Adweek – Tools of the Trade: Ryan D’Arcy of Compadre

Tools of the Trade is an AgencySpy feature to help highlight the many tools that help make advertising and marketing folks successful. The tools can be anything that helps people perform at their top form, from a favorite drafting table to the best software program to a lucky pen, a vintage typewriter or a pair of headphones.

Next up is Ryan D’Arcy, director of client partnerships at L.A. creative agency Compadre.

What is one tool you use all the time at work?

I love old school business cards. They are simple, effective, and can be extremely helpful at live events, in-person meetings or any time you meet a new and interesting person.

Why is it your favorite?

Sure, it’s just paper, ink, and some personal information, but in certain situations, a business card can be so much more.

For many people, it’s common to immediately forget someone’s name when first meeting. It can be a stressful situation and you may be thinking about the presentation you have ahead or just meeting a lot of people. Providing a business card gives people the “cheat sheet” they can refer to later, easing that stress.

At a networking event, introducing yourself with a business card is a great way to help the other person recall your conversation when you follow-up later via LinkedIn or email. For in-person meetings with new people, business cards can be arranged on the table in front of you so you can easily remember who is sitting in which seat, and makes it easier to put faces to names even weeks later.

And, of course, keeping a few business cards in your wallet can be extremely handy when out at a new restaurant or visiting a new city. You never know who you’ll meet or how much time you’ll have to exchange information—even in a digital-first world, a well-designed card can help with that first impression.

How did you acquire your tool or hear about it for the first time?

I’ve been consistently using business cards since college. A professor and mentor had them printed for a few of us that interned for him—he even taught us many of the tricks I mentioned above to maximize their usage.

Coincidentally, this is around the time I first saw American Psycho, which includes a brilliant scene centered on business cards. While the scene (and movie as whole), is a satirical portrayal of ‘80s ultra-wealthy, yuppie business culture, you can’t argue Eggshell coloring with Romalian type looks great.

How does it help you be successful?

In addition to a great tool for networking, a high-quality, well-designed card can be a great way to reflect your brand’s personality, especially if you work in a creative space like we do at Compadre.

At Compadre, our business cards look and feel great, but also showcase our laid-back and approachable nature. The casual greetings on the back mirror the way I speak, giving me the confidence to be myself and encouraging me to be the best ambassador I can for Compadre.

Does it have sentimental value?

More than people probably realize. It’s less about the card and more about the connections you’ve made… unless I’m the only one who’s saved 15 years’ worth of business cards in a box.

Do you think your tool could go TikTok viral? Why or why not?

This feels unlikely. Maybe if it’s involved in a close-up magic trick or incorporated into a dance, but until then, I think Patrick Bateman will be the only person to make the business card famous on-screen.

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