Business dealings do not always have to be serious affairs, and in some cases it is best to cultivate a light-hearted atmosphere. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but subtlety is often best. According to Luke Weil, CEO & Co-Founder at Andina Acquisition Corp., a little bit of humor with the title on a business card can go a long way without negatively affecting professionalism. The key is to understand when humor is appropriate and when it is not.
As CEO, Weil has found that his title can be a bit intimidating to his employees. While he recommends that the bulk of the business cards any professional carries reflect the given title, he also says that there is a time and place to distribute a card that has a bit of subtle humor. The humorous aspect of the card can serve to ease any tension between boss and employee.
Weil cites the CEO of Boston Market, George Michel, as the perfect example. Michel regularly distributes business cards that refer to his title as “The Big Chicken,” instead of his given title as CEO. This allows Michel to interact with his employees casually and comfortably, resulting in conversations that are mutually beneficial.
Of course, Weil notes that it is important not to focus too much on humor and that subtly comedic cards should be reserved for situations that call for a relaxed atmosphere. When a contentious negotiation is about to begin, it is certainly best to provide a card that reads “CEO.”