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Business Cards

When you routinely meet people, it is not always possible to get to know them on the level that you would like to by simply conversing. You might see this person as a possible client or a way for you to network and move up in the ranks of your profession. Therefore, it is to your advantage to exchange information with that person via a business card. 

A business card is an effective marketing tool that most people in the professional world utilize. Having a powerful business card is one of the most cost effective ways you can promote your business. The basic business card will state a name, company name, address phone, fax and possibly an e-mail address. Those wishing to take the business card to the next level will put a tag line promoting his company or even a special offer as a perk for doing business with the respective company. For example: a company might offer a free subscription to its newsletter or a free trial for one of the company's services.

Creating an Effective Business Card
Making Effective Use of Business Cards

Business Card Design Tips

The standard business card tells who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.

An effective card helps others know and remember you and gives them a reason to contact you. Here are some tips for designing an effective business card:

1. First, you need to decide what you want your business card to convey to others. 

• What is your title and what company, organization are you representing?
• Decide whether you want your card to be formal or informal.
• Include all the necessary components of the business card (name, company, title, address, e-mail etc.)
• Include tag line, logo and special offers where appropriate. Since the card is small by design you might need to come up with a condensed way of saying the things you want without losing the intended effect.

2. Decide what type of paper you want your card printed on.

• Make sure the texture of the card is pleasant.
• Make sure the paper the card is printed on is not too thin or else it will bend very easily.
• Remember, a light card conveys a feeling of cheapness. “A lightweight business card is a lightweight person, a lightweight business. Your card needs to set itself apart by being printed on high quality paper.

3. Make your card stand out without being an annoyance.

• Be sure to make your card a standard 3.5 by 2 inches. If your card is bigger than that it might not fit comfortably in a wallet and they might end up throwing it out.
• Consider using full color to design your cards.
• Make sure you make proper use of them by passing them out whenever possible.

Business Card Content Checklist

Here is a checklist of items to include in your business cards. Some of the following are optional so you need to decide which ones are appropriate for your business card.

• Name of individual
• Name of Business organization
• Address
• Phone Number
• Fax Number
• Email Address
• Web Page Address
• Job Title of Individual
• Tagline
• Description of business or organization
• Logo
• Decorative elements
• List of services or products

Creating an Effective Business Card

Since Business cards are so common and standard in today's world, it is easy to overlook their usefulness when creating them. Here is some valuable advice for spicing up your business card to get the results you want.

• Use your imagination to add some pizzazz to your existing card. Add a sticker, write your name or discount offer on the back or use fancy designs on the edges. Anything you do to help your business card stand out might earn it a coveted spot in someone's wallet.
• Try printing your cards in color. Using color immediately causes your card to stand out as the vast majority of cards are printed in black ink on white card stock.
• Don't be afraid to have more than one card if necessary. If you own more than one business or have multiple roles, don't try and cram it in to one card.
• Utilize your space effectively. Craft a business card that explains what you do and why someone should hire you to do it. If something isn't essential, don't include it. For many people, an address is not essential information on a business card. The space could be better utilized by adding product benefits, store hours or a guarantee.
• Make sure everything is cited clearly. Your name, title, company, contact information and logo should be clearly visible on the card. Make sure that anything you want to standout does!
• Your card can even be used as a mini-brochure. You can print relevant information on the back such as benefits of using your product and service, products or services you offer, or relevant tips in the field. The more information your card conveys, the longer someone will keep it.

Making Effective Use of Business Cards

After your original, informative and creative business cards are published, it is time to hand them out. The way you distribute them is as important as how they are designed. After all, business cards aren't crafted to remain in your possession.

 Don't keep your cards lying around in your office mailbox or strewn all over your desk. Make sure you have some available wherever you may be since you never know who you might run into within the course of a day. Additionally, distribute cards to your family and friends so they can adequately recommend you to people who could benefit from your services. Don't' be afraid to leave them at restaurants, at the doctor's office or even in between pages of books at the library.

 When handing out business cards, it is recommendable to hand them out with both hands. It shows the person that you value your card and leaves a psychological impact on that person. If you are having trouble finding the right time during a conversation to transfer your business card, ask him for his and he will most probably return the favor.