Business – Business Cards

You can define a business card as – a small card that identifies a person in relation to their business, given to a client, potential client, etc.

Business card in some parts of the world is also called business card. It is one of the most important elements of a business. A business card introduces you to others. Inform others of your name and the activity you are involved in. A business person cannot live without a business card. It is the most important and elegant way to introduce yourself, your services and/or products to others who may be interested in what you have to offer.

Now there are two types of business cards that are available to you. One is the printed business card and the other is the email business card. The printed business card is used in the real world, where you meet people in person and give it to them. In the virtual world, which is also on the Internet, you pass your business card and it is called the email business card.

So how do you go about getting yourself a printed business card? The best way is to have a designer design it for you. Where do you find the designer? Look in your local yellow pages or go online and do some research. You would find one. Although professionals suggest that an entrepreneur should seek the help of a designer, a cash-strapped person may not be able to afford one. So what is the other alternative?

The solution is to look at other people’s business cards. You must have come across many business cards over the years. Go through them. Write down the best features you find on those cards. Take note of all those features that in your opinion you should incorporate into your card. It may not always be possible to have all of these features on your card for various reasons. It depends on the type of paper, the number of fonts, their size, the ink colors used, and the size of the card itself, let alone placing it. Business cards come in various sizes and shapes. Can be verticals or horizontals. It can be a simple card, a two-fold card, or even a three-fold card. Sometimes there may be something bumped into the card itself. The so-called plain card could also have some content on both sides of the card.

Now, what should go on your business card? The name of your business, of course. Along with the mission statement that you have coined after much thought. Now look at the items that should go on the card.

The first thing is obviously your name. Ideally this should be given with the designation/title. You can also indicate your academic degree right next to it. For example:

Joe Bill, B.Sc – Sales Executive

You may list your affiliations here, if any, along with your other professional or academic designations.

• It will also mention the department/division name followed by the company name.
• It will give the full and complete address of your company along with the zip code.
• It will also list landline numbers along with cell/mobile phone numbers.
• You will provide the company URL along with your own email id.
• Of course, it will also feature the logo. In fact, it’s the most visible element on your business card.

While you can choose a single, simple card and provide all the information on one side, an innovative way to use white space would be to provide the address along with a street map or driving directions on the other side of the card.

If you have a partner, both can share the same card. This is ideal in the case of a husband and wife team. You can both use the same card by giving the details on each side of the card. In these times of recession, the ideal is that you save money where and when possible.

An innovative insurance salesman taped a dime to his business card to politely remind his clients: ‘You’re never broke’ with my services.

However, it’s helpful to have something besides your name and location, but not too much. This distinguishes you from the competition. A minimum number of different fonts should be used. A card should have a simple yet eye-catching design without being flashy in color. Study other people’s cards to see what combinations present themselves best and consider them your own.

When you make your calls, make sure you’re fully prepared with ample business cards on hand. Keep your card where you can easily get it out. Do not keep them in your wallet or keep them in your briefcase. There are business card holders that would help you hold a series of cards. They keep cards clean and in shape. They help you avoid giving out dog-eared or dirty cards. Put this card holder in your suit or shirt pocket. You don’t have to take it out of your back pocket while sitting down.

Try to find innovative ways to exchange business cards while at parties or at meetings, get-togethers, conferences. An exchange of business cards does not necessarily have to take place in a formal business meeting. When someone asks you where you live, pull out the card and give it to them.

In a restaurant or when you go out for lunch or dinner, leave a card on the table. It would help someone to communicate with you. Every once in a while, leave a card at the bank when you’re filling out that deposit slip. Leave your card at the counter.

This little story appeared in a magazine. When this British visitor, while in a Malaysian hotel, asked a Japanese man by the pool, “what are you doing?”, the Japanese entrepreneur pulled his business card from the trunks he was wearing and held it out to him.

With a little searching on the net, you can get great free templates to help you create your own business or visiting card.