Simple and effective business cards. Photo attribution to Kenn Wilson.
We are in a new job age, one in which self-promotion is key to finding the right international job. We have online tools like LinkedIn, Twitter and blogging that demonstrate our professional and extra-curricular experiences as well as our analytical abilities. Every day, we hear new success stories of people finding jobs through their connections on LinkedIn or Twitter. What hasn’t changed though is the offline world, one in which relationships and networking are the centerpieces of professional opportunities. At the epicenter of these relationships is the business card.
Business cards are an adaptation of the 17th Century French Court “Visite Biletes” or visiting cards. The business card extended the reach of the ‘visiting card’ beyond a being a meeting of social obligation. The business card is now a symbol of promotion at its rawest form. With your personal details clearly noted, the business card is like a giving or receiving a key to promote yourself or your business.
The art behind the business card lies its aesthetics as well as how you use your business cards. When designing your cards, always have the end user in mind. Although it may look beautiful to you, make sure that your information is clear and easy to read. It is worth more to have a bigger font and less text, than to not be able to read anything because it is over-crowded. If you are traveling abroad, you should print your cards in the language of that country.
Learning to use your business card is also an art. A rule of thumb is to always have about 10 business cards at your fingertips. The adage is that ‘You never know who you are going to meet today’. By having your cards readily available, you will be able to share your information with a prospective employer or client. While sharing your business card with everyone you meet sounds like a good idea, it is a theoretically good idea. Treat your business card as a luxury not a commodity. When you receive a business card, treat it as a treasure as well. Always make sure to follow up.
Below we have provided a breakdown on how-to master the art of the business card.
1. What is your business card’s purpose?
Think of how you want to use your business card first. Is it to promote your expertise in an area, to get a new job, strengthen relationships with fellow people in your industry? Design your business card with your end goal in mind.
2. What to include on your business card?
This question stumps many people. Should you include everything about yourself or just a quick glimpse? Survey says…less is more. Include your personal details like: Name, Title/Expertise, Phone Number, Email, Website, Social Media (Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn). Above and beyond that can get a little superfluous.
3. What should your business card look like?
Guy Kawasaki, notable Entrepreneur and Blogger suggests “a business card that cuts to the chase and is readable”. Make your fonts large enough to read and choose a simple design. Using the back of the card for fun aesthetics is debatable. Some people like to write on the back of their cards, so bear that in mind.
4. Knowing proper business card etiquette
Always ask for a business card after giving your business card. When you are given a business card, don’t just stick it in your pocket right away. Treat it with reverence and read the other person’s card. It sounds very simple to say but it is often overlooked. You might see something that will spark a deeper conversation than just ‘What do you do?’. Make a note on the card of the date, location and common points of interest. These comments will come in handy when following up with that person. This will make your more memorable.
Many thanks for your awsome article. I’ll keep an eye about your site, i allready added it to personal list
No worries Odell. We are glad to hear you are liking the blog. Keep us posted if you have any ideas for future posts.