If you are starting out in business or even if you’ve been in business for a while and the time has come to get new business cards you may be wondering if you really need them in our digital world.
My answer is absolutely yes!!
While paper products are quickly being replaced by all things digital, handing out a business card is still a fast, cheap and convenient way to get your business and contact details into someone’s hands. If your business card is well designed with your branding and style and printed on a nice quality stock it also sub-consciously tells the receiver a lot about you and your business.
The main purposes of a business card are to:
- Provide your name and contact details
- Create brand awareness
- Establish credibility
The number one reason for handing out a business card is to provide people with your name, your area of expertise and your contact details including social media and website. It’s far easier and professional to hand over a business card than to dictate your details while someone enters them into their phone and you become another brand-less contact in their phone.
Create brand awareness with a well-designed card that you are proud of and excited to hand out and give people a tangible reminder of who you are, what you do and how to find you. Go the extra mile with special effects like foil, layered or sandwiched cards, overglossing or a laminated finish to create a high-end impressive business card that people want to keep.
A business card contains a significant amount of information about who you are and what you do and a distinct, professional looking business card tells clients, contacts and prospects that you are serious about what you do and helps you gain credibility in a crowded marketplace. Every time a person looks at your card, they are reminded of you and your business, which increases the chance that one day they will make contact and purchase your product or service.
Carrying business cards in your pocket, bag or wallet means you are always prepared to take advantage of chance encounters and opportunities to network. Emails can get lost in a full mailbox and confused with spam, but a business card can remain in a person’s collection for years.
Create a positive, lasting good impression with business cards that are well-designed and communicate your brand personality.
Once you have business cards, make sure to use them at every opportunity – they won’t work for you if you leave them in the office, in the box they came in.
There are various things you can do to encourage yourself to use your business cards effectively.
Keep your business cards clean and fresh. Nobody wants to be given something that looks like it’s been dragged through the mud and used to wrap last week’s fish and chips. Invest in a protective case or two that fits in your bag, car and wallet.
Always have your cards with you. Networking is vital for doing business and you never know when you may get chatting with someone who is interested in your product or service. I’ve had it happen while waiting in the ski lift line, walking the dog and at my husband’s work events. Admittedly each of those times I’ve had to raid the supply in my husband’s wallet, but that still counts as having a supply with me.
Look for opportunities to exchange business cards. One on one meetings, networking events, trade shows go without saying. Less obvious are at courses and workshops (business related or otherwise), school gate at pick-up and drop-off times, while chatting with other parents as you watch your child at their various after-school activities and running errands.
Don’t be a jerk though. Nobody likes that desperate salesperson who slips through the crowd handing out business cards willy nilly without even a hello. Give your business cards to people who are genuinely interested in what you do and to those who ask for your card. If appropriate make sure to ask that person for their card in return and take the time to look at it in front of them.
Have fun with your business cards and get in touch if you would like help in creating a business card that effectively communicates your details and looks great.
