A minor pet peeve of mine is when I’m browsing TV listings and can only find generic episode descriptions. For example: “Homer and Marge Simpson raise Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie in Springfield, where eccentric residents make everyday life interesting.”

There are 678 episodes of The Simpsons, and that’s the only info I get about each of them. I want the story.

That’s also how I feel when I occasionally look back through a stack of collected business cards. Names, titles and logos mean nothing to me if the card gives no clues about what this person does. I want the story.

Here are a few ways I think we can all up our business card game:

1. Think about the recipient. It’s cool to have a fancy, colorful card with big titles and every add-on option the print shop offers. It will impress your mom, but it’s not what your customer is looking for. If I’m getting your card, I want to know who you are, what you do and how I can follow up. Bonus points for having some white space where I can make a note about where we met or what we talked about. (And even more bonus points if that white space is a pen-friendly matte finish!)
2. Cut some of the copy. The next time you update your card, think about what you can scrap. A lot of the information may be there because that’s how it’s always been done, but some people may find it’s time to ditch the fax number or mailing address and add an Instagram handle.
3. Make it yours. Be creative to make your card reflect you. Some people like to cut theirs round or square to stand out. It’s fine if that’s your thing, but you can do more. I once met a photographer who didn’t have standard business cards at all. He brings an old-fashioned Polaroid to networking events, snaps a shot on the spot and slaps a contact label on the back. The next time somebody wants a photographer who thinks outside the box, I know who I’ll recommend.

If you’re ready to re-think how you brand yourself and what you share with the world, check out The MyStory Project.