When you are in business you have got to have a business card…that is a no brainer. However, that does not mean you should design your business card without thought. Over the past several years I have received several hundred business cards. Of which I have kept 4.
Cheap Business Card Translation
Most of the business cards that I receive are cheap. Basically, they are traditional cards with a typical logo and standard writing. Translation…you are a typical business. Nothing exciting. No creativity. Average.
With all of the technology, digital address books, email, Facebook etc some may argue that a standout business card is not as critical because your potential client will only keep your card long enough to transfer the information on the business card into their blackberry. But…of course I would argue the contrary…
Breaking Down the Business Card
Your business card brands your business in 5 different ways: For the positive or negative.
- Cheap Business Cards – Cheap business cards demonstrate a cheap business. Is your business card paper thin with a standard design that you got for free at Vistaprint? Subconscious translation, if you slack on the quality of your card you will slack on the quality of your product.
- Unique Business Cards – Is your business card frameable? Your business card is the first product of yours that your clients will experience. Is the experience word of mouth worthy?
- Ugly Business Cards – Ugly business cards can work if you work them from the right angle. If you are a business consultant you could create a business card design that is extremely ugly in color however is still quality made. Have your slogan on the card say, “Turn your ugly situation around with KS Consulting.”
- Marketing Business Cards – Does the look of your business card say what you do? If you are in the casino business make your business card a poker chip with your contact information on it. And yes they can bring it in and gamble with it. If you are a minister have your business card look like a Bible. It opens up to your contact information and is written in King James Version. There is no box in life so don’t think inside one.
- Valuable Business Cards – Why should your potential client hold onto your business card? Is there a reward if they bring the card back to you? Do you have a “free” something or other if they bring the card to your business? This might not work in every business but it could work in yours…
From your business card to your billboard make your business uniquely yours. Make all of your experiences memorable and make your customers want to talk with you…and more importantly talk about you when you are not around.
Nice read, but one thing you may want to point out is the importance of having your business card translated professionally if you have any international clients. There are services like AsianBusinessCards.com that will translate and typeset your business card for you. Something to keep in mind if you deal with Chinese, Japanese or Korean clients.
Great point! Thanks for the additional input.