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Can I Have My Cake and Eat It Too?

 

I'm torn. Originally, I had gone with CardsByBrett.com and then later realized that ArtByBrett.com was more generic and better. I don't think that matters, really, but hang with me...

I had decided to use the catchphrase "Remembrance that lasts," the idea being that a fine art greeting card might be kept longer (or even framed) by someone, as opposed to a jokey card, therefore preserving the thoughtfulness that went into the purchase. This prompted the logo I had chosen and painted, of someone hanging/framing the card.

But I was re-reading Rolf Jensen's The Dream Society, and it struck me: I'm going into the business of connections and togetherness , and so I need to emphasize that and not the art. So I changed it to "Connections that last," which is better, but like a participle, it loses its strength by not pushing the active verb.

Picture this - you walk into a hair salon and you sit to wait for your appointment and you notice across the floor a display rack of cards and atop it, this sign:

Connect With Someone

You've got time to kill, and you think of people with whom you haven't spoken in a while, and so you browse the cards, find a couple that work for you, and buy those while waiting.

Does that make sense? I think it does, but let's think it through a little further...

If "Connect With Someone" helps the marketing, then should the logo be of two people hugging?

And if I go that direction, don't I lose the generic art nature of ArtByBrett.com and move back toward CardsByBrett.com?

Or, is the phrase "Connect With Someone" enough?

As a safeguard, I've purchased ConnectWithSomeone.com and ConnectWithSomebody.com so that if entered, either would take you to ArtByBrett.com, where that phrase will be prominently displayed.

Lots to consider... I've got two or three months before I go live, so I have the time. Eventually these decisions will be burned into a direction with my hard-earned cash and that makes these details no small matter. The choice of cards, the choice of text or no text in each card, the selection of display stands, the signs that sit atop the display stands, the shape and color of those signs... I'm now around $2,000 to get started and have 10 locations selling my wares. I need to do all that I can get a return on my investment.

Again, I can't emphasize enough the importance of reading books to help the entrepreneur in his/her thinking. And along the same lines, friends who speak their mind honestly to provide pushback where they see a lapse in design for business and cards are of the utmost value.

Starting a business requires every talent I have. It's an all-cylinder effort and in many ways, it's grueling. But as I walk through my days noodling it through, I also have visions of sugar plums dance in my head and between the two, it's consuming. But hopefully worth it.

 


by Brett Rogers, 12/27/2005 2:22:54 PM
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Comments

Connectwithsomebody.com sounds a little like a dating website to me, but that's just my opinion---and another business opportunity! :-) If you leave it Art or Cards by Brett, I think that leaves you room to expand logically beyond the cards when/if you so desire. My vote is just to change the slogan.

 

 

Posted by Bella, 12/27/2005 3:07:50 PM


Oh gosh, I didn't communicate that well.

You're right, ConnectWithSomeone.com does sound like a dating web site, and I don't plan to change the name of the site or the business. I think I'm set on ArtByBrett.com, but I could be swayed by CardsByBrett.com.

If I change the slogan to "Connect With Someone," and if that's what people remember, they might try to go there later at home. Therefore, it would redirect to ArtByBrett.com.

And thanks for weighing in :)

 

 

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 12/27/2005 3:14:55 PM


ArtByBrett, "Creating Memories That Last".

Just don't use "Art That Hurts". That would apply to my "art" when I try to draw something.

 

 

Posted by Kelly, 12/27/2005 6:58:05 PM


LOL! Ohhhhh. I don't know that you didn't communicate well. I could have read too fast. Either way, I am much relieved. :-)

I just like the pic of the kid hanging the card so much...hugging people are nice, but the current logo rocks. Maybe paint somebody hugging him while he hangs it. :-)

 

 

Posted by Bella, 12/27/2005 11:02:47 PM


This is one I am still thinking about. I agree it sounds like a modern dating warehouse but many people visit those sites so it will generate interest. I like I am not sure I like the somebody part. It makes it sound like there is no one for sure to connect with.

 

 

Posted by Johnnie, 12/28/2005 5:59:09 PM


more thoughts... I have been thinking about htis for a few more minutes and I think the connection idea is great if the logo is of an elderly woman hugging a little girl or an older man hugging his son who just returned from war. (Not really that drastic as war but I think the logo should nto be of a couple huggin or the whole internet dating theme will continue to pop into people's minds.

 

 

Posted by Johnnie, 12/28/2005 6:25:03 PM


How about a recycle bin with the red circle and bar, as in this card won't be recycled!!
:)

 

 

Posted by Stef, 12/30/2005 11:52:44 AM



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