So the 2011 in-progress winner for 59DaysOfCode was a little start-up named re.vu. Steve and his team built a great application that allows normal people to create a fresh infographic resume. As soon as I started playing around with it, I knew I wanted to have some fun.
I decided to build a direct mail campaign that would drive potential clients or employers to my re.vu page. I will tell you right now, this ain’t cheap. But, I believe it will produce the desired results.
Let me begin by telling you about the materials.
First, I wanted to mail a brick. I thought I should get that out there. So I went on a walk around St Louis and found some bricks. Did you know bricks grow on building and can be picks when they are ripe?
A few months ago I produced the collateral that contains the key messaging. It was built around the prefix “re.” My goal was to write a strong piece that actually got read. That was goal #1: Get it read.
The piece needed to contain the following:
- Explanation: gotta tell them what the brick is all about (some people might just be freaked out)
- Introduction: gotta tell them what I’m all about
- Connection: used LinkedIn recommendations for the quotes
- Action: the bottom portion is a tear off they can keep for future reference
- Repetition, Alliteration & Metaphor
It’s too small to post pictures, but you can view electronic versions of the piece here: Front | Back
I boxed up the brick and the collateral and decided to send it off to a few targeted contacts. I did not include further explanation or an “actual” resume. The collateral has a direct link to my re.vu page (and a pretty QR code). I opted to do this, because I keep that page up to date. Once they have a paper resume, I am kinda screwed. Furthermore, my paper resume is available at re.vu for download if someone wants it.
I wanted to try something different because Steve and his team have created something different. At about $7 a pop I will not be sending out too many, but I am certain that each one will make an impact.
TRUTH: Nobody responded. I blame that on the overall awesomeness. The recipient was overwhelmed and figured that they couldn’t afford my brilliance (let’s go with that).