I was surfing through about.com the other day when I read this interesting article, 5 Avoidable Networking Mistakes That Make You Look Amateurish. Surprisingly the top 2 mistakes concerned business cards. First that you wouldn’t have one at all and second that it might be a DIY attempt. I hear discussions regarding business cards about how necessary and / or relevant they are in today’s online world however as this article points out, a business card says a lot about you that is ongoing and non verbal. The fact that you have one says you are serious about your business – some thought and planning and money has gone into this. This is not just a whim you are exploring to see if it works out. The quality of the actual paper stock used speaks to your professional image and the quality of product one might expect to receive from you. The layout and design of the business card also leaves an impression of your organizational skills. Is it crisp, clear and easy to read? Is it a collection of randomly scattered numbers and email addresses?
All of these things are impressions a prospect receives from a simple business card. A piece of cardstock that they take back to their office with them. The impressions repeat themselves every time they see the card.
Is is really worth it:
- To gamble on whether you need a professionally designed business card?
- To save money by designing it yourself or having your friend / brother / spouse design it?
- To print and cut it yourself?
With all the odds stacked against small businesses, this is one that is easily eliminated. Ditto with your website. Let me help you make a great first – and lasting impression.
