That little card with your name can be more powerful than you think - don't underestimate it. I personally had a leak in my bathroom and no knowledge of plumbers - apart from one card that a plumber once gave me. I gave him a rang, and sadly for me ended up shelling out $550. But just think, if he hadn't left that card - the chances of me calling him would have been less than slim.

Here are some tips on how to convey your companies message on a buisness card - yet make it eye catching and unique.

Make your card unique. Your target audience are probably going to be regular consumers, and they've probably seen thousands of buisness cards. Yours needs to be special, and memorable. So get creative, and think of something which will specifically attract your target audience. Think about what you are offering, and make sure you incorperate that. There are billions of buisness cards around the world and you need to design yours in a unique way - quite the challenge. Thankfully, technology allows us to create buisness cards online without leaving the house.

Also, think about details like how flimsy and thin your card is. If your hard is flimsy, like thin paper, then it doesn't look professional and demotes your services rather than promotes. If I want someone to clean my house, a few notes scribbled on a flimsy piece of paper is a major turn-off. Use heavier cards with a glossy finish to make your card look sharp and sleek. Don't cram your card with useless information, but it's a good idea to use as much space as you can, avoiding crowding. That is including the back. Maybe put your number on the back or your email. Buisness cards are designed to be small, so you can hand them out - but that doesn't mean that they can't have information.

Depending on your buisness, adding a photo of yourself can be a good idea. Don't if you run a large cleaning services company - or you risk lowering the quality of your card. But consumers in certain markets like to see a friendly, human face. Somewhere like real estate, where trust is important, is perfect for a photo. It's a great way to build relationships.

And don't forget to add all the necassary information. Don't forget your email, your fax or your number. It may sound basic, and it is, but if you make a mistake like that and hand out 1000 cards - you've shot yourself in the foot. Lead with your companies name, and give clear information. The colour of the card is important too. If you are offering clowns for a kids party, don't have a boring grey for your buisness card. Have something bright and vibrant - but this process works both ways.

Don't hesitate when thinking about a pale blue or yellow. Pastel colours look great and can boost the card. The re-occuring theme in this article is your target audience. You've really got to think about who they are and what they require. What kind of image you want to go for is important - but make sure you don't promote the wrong image, or that will stick.