Pink Think: “Rock stars get room keys, I get business cards.” – Thomas Friedman
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| My original business card |
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| My revamped business card |
I just got back from a fabulous Utah Personal History Conference where I handed out dozens of business cards through my display as well as just talking to people. I also received several in return. So today I thought I would share things I’ve learned through the effect of my own business card (humble pie!) and looking at others’.
[A quick note about my business card. I learned the hard way that when I had it as the first version, the print is not as legible. And my info isn’t as dynamic as it could be. So I revamped it to the 2nd one.]
1. DO get feedback before you send to print. The beauty of online services like Vista Print (highly recommended! That’s where I get my cards from) is you control your own design and can save roughly half you’d pay at a brick and mortar store. The drawback, however, is it’s so easy send off your design without feedback. Some questions to ask:
Is the design dynamic? Does it capture the spirit of your business? Does it sell your vision?
Is the text legible? Please don’t do cursive. It’s just not legible in that small of print. Even serif fonts like Georgia or Times New Roman are hard to read, if they aren’t spaced correctly. It doesn’t matter if your text is pretty. If the potential client can’t read your URL, they won’t be able to check out your business even if they wanted to.
2. DO use the back of your card to elaborate on the services you provide and your professional experience.
3. DO be professional. Early on, I used to have a business card with a floral border. Well, I outgrew that one pretty quickly. You can have a lovely business card that still conveys that you can handle serious business. Ask yourself, does this convey the image of someone capable of handling the business/service I’m selling?
4. DON’T try to cram in too many things. Highlight your best points and entice them to get more information on your website.
5. DO include a website address. Most potential clients want to check out your work online before calling. I know I do. You can design your website for free. My Treasured Stories website is simply a Blogger blog that is linked to a URL that I bought through GoDaddy. The advantage of this technique is, my website URL sounds more professional than a blogspot address. With blogging options, there’s really no excuse not to have a website nowadays.
6. DO put your mug shot if you absolutely feel like you have to. Otherwise, I think it’s space you can use for more important information.
7. DO include a QR code for your website URL if there’s space. A QR code is an app iPhone users can scan that leads them directly to your website. You can get it HERE for free. Personally, I don’t have an iPhone, but I know several people who scan things constantly.
8. DO have a catchy business name to begin with. Here’s a Squidoo article that can help. Sometimes rambling and unfocused business names can take the punch out of even the best designs.
DO share YOUR ideas in the comments!
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