They measure about 2” x 3 1/2.”
They weigh less than 1/4 of an ounce.
They cost about a nickel or a dime.
And, they pack a powerful punch!
They are business cards, and they are your most effective, least expensive form of advertising. You can (and should!) carry them with you daily, on the ground and in the air. Because business cards frequently create your first impression and because they also have permanence, design them with as much detail as you give to your personal image. After all, they represent your corporate image.
The initial image people consciously and unconsciously conjure up about your business card is based on design, colors and stock type and weight.
Use the following guidelines in designing your business card:
1. Make it attractive and pleasing to the eye. While computers and software packages can make desktop publishers out of almost anybody, there’s real merit in hiring an experienced graphic designer to give your card a professional, coordinated look. It can become your winning edge!
2. Include the necessary information. Today, that translates into a lot of verbiage. It means your name, company name, title, phone, fax and cell numbers, e-mail and web addresses (at least!). This alone often calls for professional talent since so much information has to be arranged in an easily read and understandable manner. Most people call the first number you have listed; therefore, make sure it is your phone number.
3. Use a heavy card stock. Unless you are using parchment paper, stay away from lightweight stock, especially the kind that will easily run through your printer. My research has shown that people say lightweight cards leave an impression of a business that is temporary and cheap ... certainly not building blocks for a new undertaking!
4. Use additional information if you company name is not descriptive of your business. Since Duoforce Enterprises, Inc., for example, does not describe my training and speaking business, I added Rapport Builders under my logo and “Author. Coach. Speaker. Trainer.” on the bottom of my card.
5. Use the back of the card, if appropriate. A doctor, dentist or therapist may want to use it for appointment listings. A motivational speaker can print an inspirational message. A health club can use it as an invitation for a free visit. Anyone can use it as a calendar or as a discount on products or services. I use it to list my products. Don’t, however, put information there that is vital to your business like your web site address or e-mail, which I have seen done ... ineffectively.
6. Use the front as an enhanced marketing tool. A photographer friend of mine turns his originals creations into four-color business cards. A gift-basket owner does the same with baskets she has created. Professional speakers and Realtors often include their photos to increase recognition.
7. Stick to the standard size. Cylinder desktop business card holders are passé. Avoid fancy cutouts. Spend the extra money on design.
In my workshops, I ask people to exchange cards and then answer the following questions. Try the exercise with someone in your network.
Ø Does your card make a positive first impression?
Ø Does it tell the nature of your business?
Ø Does it clearly tell them how to reach you?
Ø Does it pack a wallop?
One last thing, if you want someone to have your card, the proper etiquette is to ask for his/her card first. And, if the other person doesn’t ask for yours in return, I suggest you don’t offer it. Silence is an important part of the communication/relationship-building process.
Business Cards - Small but Mighty Warriors - To learn more about this author, visit Lillian D. Bjorseth's Website.
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Leanne Hoagland Smith
Are you or your business where you want to be? Are you facing constant struggles in business or life in general? Would you like to "unlock" those obstacles keeping you from greater business or personal success? As your results partner, we can work together to unlock those desired results by achieving tomorrow's solutions today. Let’s use your strengths for real change through proven and affordable solutions where the real problems are identified. Are you seeking loyal customers, great attitudes, increased sales, improved profitability or just some sleep filled nights? Then we should talk because my clients have experienced exactly those types of results. Learn more about customer loyalty at http://www.processspec ialist.com/customer-loyalty.htm Give me a call 219.759.5601 for a free strategy session. I look forward to speaking with you. P.S. If you are seeking a motivational speaker, sales trainer or small business expert that will leave your audience smiling and remembering, please feel free to contact me at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland Smith's Website |
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Lillian D. Bjorseth
(Visit Lillian's Website)
Lillian Bjorseth helps you build a new
kind of wealth - social capital - by
improving your networking and
communication skills. She's a speaker,
trainer, coach and author who has
benefitted tens of thousands of people
nationwide through her customized people
skills programs. Lillian believes that
networking and good communication are the
21st century tools to build relationships
that help increase sales and enhance
careers. She urges large companies to
embrace the concepts that small business
has long used successfully. Her zest to
have colleges and universities teach these
skills has led her to develop one of the
first online in-depth
relationship-building series. She's author
of "Breakthrough Networking: Building
Relationships That Last", "52 Ways to
Break the Ice & Target Your Market",
andthe "Nothing Happens Until We
Communicate" CD/workbook series. She's a
contributing author to "Masters of
Networking"
and co-presenter of the "Marketing Boot
Camp" DVD/workbook.
Lillian was among the first in the world
to become a certified DISC trainer. She
was named a Great Woman of the 21st
Century.
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