This is a important question and one that is asked often , but not often enough. It is widely accepted that a business card should carry the minimum information of of contact information, company name and a visual identifier such as a logo or colour scheme that identifies your company. Of course there is certain information that legally that needs to appear there also. Apart from those mentioned already though, what other elements make certain business cards stand out?

There are so many elements to consider, not least the shape and size of the card . While many decide to move away from the normal 85mm x 55mm or 90mm x 50mm business card sizes, is this wise ? After all, if someone uses a traditional business card wallet, and your card doesn't fit in there, could the cost of being different be higher than the benefits?

Quality of card material is another point to consider, and one that carries much more weight than you might at first think. Many Companies opt for low quality budget cards, but again, is this false economy? As when presented, your card quality psychologically reflects the quality of your company and its services. The quality and weight of the card material used is important in establishing the perceived value of the quality of your business, after all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

The most difficult decision for many is the colour quality, and this is where many opt for savings, that again sometimes can be false economy. Modern printing presses are fast and efficient, and a lot more cost effective. Full colour photographic business cards are now within the reach of even the smallest budget. And there is nothing like the quality of a full colour business card to make that all important first impression.

Gimmicky cards are another consideration. I have heard of people having metal lock pick cards where there is a set of lock pick tools that can be removed from the business card (well it is actually punched printed metal). This is all fine and dandy but does it fulfill your need, and the basic requirements? Another company have their business card as a London underground train ticket. Again quirky, and memorable, but does it portray your business properly?

Business cards are in effect an extension of your business into someone else's business world and because of that they should carry with them your brand. And by using the word brand, I mean not only visual brand such as colours and logo, but the brand values. Imagine meeting Bill Gates, and upon receiving his business card, you notice that it has the Microsoft logo on there, but the print quality is poor, the card quality is cheap, and there is a typo error on it. How would you now perceive Mr Gates, and Microsoft in general? Would your experience of the business card make you reconsider the whole "Microsoft is quality" mantra?

So What DOES make certain business cards stand out, and is standing out all it is cracked up to be?