| A properly prepared business card is one of the | | | | if you happen to be an exotic dancer. Bright |
| business tools many people overlook. For a small | | | | colors are not a good idea unless you are involved |
| investment usually less than $30 for 500 cards | | | | with color in your business paint, flowers, |
| you can tell the world that you are and what | | | | decorating, etc. Specialty effects such as |
| services you can provide. Your business card is a | | | | vignettes and shadowing get lost in such a small |
| silent salesperson, so what will it say about you? | | | | space. Keep it simple and not distracting. I |
| When planning a card it's important to consider | | | | recently got a card on an opaque material and I |
| your message. Your card will be what people | | | | simple could not read what was printed on it. |
| reference or use to remember you. It needs to | | | | Many people now include their photos, this is |
| be professional, legible and contain the necessary | | | | especially touchy feely. But if you are involved in |
| information. Some exceptions would be a | | | | the photographic business like Eastman Kodak or |
| humorous card if you were a clown or a | | | | are a photographer this is a great idea. |
| comedian and a juvenile card if you were involved | | | | A couple of things to consider about photos:o |
| with children's services. In any case it would still | | | | Some people judge services by the person's |
| need to cover the essential points in its creation. | | | | appearance.o There may be security reasons |
| Spend some advance thought to layout and how | | | | why you might not want your photo on your |
| to capture all the necessary information in such a | | | | card.o Photos can "date" you or your product.o |
| small space. Draw out a template and try | | | | Photos can personalize you and make you more |
| different versions and placement of information. | | | | accessible. |
| You can also use some of the online websites | | | | It is perfectly acceptable to have multiple cards. |
| that have sample business cards templates readily | | | | You should consider having both a professional |
| available. (You will probably need to order from | | | | and personal business card. My husband, a retired |
| them to use it.) | | | | Marine, has a somewhat risqué but funny |
| Tip: Fax your card to yourself. This is a good way | | | | business card he gives out to Marines he might |
| to see how legible you have made the important | | | | meet. Another example would be if you were |
| details. | | | | looking for a job you would want to differentiate |
| In some cases a folded card might be acceptable. | | | | your work, address and contact information from |
| It is important to recognize that many people | | | | your home information. You may also have a |
| don't like cards that are a different shapes and | | | | sideline business that you would want identified |
| size (especially ones that won't store | | | | separately. |
| conventionally in a rolodex or a business card | | | | Business card essentials: |
| organizer.) | | | | On the front:o Name, Title, Company name |
| Some questions to consider when preparing your | | | | & logo, mailing address, phone and fax |
| business card | | | | numbers, E mail address, website & cell |
| 1) Who will receive your card? Hopefully everyone | | | | phone number. |
| you meet. You should always be prepared to give | | | | On the back:o Who you are what you do, your |
| out your cards. I am amazed at the number of | | | | mission statement, your vision, services you |
| people who attend business functions and come | | | | perform, skill sets you have, awards you have |
| without their cards. Students are notorious for not | | | | won, associations/memberships. |
| having a business card. It is an essential part of | | | | TIP: Make sure one side of your card is always in |
| job hunting. | | | | English. If you plan to travel or do business in a |
| Tip: When attending a function that the exchange | | | | foreign country, it's a good idea to invest in a |
| of cards is expected, wear something with | | | | translation of your essential details for the other |
| pockets. Keep you own cards in your right pocket | | | | side of the card. If you do a lot of international |
| and the cards of the people you meet in your | | | | travel especially countries that have security risk |
| left. | | | | it might be worth downplaying your title. Do NOT |
| 2) What will they do with the card once they | | | | have a card that shows that you are someone of |
| receive it? Store it in a Rolodex, add it to the | | | | great importance. |
| database, and put it in a stack with a rubber band | | | | General writing tips:o Stay away from unusual |
| around it? My personal favorite for services I use | | | | fonts and different fonts on the same card;o |
| around the house, vet, pharmacy, cleaners, etc., is | | | | Make sure your card is legible and credible;o Make |
| the refrigerator magnet business card. They are | | | | sure the information is well organized and makes |
| all readily accessible. They are a little more | | | | sense in the layout;o Make sure your name is |
| expensive, but those are the cards I use most. | | | | large enough that people can read without glasses; |
| 3) Under what conditions will your card be used? | | | | Don't rely on one card to do it all. |
| In an emergency (if you need a plumber) you | | | | Plan your cards as carefully as you would a |
| would want your card to jump out of the stack. | | | | resume. Be proud of your card. It's a reflection of |
| Exotic or unusual cards are clever but not exactly | | | | you. Business cards are an inexpensive yet |
| suited to the business environment. Exceptions | | | | essential selling tool. Be prepared to give out your |
| being if you can identify on your card some | | | | card in any circumstance and for heaven's sake |
| service you perform like embossing, hot foil | | | | "Don't Leave Home Without It. |
| stamping or product you sell, specialty papers or | | | | |