As a graphic designer, business cards are part of the bread and butter of what I do. Your business card is vital as a cohesive part of your brand. Whether you're operating a small business from home or a corporate conglomo, your card should project a consistent image that ties in with your logo, website, and print items as a natural fit into your overall brand identity. You want to project a consistent image that your customers can recognize, identify with, and trust.
Your business card should have, at the very least, your name and business name, your title, and at least two ways to contact you. If your company has a professional website, I would put that on there too - at the very least, you should own a domain name for your company. Think ahead about what you're projecting with your email address. Does alexismneely2845@aol.com make you sound professional? Yourname@yourbusinessname.com is far more professional.
Elena Brower of the International Etiquette Center in Hollywood, FL says to "make sure that when you hand your card out, hand the person a clean, un-smudged card and put it directly into their hand - do not put it on the table in front of them." Alternatively, when you are being handed someone else's card, Brower notes that "you should always look at and read the card before tucking it away. Do not fold it, handle it with care. Make a comment on the card's design, the location of their office, or other small talk that encourages professional conversation."
Most importantly, be proud of the card you hand out. Ask yourself - is it attractive? Does it stand out? Does it reflect you and your business' identity? Is all of the information current on it current and correct? If not, it may be time for a new set of cards.
GIVEAWAY! UPrinting.com and The Love List have partnered up to do just that. Wer'e giving away 1000 free
business cards and 500
brochures printed by UPrinting.com with free shipping. To enter the drawing, leave a comment below and tell me what you would use a new set of cards for. If you'd like an extra entry, link back to this giveaway on your blog and let me know about it in your comment.
Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio
Business card design by Jessica Condatore Design Studio
12 comments:
I'm a law student who has DEFINITELY learned the value of networking in this economic climate and a cute business card would help to make me that memorable face. Plus- I'd take the opportunity to walk the line between pretty and business-y while I am a still student...once you pass the Bar it's all black and white boring-ness. Sigh.
good coloring
ooo me me me!
why?
being let go from my previous firm in december, i am trying to decide if i should a. start my own interiors firm or b. start a re-furbishing furniture/accessories store
perhaps if i win your fabulous designs i can figure it out!
I really could use these for my ETSY sales! I currently don't have ANY! Thanks for offering these!
What a wonderful give-away!
I am in desperate need of a fresh, new "look" for my jewelry leasing business, I'm Over It. My current business cards were designed by me and are seriously BORING. They just don't reflect who we are as a business! I would love to win!
good luck, everyone!
Great giveaway!
Since I started the "Through Her Eyes" Series last month, my blog has seen an increase in visitors. I would definitively use the cards to promote it.
oh my goodness! all of those are adorable. I'm just getting started as a freelance writer so I've been covering a bunch of events for websites and have definitely learned the value of networking - everyone seems to give out business cards!
i have always wanted to have you design something for me..i love your style!
Well,to be honest,I don't have a business or etsy shop as of right now,but I would love to use them as mommy cards b/c I'm always looking for something to write my info on when people request my phone number or email address.It would be a lot easier and I could also promote my blog that I plan to revamp after we move next month.Thanks!
I would use them to hand out to fashionable people I accost on the street when I ask to take pics of them (or their shoes!) for my blog. It would make me more legit, less stalker-ish. I hope...
Now off to check out your needlepoint suggestion..
I am a bride to be, and I'd love to have a set of old fashioned calling cards with my new married name on it. I think it would be so chic!!!!
Hope I am not too late for the contest - these sample cards look great!
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