Business cards are surefire ways to sell one's self or your business whatever profession or industry you may be. And even though making or designing your business card may seem like an easy feat, do know that there is more to it that meets the eye. Here are some of the time and experience tested tips that may guide you in creating a business card that is sure to grab anyone's attention. Business cards are meant to give people information about you and your company in a way to let them know that you are offering your services and to encourage them to do business with you. It is then important that your business card should contain not only your name and your contact information but also a few details and maybe a little explanation on what kind of service you offer or what products your company is currently selling. It should not be too long as to bore your recipients, a simple but witty tag line would do.
And speaking of simplicity, keep your business card clean and clear-cut. It is advisable that you use but one or two kinds of fonts and keep your layout at a minimal. Basic colors, like white, black, grey and blue, work well for people in business and financial investments. Artists and designers may go for more sophisticated and trendy fonts and colors but this too should be kept within good taste and within limits. Sure you want to make sure that your business card stands out. You can do this by going for a good design or great paper texture or perhaps a unique card pattern. An example perhaps is to cut one of your card's corners in an angle pattern. Too much activity going on could be an eyesore for some people and could cause you to lose potential clients. What is important is to make sure that selling proposals are sent across.
It is important to check and be certain that the information contained on your business card is up to date. If you have made changes on your business address or have gotten a new phone number then it is a must that the business card should reflect the updated ones. You just might miss that opportune business deal because the client had no way of contacting you due to an outdated business card. Before printing your cards, you may want it to undergo a spell checker. Always double-check the information on your business cards. It would cost you more if you should reprint them because of one misspelled word or wrong information.
Keep your business card in your wallet or in your pocket or just with you at all times. You never know when you will need to hand them over. When people hand to you their business cards, it is acceptable and expected that you also give them your card in return. And keep in mind to give out your card with its face up so the person you're handing them to can directly see and read what is in them.
As a salesman you know the sale starts even before you open your mouth. It’s about creating a first positive impression from the way you comb your hair, your posture, and even the briefcase you are holding. It’s about a multitude of small things people use to judge you. And when it comes to building your business referrals, your business card printing is no small matter.
So how do you differentiate your small service business? It’s all a matter of perception.
What is a business card?
You may think a business card is simply a piece of card that holds your contact information. But when used in the business world, it is a tool used to get your customers to identify certain values with you and your business.
What does your business card say about you?
Even as a freelancer or a start up entrepreneur, you can market yourself as an established businessman. The difference between the two is seldom about the quality of the actual product or features of the service, but the peace of mind the customer gets from working with a dedicated professional.
1.It establishes your commitment to your business. Without a business card, it will seem like you are simply testing the waters. Printing your cards, your letterheads, buying a suit shows that you are investing in your business. Without these indications, it seems you are still uncertain and unwilling to make any long term investment.
2.It establishes your expertise. Flexibility is an asset, but too much flexibility makes your customer think you spread yourself too thinly. You may be working as one man team, but to indicate in your business card that you are a web developer, or an accountant, or a sales executive, tells them that you are an expert in one aspect.
3.It establishes your work values. The professionalism you exhibit in your business card is an indication of how professional you can be about your business. It is about your credibility and your ability to fulfill the promises and standards you have setup that is being tested in the meetings. Selling the products start only after you have sold your image to the customer.
What does it say about your business?
4.Businesses that have registered business names and have office addresses have business cards. Those businesses whose operations are built on their garage or bedrooms would often just give you their phone numbers.
5.Business cards give your customers the impression that your business is a successful enterprise. When you give away business cards, it means you are servicing many businesses and are streamlining the effort to spend time dictating your contact information individually.
6.Although business card printing in reality a small investment, many self-employed professionals and small businessmen neglect to have their business card printed professionally. You can after all, simply just dictate your phone number and other contact information verbally. They may have forgotten that business cards are as much an advertising material as their brochures and flyers.
Both James Brown & Joel Owens are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Joel Owens has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Business Cards and computers and the internet. Loves to read and talk anything under the sun. From current events, magazines, social life, metro lifestyles, traveling etc. Not a born writer but experience could make a difference. He also loves to eat especially travel in different places. Going to bea. Joel Owens's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.