Business cards are one of the oldest and most effective forms of direct marketing.

Done well business cards become an icebreaker, a talking point or even attract people to pick one up. More importantly, its not just handing your contact details to someone, it creates a lasting first impression. 

Here’s a Top Tip for you, next time you introduce your company and hand your business card over, take time to check out their body language. What was their reaction and what they do with the card.

Potential clients are far more likely to contact you if they believe you’ve put an effort in approaching them and investing in giving them your details with something tangible.

Network North East (NNE) a partnership between Optimul, Haston Creative, Property Partners and SBP came together to promote business in rural Aberdeenshire.

I popped along and participated in the biggest speed networking I had ever attended, it was loud, fast and good fun.

At a calmer 2nd event, I heard from Jim Reid, a local car dealership using social media to grow his business. There were more familiar faces in the room, which lead to a number of catch-ups.

---

“Branding can help you stand out from your competitors, add value to your offer and engage with your customers”. 

The Design Council

---

Successful networking will help you to build mutually beneficial relationships with people inside and outside of your industry.

I learned that the Reason Agency business card had become a talking point at the NNE events, catching the eye of one of the hosts of NNE, Nicola Davidson of Optimul. 

Nicola thrives on making ‘work life’ easier. Finding solutions, seeking efficiencies and reducing workload stress by offering planning, organising and administrative support.

We got chatting! 

With the impact of COVID-19, a 3 year anniversary and growing team, Optimul felt the needed to review their business model, service offering and brand presence.

We set out on a rebranding journey.

Adhearing to COVID-19 restrictions, we took action via Zoom, Trello, Google Docs, referring back to a traditional call on bad hair days.

---

---

A logo should embody the key ingredients of the brand in a distinctive, recognisable marque. The Optimul original logo was two separated semi-circles in shades of green, it felt stand alone and disconnected, the tag line; ‘Small Business Solutions’ was more a statement.

Now, with a solid customer base the new brand required an evolutionary approach and a value proposition.

Branding is about achieving consistency across all areas of the business and each and every customer touchpoint. Essentially ‘the big idea’ what lies at the heart of your company, must touch and inform everything that you do.

The vision, values and tone of voice for the new Optimul brand had to create a ‘connection’ with people, this was a top priority. It had to embody; connectivity, capture culture and the personality of its founder Nicola Davidson. Most importantly, frame the brand’s message in something of value which businesses will feel drawn to.

The result, the Optimul rebrand captures the now, its relevant and agile, all encompassing support to businesses and their owners.

Who doesn’t want that? I know I do. That’s why we build strong brands that’ll help your business be admired, remembered, and preferred.

---

Have I got you thinking about your brand?

If you’re thinking about how to rebrand your business, its products or services, or if you want to assess where your brand stands at present, there are a few key aspects you should consider:

• The big idea – what lies at the heart of your company?
• Values – what do you believe in?
• Vision – where are you going?
• Personality – how do you want to come across?

Can you answer the questions? If you can, you have the basis for developing a strong brand. If you need someone to draw these messages out, provide clarity and consistency thats what we can do and of-course we can help on your journey. Tell us your story; hello@reason.agency

---