I love business cards. Each one that I’ve designed or collaborated with a business partner to create has been my very favorite. There’s excitement at the initial stage of development when you are naming your business and considering what the colors, logo and messaging will be. Finding the right shade, the most appealing fonts and a perfectly fitting graphic generated even more anticipation of our KICKSTART Your Transition, career coaching and consulting business launch.
However, some clients may not share this creative perspective and get stuck on producing a masterpiece, but don’t know how to begin. If you’ve recently been laid-off by your employer, or in career transition, designing an attractive business card is likely not a high priority. How will you describe yourself if you don’t have a job? Omit a title or use Consultant in your field as yet to be named. What if you have a full-time job and also plan a side business, not related to your primary career? Can you have more than one business card? Many people carry multiple cards. Some clients feel that technology has made them obsolete, so why bother at all? Technology may replace cards in the future, but for now, it’s still the easiest way to share contact info, especially with many people at once.
Aren’t you dating yourself when you ask to exchange business cards?
Make no mistake about it; the business card is the universally accepted ice-breaker for business opportunists. The simple request to exchange cards is an instant conversation starter. Use it to learn more and engage with the person in front of you.
Cards can be easily ordered on-line and turned around quickly, or you can take the longer route and work with a graphic designer. The purpose of a card is to be informative but not encyclopedia like with too much data or confusing text. This is not necessarily a one-time-only card. While there’s a range in cost, it’s generally quite reasonable to print hundreds.
- Choose the company with care and avoid *FREE* cards (Free is printed on the reverse)
- Select heavier card stock
- Keep the back blank with a matte finish (good for notes), the front can be glossy
- Keep it simple- a square or round card may be memorable but won’t fit in my card holder.
What’s most important?
- Your name, company name, phone number(s), e-mail, website and physical address if you have room and your logo if you have one
- Avoid cluttering up the card
- You can refine and revise with future versions
- Just get one done!
It can be helpful to discuss your goals and creative requirements before finalizing your selection.
