A business card
may be the most overlooked advertising medium in the
business world. But these simple rectangles of cardboard can
be powerful tools to help any entrepreneur increase sales.
However, dirty, marked over, bent, homemade
cards create a very negative picture, in spite of the many
great services and products you may offer.
Similarly, a poorly thought out or clumsily designed business
card could be as much of a detriment for your sales as an
"out of business" sign when you present it to a
prospect.
Today, anyone from North America or Europe who has gone on a
business trip to Japan, China or other Asian countries knows
there is very much a tradition of etiquette that must be
followed when exchanging business cards in those countries.
Business cards have actually been around for much longer than
most people realize. The first ones, in the form of visiting
cards or calling cards, were used in China about 600 years
ago. They started being used in Europe approximately 200
years later. When one
aristocrat went out to visit another, the prospective
guest's servant would deliver his master's calling card to
the servant of the prospective host. An elaborate system of
calling card etiquette developed and was followed by the
gentry across England and France.
But even if you are only going to be doing business in your
hometown, you can help boost that business by following four
tips before you have your next business cards printed.
1. Legibility.
It's fine to have a creative, attractive design
for your card, but don't fall for the trap of
selecting a type face that is so fancy it is not
legible. If people can't decipher all the words
and numbers on your card, it is useless. Also,
remember that, especially in this era of aging
baby boomers, type that is too small may also be
difficult for some old eyes to read properly.
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2. Individualize.
You are a unique individual, and your business
card should reflect your unique personality. One
easy way to do this is to put your photograph on
your card. Of, if you are an artist, crafts
person or photographer, why not put an image of
one of your creations
on the card? If you sell unique widgets, put an
illustration of them on your card.
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3. Proofread. Just
as a wood worker should always measure twice
before he cuts, every word should be double
checked for proper spelling. Every telephone
number should be dialed and every web address
visited to make sure they are letter perfect
before your card goes to press.
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| 4. Use the back.
Your business card has two sides, and you are
missing a prime opportunity if you leave the
back of your card blank. Instead, utilize that
space to say what is most important about you,
your business, product or service. It could be
as simple as "bring this card in for a 10%
discount." Or you could use the back of your
card to show off testimonials from some of your
satisfied customers. |
Finally, if you
only need a few cards, or if you want to experiment with
different card designs, you can purchase perforated, blank
business card stock at office supply stores and make your
own cards using templates that come with many computer word
processing software programs.
A word of caution here, however. It's easy to create colorful
cards with tricky images, logos, and fancy fonts, which you
may be able to print on your inkjet printers in small
quantities, but you might find your creations difficult and
very expensive for a professional printer to run a larger
quantity on a professional printing press.
Visit with your local Printing Solutions provider for advice
and guidance before starting to create your own business
card design. Take advantage of their experience in designing
and printing cards for thousands of clients - you'll get a variety of
new ideas, save money and have really professional business
cards to enhance your image.
However your business cards are eventually printed, remember
that they may leave a lasting impression of you and your
business for many years to come. |
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