Getting business cards for your newly formed company is a relatively easy process these days. You can go to Staples, Vista Print, and other sites like these to find a wide array of template business cards. All you need to do is pick one that is right for your business. They are cheap and you can get a few hundred for next to nothing.
So what does this say about your commitment to your business? "I am in a hurry, these things don't matter. I am going to be handing these things out like water, why bother spending my time and energy on them?"
What it's really saying is - "I don't believe in my business."
Don't make this mistake. Think about it, your business card is the first printed piece your potential clients see. A business card is a very tactile expression: it's like a good hand shake. You will be measured by it. Your clients will say to themselves things like: Does it feel substantial or flimsy? Do they care enough about me to hand me a well thought out marketing piece? Are they here to stay or a fly-by-night outfit? How will they treat my business? They are really sizing up you and your brand.
What does yours say...about your brand?
It seems like a small and very minor thing: after all it is just a business card. Think about it this way: it is the first impression you make, you only have one chance to make a first impression, do it right.
I know I come at this with a bit of a prejudice because my job is to make you look good to your clients. This is what a graphic designer does. So yes, we care.
It is not just about a logo or a great design, it's what it says about you to your clients. A great business card says that you have taken pride in your business and you stand for quality in all aspects of who you are and what you do. I am amazed and saddened by what I have seen.
I have seen Marketing people that get paid handsomely to craft the right words and ideas for clients that use stock template business cards for themselves. Would you trust them with your image? I have seen Real Estate Agents that sell high end homes that have "free" Vista Print cards (Vista puts their logo on these cards, are you advertising them or you)? EEK!
Start small with your marketing and branding.
That little piece of real estate 2" X 3.5", has big branding and marketing power. Yes, it should have contact information this is essential, but it should also reflect your company, your purpose and your style.
I understand it seems expensive to spend money and time on such a small item in your arsenal of marketing pieces, but it is money well spent. We don't hand out many brochures anymore, we send clients to our websites, Facebook business pages and Twitter addresses.
This little card is your gateway piece: that volley across the net, the hub to all of who you are as a company. Working with a graphics or branding designer can give you credibility right from the start. As an entrepreneur you need help with many things, but your outward appearance is one of the most important.
You want to project the professional that you are. You spend money on your hair, your clothes, your car and a well designed branding package rounds out your appearance to your clients.
So go ahead and pull your business card out of your wallet or purse and really examine it. What is it really saying about you and your brand? Look at a card that someone handed you. Why did you save it? What about it do you like? How did it touch you as a potential client? This is how you want your client to react to your cards. If you don't like what your card is saying now, find help. Our Biznik community has many talented designers and we are here to help you.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave comments.
Biznik is an MLM free zone. Read our 
Bookmark article
Follow article
Email to a friend
Share 
Bizniks are talking about 
Bizniks are talking about 
