My “Google Me” Business Card

nice! but can use google logo without permission?

That is seriously interesting and helpful. It does grab and make one curious to google you hehe. But like liewcf said can you use their logo without permission? Furthermore, does this method actually help in you getting traffic. I mean it looks cool without a doubt.

Hmm… why would you want to promote Google's brand instead of YOUR own brand since it's YOUR namecard?

Hi Liew,

As I explained, if you read the article referenced above, Google themselves gave out namecards like these to users who registered with Google Profiles. Secondly, Google's terms and conditions says that if you reproduce a screen shot of Google that is “unaltered”, you don't need to ask permissions. See: http://www.google.com/permissions/index.html

Hmm… why would you want to promote Google's brand instead of YOUR own brand since it's YOUR namecard?

Hi Jasper,

Google is the undisputed leading search engine. The “hidden” message on the card is simply the fact that I can get a common name like “Brian Wong” ranked no.1 on Google. It makes the recipient of the card curious to see what I do. The card itself is neither endorsing Google or myself. Its basically a call to action to do a Google search for “Brian Wong”.

This card is not meant to help me get traffic.

Here's the scenario – let's say you go to a seminar and meet about 20 people and get 20 namecards. 99% of these end up in the bin.

The idea behind this card is to make an impression, hopefully get the recipient to do a Google search and hopefully end up being either a blog subscriber, Twitter follower or Facebook friend before the card ends up in the bin.

Hope that makes sense.

Yes Brian makes perfect sense, which is why even i wouldn't mind trying this as namecard. Naw me asking about the traffic was just a thought because i was showing your post to another friend of mine. But yeap my thoughts exactly on why you would use your Google Profile on a namecard. Just to be different.

Also you get 9 additional possible branding points for the cost of one, so to speak. When someone Googles you, if you are doing a decent job of managing your “Googple Public Relations”, you get 9 additional (above and beyond your website or blog) places where you can have them connect with you. That is, hopefully your Facebook, Twitter and other accounts show up in the results. So by Googling you, they go right to those points of connection and get to choose the one they want to use to interact with you. Smart idea. Simple. I may “borrow” it. :)

I'm not sure “Google did it, so it's okay” is good legal justification for saying it's okay to use their logo. They probably won't prosecute, since the card promotes them- but I wouldn't bet on it. And they would win if they decided to. (Even besides their deep pockets- the legal issue here is completely clear).

I think this new design doesn't let people know what you do at all. I'm not sure “curiosity” is enough. People are lazy, people don't look deeply at things. Most people, upon seeing this design, would probably think you work for Google.
At least the previous design made a little more sense.

You didn't read Google's Permissions page very well.

“Please note that using a screenshot of a Google search results page in connection with advertising your products or services (for instance, showing a top ranking on Google) is not considered instructive or illustrative, and therefore is not permitted.”

-And-

“[We] generally do not approve the use of our logo in third-party marketing materials. This includes online and offline advertising and collateral such as:
• Case studies
• Client and referral lists
• Sales presentations
• Print, broadcast, outdoor or online ads
• Product demos
• Signage
• Trade show booths”

The best place to go to make high quality custom printing items is http://www.PrintsMadeEasy.com.
They specialize in designing custom postcards, business cards, stationery, labels, brochures, invitations, envelopes, flyers,
greeting cards, letterhead, pens, & labels.

If you’re looking for business cards, PrintsMadeEasy.com is giving away 100 Free Business Cards without their ad on the card.
Just go here: http://www.printsmadeeasy.com/log.php?dest=free…
The easy to use customization tool allows you to upload your own photos or edit one of their templates.
High quality, fast shipping, and great customer service. Advertise your business efficiently!

After some research, it appears I am one of MANY who created such name cards. See this: http://cli.gs/JgsuBA

So, there's only one way to know for sure if such business cards are permitted – I've written to them to ask permission.

They say they make take 2-3 weeks to respond. I will post the outcome here. :)

I like your business card!

connect with me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/iamkrissy

I think the card is great.

Law is an interesting beast, its designed to be literal but totally open to interpretating the “spirit” of law in question.

I don't think Google will come after you for many reasons
-it represents the brand in a neutral to positive light
-it would NOT affect their revenue (which is why trademarks are created)
-you are not IMPERSONATING Google. This is important because you are not misrepresenting them

The only “grey” area is “would you be seen as a Google employee”. That would be. Given they have already given out cards like this, they set their own precedent as to its use.

Brian,
Love your final card design! Just wondering did you ever get a response back from Google about the use of their logo? I am just curious about what their answer was.

Also there was a comment posted about people not wanting to waste their time doing a search for your name to find out about you but I tend to disagree with that comment. I think more people would do the search then not.

I believe it is in human nature to be curious and want to find out more info, especially in this particular situation. I know I am always using Goolge to look up things and I know my step dad does it all the time too.

I also wanted to say thanks for all the great articles. I have a lot of reading to do on your blog site LOL!!!

Keep up the awesome work and congratulations on all of your successes!!!

?Jen? aka ?Kittykat7983?

Hi Jen, Unfortunately I have not had any response from Google since I submitted my query. So I guess its up to the individual if they want to take the risk of using such cards. I really don’t think its a big deal because we are not abusing it.

There will always be two opinions about any idea. But I can see from my traffic that a lot of people visit my site because the keyword is my name. Meaning that they search for me.

I have no doubt that online personal branding is a smart investment for the future.

i love your business card but why do you promote googles brand instead of yours?

Cos Google search is by far the most common way people find things on the Internet.

Off topic but here i am.. i’m a 19 year old from the UK who is lost.. you’re a ture inspiration for me Brian and i love your approach to life.

i’ll be happy if i can one day achieve a hundreth of what you have in terms of personal development and finding that happy medium.

Hi Jordan, I am sure you can achieve 100 time MORE than me. Just have faith and focus on your goals.

I got the free cards Google sent out also and decided to continue using that card also on the back I placed my splash page links to my opportunity it’s been working very well for me thanks for the post enjoyed it