Business Cards - Part 1

Business Cards - Part 1

This week, I will be sharing thoughts on business cards. Since part of what I do is train people how to network, I thought I would cover some points on business cards, what to put on them, how to use them, when to use them, etc.

If you are in business, having a business card is an absolute MUST! If you are not in business having a business card can be a real asset. Sharing a personal card can avoid errors in e-mail addresses and the misspelling of names, streets and towns. 

One question that seems to come up is - what should my card look like? 

If you are not in business, it is okay to go with business cards you print from your home inkjet or laser jet printer. 

If you are in business, your card should look as professional as you want your own business to look.

Understandably, if your business requires you to use a template to maintain uniformity within the company - your options are very limited.

However, if you are the decision maker of what your card should look like then there are several things you need to consider:
* Should my card have a photo of me?
* Should I use a standard piece of clip art?
* What colors should I use?
* Should I include my physical address?
* Should I include my web site?
* Should I include my business phone, cell phone, fax, and voicemail?

Drawing on my experience from having several businesses over the last 30+ years as well as experience in selling advertising - let me share some thoughts.....

The less cluttered the better. Yes, I know your business sells tires, changes brakes, does inspections and emission testing, body and fender repair, engine repair, tune ups and detailing - but that all does not have to be listed on your business card.

If you do not have a professional looking photo - don't include a picture on your card. Although fluffy the poodle is cute, she does not belong on your business card unless you are a dog groomer.

In advertising - and that is what your business card is - you want your card to stand out. Something on it needs to be different. When a client or potential customer is leafing through a stack of business cards - you want yours to be eye catching. Your card should have something that stands out in a glance.

Catchy phrases are cute - but limit them to 8 words or less. One roadside barbecue stand advertises "Good food is not cheap - cheap food is not good." Brilliant! That says so much. The food is good. But don't look for a dollar menu.

Listing too many phone numbers can be overkill. Realtors are famous for showing 4, 5 and 6 phone numbers on their business cards.

Corporate logos. Be sure to have permission to show their logo on your card. Unless the corporation you're are listing on your business card is paying to offset your printing costs, I would suggest not using it. If you are a realtor who is part of Century 21, then by all means use that logo. However, if you are a HVAC person there is no need to list TRANE, LENNOX, etc. on your card. I would suggest it on your truck or office. An exception is if you only work on Whirlpool appliances then that needs to appear on your card.

Hours of operation. If your business is 24 hours - then share that info. If you business is a storefront that has specific hours, list the hours on the back of the business card. If you are in an appointment only business - state that on your card.

Font and style. Too small of a font size and / or too swirly of a font may make it difficult for a customer or potential customer to read. That can and will work against you.

Odd shaped business cards. Sure they are catchy, but in a stack of other cards or in a business card holder they can be a nuisance.

Color. If your business has a color scheme - stay with that color scheme. If you are using a blue piece of clip art on your card, go with the same color print or a color that accents the clip art color.

Horizontal cards vs. vertical cards. Personally, I think vertical cards limit the length of a line too much to be effective. 

Business card magnets. Well, they have a purpose if you are a pizza shop or a furnace repair person. But, for they average business - they are a nuisance. Their thickness makes them impractical for a business card holder. Plus, they are magnetic - which if placed against a debit / credit or bonus card can cancel out the debit / credit or shopper card.

Photos - other than a personal picture. If you are known for your blue building, stay with that theme. A word of caution, when using color photographs. They are catchy and stand out - but - the print may be hard to read.

If you have an Internet business or a business that does not get walk in trade - there is no need to list your home address. The exception is if your clients must mail payments or information to you and you do not have a Post Office box.

Next week, I will discuss the Where, When and How of business cards.

I hope this has been a help.

Feel free to e-mail me through my web site with any thoughts or questions.
Have a great week

Ron