The owner of a Dallas based printing services company has come with this unique Google style business card design that you are very unlikely to throw away.
The business card carries a slightly photoshopped version of Google Search page along with a Google query "Dallas Printer" for which their site probably ranks #1 in the US. [via]
And Laser Printing Inc. is not the only company that is using Google on their business cards. Here are some more examples:
(Above) Employees of iTive.net too have Google on their business cards plus some instructions (for folk who don’t know Google) and a small thumbnail image – see full set.
(Below) Boston Web Studio has a simple Google Search box on their visiting cards plus a search phrase for they probably rank #1 on the Google – see full set.
Google Business Cards – The Risk Factor
WordPress creator Matt Mullenweg had a simple business card that carried his personal email address phone number and a suggestion on how people could reach him via the "I am Feeling Lucky" button in Google.
But he unfortunately lost the "most popular matt" title when he switched domains and now his old business cards may actually be sending traffic to the dancing Matt’s site.
Ideas for Business Card Designs
If you looking to create a personal business card with some unique design, check this great article by Robert Scoble – it lists down some good practices and ideas that would help you make a great business card. Scobleizer has compiled this information based on his extensive collection of 1000+ business cards.
Also see: Tips for Business Cards
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/internet/google-on-business-card/6991/
Tags: Archives, business card, google, Internet
Reader Comments
A nice way to get a Cease & Desist from Google… \o/
Written by TOMHTML on 02.02.09
Related similar card link
This is what I call a ‘Google card’ . And it’s my newest “visiting card”. The front side of the card has just the search box with my name.
That’s the same idea I used for my business card too. I love the idea for various reasons. First, its unique. Second, googling for my name not only throws up my website it also shows my Flickr page, my twitter account, my YouTube page, links to my podcast and my writings on the NASSCOM blog. That’s like hitting six mangoes with one stone.
Written by venkatramanan on 02.02.09
Hi Amit, here are two more ideas for great business cards:
link
link
Written by Chris Lyons on 02.02.09
I hope whoever gets the business card, knows about Google :D
Written by Michael Aulia on 02.02.09
A good idea, until you lose the Google ranking – as you point out. Makes it very easy for a competitor to take your business, really.
Written by Richard on 02.02.09
Nice idea. I have a doubt though- is it actually legal to use another company’s logo on your business card when you’re not employed by Google?
Written by Jennifer on 02.02.09
It seems like a cool idea, but…
1. Results change sometimes – It’s not constant or static enough to rely on. A customer who wants info. might do that, and find your site may not be listed as the first result, so it’s kinda pointless.
2. It’s second nature – People search or ‘google’ up information they find/see anyway. Like if I find a neat business or a person, I just remember (isn’t that what brains are for?) or jot it down on my phone, and look it up later. Just telling people to ‘google it’ on your card isn’t anything new.
3. People might not have access to the Internet – Believe it or not, there are people that don’t have computers or a mobile phone to surf the web at their whim. Going to the library or somewhere isn’t convenient to find information. The Dallas guy doesn’t have any phone number, e-mail, or whatever to find information DIRECTLY on the card. Why do I have to google it to know? This is just an inconvenience, and you’re just marketing Google.
They’re fun cards, but I’d hardly call it a good business card. Waste of cardboard.
Written by Michael on 02.02.09
Here are the most innovative designs for business cards… http://creativebits.org/cool_business_card_designs & link
Written by Kevin on 02.02.09
I don’t think Google should have any problem with this as the card holder is marketing Google for free and the card holder is not claiming that he works for Google
If it is seen with a sense of humor I guess there shouldn’t be a problem. But then if you are a lawyer you will find an opportunity with this card ;-)
Mahesh
Written by BG Mahesh on 02.03.09
Brilliant!
This is more like an innovative business card. Even if I dont use it on first hand basis, I’m definitely going to have one of those in my card holder! :D
Written by Abhishek Kumar on 02.03.09
Brilliant Idea! Now if you can convert the card to plastic with Google allowing code to be written to it, only the top 1-4 out of the Top 10 would be able to access their information when needed or for secured log on. If you could create an electronic swipe card device that is USB Compatible then only those who are allowed certain access to High Profile Information need only swipe their card into the device, which would electronically transfer their details to Google Base. In fact, if we ever have to use an identity card online then perhaps this could be worth looking into. Of course, the ‘Minions – users’ would have fewer entitlements and therefore, their card would have to be color-coded to reflect their stats. A similar device could also be invented for automobiles, aircraft computer systems and the list is endless but security, could never be compromised.
Written by frank burns on 02.03.09
It’s a novelty that will appeal to people who like to hand out their business cards to friends in the pub. Now everyone knows about it, won’t even look like a novelty any more.
If you’re handing out a card like this to actual prospects or putative business partners they’re likely to think you’re just in it for the fun and not serious, which may be a good thing in some cases, but mostly not.
If you’re seriously profiting, Google would seriously stamp on you in court for exploiting its trademark in this way.
Written by David Bradley on 02.03.09
@ David Bradley
I very much agree. To me it more looks like a Google business card. If someone hands this card to me, my first impression would be, he works for Google
Written by Vinitt on 02.03.09
In English law it would be classed as “passing off”, which is fraud. It’s a bit of fun, but for serious business…you could get into a lot of trouble.
Written by David Bradley on 02.04.09
This is a violation of copyright law unless you have permission from Google. link
Besides, it could be viewed as misrepresentation, as if Google has approved or endorsed you or your business. I bet if you ask Google you will get a flat NO.
Written by JM on 02.18.09
Rcd. my free Google business cards from iPrint.com. Spelled my name correctly on envelope. Cards printed as Your Name Here.
Written by Anthony Mitchell on 05.08.09