Why do so many of the ‘New Wave’ business people feel there now is no need for a respectable business image?
I’ll skip over the need for a coat and tie or business suit to wear to important meetings with new clients and go directly to addressing the number one business tool every business person needs in order to develop a solid business relationship...the Business Card.
First Impressions
A lot has been written on the need for business cards as well as for Not Needing a business card. The fact is, you need gotta have a business card.
Some great points were made in the blogs on entrepreneur.com
Granted, the internet has introduced a multitude of different ways to introduce yourself to the world. I personally like the video business card, or the business profile video. However, no matter how much tech you use to replace the business card you are just not going to be able to replace the tangibles that go along with your business card when you hand it to a potential client or boos.
Nonetheless, there are still people who say business cards are dead. They base their reasoning on by claiming the social platforms like LinkedIn and other contact management apps have rendered them obsolete. They say, business cards are the last vestiges of the bygone era of paper and print. On the most part they are right, but…
Those folks are wrong.
To the contrary, instead of the business card dying, the web has transformed how everyone uses them. I have seen many business deals get off on the wrong foot because one of the parties did not have business cards.
Think back to the last time you traded business cards with someone.
Business cards are a way to distinguish your business from competitors. Business cards are often the first time a client or employer are exposed to your company. It’s vital your first impression is a good one.
Business cards offer the benefit of being both visual and tactile representations of your company. The engagement of presenting your business card to someone creates a connection that can’t be recreated any online social network or your website.
Business cards will grow your brand — you just have to present them correctly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you design your business card:
7 Ways to Make Your Business Card Your Best Marketing Tool
Know your audience
If most of your clients are in the corporate world you will need something professional — think lush linen papers, classic colors and raised printing. If your company is a small startup with laid-back customers, your cards should reflect something more casual.
Remember brand consistency
Your business card should match all of your marketing materials. It’s important to create a seamless experience from using similar colors and the right tone.
Don’t go over the top
Concrete business cards — yes, they really do exist — are definite conversation starters, but they aren’t practical.
You don’t have to go overboard to represent your company. When getting creative with your business card, make sure it’s a good fit for you. What works for one business might not work for yours.
For example, business cards made from a biodegradable paper dotted with seeds works great for a friendly neighborhood gardening center. For most businesses, a classic, 2 inch by 3.5 inch card made from non-sprouting paper works just fine.
Differentiate your brand through other ways, such as the thickness of paper stock, its design and finishes.
There are plenty more best-practices when it comes to your business cards’ design. The most important thing to remember is… it’s ultimately about your. A bad looking business card will give the recipient of your card a bad impression.
Take your business serious by taking your business cards serious. Like it or not, business cards are here to stay.
Let me know how I can help.
