In some types of businesses, having a business card is vital. In others, its not necessary.
Take a look at your business card. Is it impressive? Does it tell the right story?
A lot of experts feel that they're usually unnecessary. "At least half of the top businesspeople I know never have business cards with them," says one. "They exchange numbers on the back of cocktail napkins."
Marketing consultants sometimes suggest that you buy business cards only if and when you actually need them. And that time may never come. "I run and/or own at least a half-dozen multimillion-dollar businesses and have neither a card nor stationery for any of them," says one successful business owner.
If you feel the need to print up business cards - if, for example, you're going to a lot of networking events and/or industry conferences and you're uncomfortable being there empty-handed - here are some guidelines to help you design the best ones possible:
- Less is more. Make the card as simple as possible: Your name in caps, top and center. And below that, in upper/lower-case letters, your contact information.
- The card stock should be white or beige on moderate-to-excellent stock, depending on the image you want to project for your business. (It should be consistent. High quality isn't always better.)
- The card should look appropriate to your trade. "If you are a rock star, you can choose an ornate type," says Michael. "But if you're a graphic artist, choose something dignified."
Check out this creative business card for someone in the landscape and gardening industry!....
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