There is one “must” for business cards – have them.
If you have really good cards, then you can stop reading. Otherwise, continue. You may still want to continue reading just to make sure…
This is another case of writing about the completely obvious but it needs to be said. There have been many times that I encounter people making business card mistakes. Years ago when I started out, I did some of these, and learned the hard way.
Whether you are an entrepreneur or a job seeker or an investor, or whatever, please have a business card. They are very inexpensive these days to get decent ones.
The rest are suggestions.
Do-It-Yourself: No.
Unless you are truly broke do not make them yourself. Avoid looking cheap. It is almost impossible to get the right kind of paper stock and to cut them properly. The designs often look unprofessional, the ink does not present correctly (bleeds, too feint, dots are visible, etc.). It can give a bad impression of you and your business. The exception is when you have no other business card available, and then it is okay to make your own. Keep it simple though.
Size: Standard size is 3.5 x 2 inches.
Keep them the standard size, no larger or smaller. Larger cards do not fit easily into pockets, wallets or the business card case. They usually get tossed out. Smaller cards are very popular with this one online business card web site. Most people use them because the first 250 are free. It may seem like a great deal except that on the back they advertise the free cards on the web site. That is usually not a big deal, but when you are trying to stand out from the rest of pack, its best to go your own path. The only exception is if the smaller card is smaller because of a design reason that makes you unique.
Design: Get professional help or keep it simple.
Unless you are an artist, can use the branding of your company, or can do decent design, then keep it simple. One of the best ways is to use the design platforms on business card websites. You can choose a stock background and a text layout. Then, you fill in the data for the layout and you are done.
Thermo graphic or Printed: Either is fine or depends on your business.
Thermographic limits you with colors and can get very expensive as you add more colors. Thermographic does provide a nice tactile sensation. Printed gives you any design, but the challenge is to get a decent design. Once again, web sites with design programs can provide these layouts.
B&W or Color: Whatever you can afford. Ideally, if it is a thermographic card then Black and White is fine. Otherwise, look for a color card.
Matte or Gloss: It depends on the design but I recommend that one side is matte.
You cannot write on gloss, and in spite of some cultures viewing that as rude (i.e. Japan), the American culture is okay with you writing on their card. My card is one side gloss and the other side matte. People get annoyed when they cannot write on the card.
Square or rounded corners: Use what works for the design.
One side or two sided: Use what works for the design.
Where do I get my cards made?
Print Cards: www.overnightprints.com
It has a great design program but you can upload your own design. The prices are very reasonable. For $50 dollars you can get 1000 double sided full color cards that are the standard size, and a little thicker than other cards (so they stand out). The design can also go to the edge. I ordered several times from this company.
Thermographic: Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples or www.americanstationary.com
My wife recently found www.americanstationary.com provides decent thermographic note cards (we ordered the 4×6 for me). On their site, they advertise “calling cards” which are essentially the same as business cards. I have not ordered them, so if anyone has please let me know.
What should I put on the card?
If you do not have a specific product or job yet, then make a simple card with your name, phone number, and email address. You should add your field of expertise and you may add qualifications and a mailing address.
Conclusion:
Remember, you want to leave a good impression, get the other person’s card, and give them your contact information. Having business cards is essential, and unfortunately, so many entrepreneurs starting out do not get them
