In business, we often talk about “outside the box” ideas. We tend to think of traditional methods of message delivery as inside the box, and new media as outside.

That’s fine, but before we step outside the box let’s take stock of what we’ve got in here.

It’s true that people increasingly occupy digital spaces in daily life, but we still spend as much time or more in the physical world. Skype and Facetime have not replaced the value of actual face time, of sharing a physical space with other human beings.

That’s why we still have cars and highways, storefronts and offices. We continue to interact with the physical world – and consume physical advertising.

But physical advertising is inside the box, right? Maybe signs aren’t enough to get our customers’ attention. Maybe they’re too boring.

Then again, maybe it’s not the medium. Maybe it’s the execution.

Idea #1: Put the space wherever you want it.
Billboard companies decide for you where your message can be displayed. Free your mind. Virtually any large surface you own – walls, vehicles, furniture, etc. – can be your billboard.

Idea #2: Use all the space you’ve got.
Magazines put your ads where they have room. What if instead of appearing inside the publication, your ad was wrapping the table underneath it or the chair you sit in to read it?

Idea #3: Create space where you don’t have it.
Why be limited by the dimensions of your store, showroom or office? Impress your customers with a wall wrap that creates the perception of as much space as you can envision.

Before you step outside the box, take another look at the tools already inside it. Let’s use them to build a bigger box together.