How to create a business card

A properly prepared business card is one of the business tools that many people overlook. For a small investment, typically less than $ 30 for 500 cards, you can tell the world who you are and what services you can provide. Your business card is a silent salesperson, so what will it say about you?

When planning a card, it is important to keep its message in mind. Your card will be what people refer to or use to remember you. It must be professional, legible and contain the necessary information. Some exceptions would be a humorous card if you were a clown or a comedian and a youth card if you were involved in children’s services. In any case, it would still be necessary to cover the essential points in its creation.

Give some thought to the layout and how to capture all the necessary information in such a small space. Draw a template and try different versions and locations of the information. You can also use some of the online websites that have sample business card templates available. (You will probably need to ask them to use it).

Tip: fax your card. This is a good way to see how legible you have made important details.

In some cases, a folded card may be acceptable. It is important to recognize that many people do not like cards that come in different shapes and sizes (especially those that are not conventionally stored in a rolodex or business card organizer).

Some questions to consider when preparing your business card
1) Who will receive your card? Hopefully everyone you meet. You should always be prepared to distribute your cards. I am amazed at how many people attend business functions and come without their cards. Students are notorious for not having a business card. It is an essential part of the job search.

Tip: When attending a function where card swapping is expected, wear something with pockets. Keep your own cards in your right pocket and the cards of people you know in your left.

2) What will they do with the card once they receive it? Store it in a Rolodex, add it to the database, and put it in a stack with a rubber band around it? My personal favorite for the services I use at home, vet, pharmacy, cleaning, etc., is the fridge magnet business card. All are easily accessible. They are a bit more expensive, but those are the cards that I use the most.

3) Under what conditions will your card be used? In an emergency (if you need a plumber), you’ll want your card to jump off the pile.

Exotic or unusual cards are smart, but not exactly suited to the business environment. The exceptions are if you can identify on your card a service that you perform, such as embossing, hot stamping or product that you sell, special papers or if you are an exotic dancer. Bright colors are not a good idea unless you are involved with color in painting, flowers, decor, etc. of your business. Special effects like vignettes and shadows are lost in such a small space. Keep it simple and distraction free. I recently received a card in opaque material and I just couldn’t read what was printed on it.

Many people now include their photos, this is especially sensitive. But if you are involved in the photography business like Eastman Kodak or are a photographer, this is a great idea.

A couple of things to consider about photos:

o Some people judge services by the appearance of the person.

o There may be security reasons why you do not want your photo to be on your card.

o Photos can “hang out” with you or your product.

o Photos can personalize it and make it more accessible.

It is perfectly acceptable to have multiple cards. You should consider having both a professional and personal business card. My husband, a retired Marine, has a somewhat risky but fun business card that he gives to the Marines he might meet. Another example would be if you were looking for a job, you would want to differentiate your job, address, and contact information from your home information. You may also have a side business that you would like to be identified separately.

Business card essentials:

On the front:

o Name, title, company name and logo, postal address, telephone and fax numbers, email address, website, and cell phone number.

In the back:

o Who you are, what you do, your mission statement, your vision, the services you perform, the skill sets you have, the awards you have won, the associations / memberships.

TIP: Make sure one side of your card is always in English. If you plan to travel or do business in a foreign country, it is a good idea to invest in a translation of your essential data for the other side of the card. If you take a lot of international travel, especially countries that have security risks, it might be worth downplaying your title. DO NOT have a card showing that you are someone of great importance.

General writing tips:

o Stay away from unusual fonts and different fonts on the same card;

o Make sure your card is legible and credible;

o Make sure the information is well organized and makes sense in the design;

o Make sure your name is large enough so that people can read without glasses;

Don’t rely on just one card to do it all.

Plan your cards as carefully as you would a resume. Be proud of your card. It is a reflection of you. Business cards are an inexpensive but essential selling tool. Be prepared to hand over your card in any circumstance and, for God’s sake, “Don’t leave home without it.”