www.thereisnoladder.com/ Josh Thomas

    Hey Matt – great post. I like the single focus on the card. Whenever I end up with a ton of cards, I get so bogged down in details that I end up forgetting the actual person. What do I care what your physical address is?

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Physical address is so old-school. I can see why it was important back in the day, but it’s unnecessary (as most is) on a business card in today’s society. Less is more, without a doubt. As I say in the video, my website is a portal to everything someone could possibly want to know about me – there’s no need to spell it all out for them on the business card. Provide a call to action and let them explore!

  • http://www.thereisnoladder.com Josh Thomas

    Hey Matt – great post. I like the single focus on the card. Whenever I end up with a ton of cards, I get so bogged down in details that I end up forgetting the actual person. What do I care what your physical address is?

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Physical address is so old-school. I can see why it was important back in the day, but it’s unnecessary (as most is) on a business card in today’s society. Less is more, without a doubt. As I say in the video, my website is a portal to everything someone could possibly want to know about me – there’s no need to spell it all out for them on the business card. Provide a call to action and let them explore!

  • http://anitalobo.posterous.com/ Anita Lobo
  • http://anitalobo.posterous.com/ Anita Lobo
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