|
When you are looking for ways to promote a better image for your business or yourself in your chosen profession, don’t overlook the merits of a simple two inch by three and a half inch piece of paper. Although the business card is small in size it can have a major impact on the impression you give those you meet. Due to its small size and first impression type of impact, it is very important to have the right information on your business card.
The business name and your name are one of the first things you want to consider. You first need to determine how to place your name and the business name. Usually, the business name is more boldly presented than the person's name, but this may vary depending on the person's profession. Where a sales representative for a company will need the business name displayed more prominently, a writer or other type of artist will usually want to bring their name more into the limelight or focal point of the business card.
The focal point of the business card is usually either the center of the card or an area that has bigger print or a design. The focal point is where you want to include your most important information such as the business name or your name or your company logo. A logo can provide a means of creating a more professional impression for your business.
Designs and pictures can often draw your attention. If your business has a special logo, it can often be used in as a focal point to draw your attention to the card. Logos should be simple enough to not distract from the rest of the card but not so simple that they will bore you to death. The goal here is to get the person’s attention and keep it long enough for them to see what you have to offer.
It may be necessary to list the type of services or products that you offer, especially if your business name doesn’t adequately describe it. For instance, if your business name is ABC Services Inc. and you sell printing, you would want to add a clarifying statement such as a slogan or the types of printing your company handles. You don’t want to add every single type of service that you do, but basically just give a general type of service or a catchy slogan that will give the receiver of the business card an idea of what you do. If it is too difficult to understand, they will be less likely to call on you.
Contact information is very important. If a prospective client or customer can’t reach you due to erroneous information, they may not try very hard to track you down. The purpose of including as much correct contact information as possible on your business card is to give the customer or client an easy way of reaching you.
An office number and possibly a beeper or answering service number would be sufficient in most situations. You want to provide them with a couple of easy ways to either reach you personally or have a way to leave a message for you. Often the client or customer will want to deal with you directly, but this information can be given out on an as needed basis.
An address is also very important. An address gives the client or customer another way of contacting you. Although in this day and age of instant e-mails and cell phones, some clients or customers may still need to mail something to you. The address also gives you an impression of stability. If you have an address, they usually consider that you are in this for more than a quick sale and are trying to actively have your business grow.
Web page urls and e-mail addresses are other possibilities of information to include on your business card. With the rapid pace of the world today, more people are getting online and even conducting more business online. Providing information on how to contact you both online and off-line is important to show both flexibility and ease of contact.
The business card is a tool. Make it work for you by taking a close look at the information on your card. Does it provide the information necessary to reach you in a relatively easy and timely fashion? Is it easy to understand what you do or sell? If a total stranger walked up and handed you the card, would it hold your interest long enough for you to read it before throwing it in the trash? Ask yourself these questions about your business card design. If your business card isn’t providing your clients or customers with the correct information or the right impression, maybe it is time to take a look at updating your business cards. |
