subject: Business Cards Essentials [print this page] I keep business cards for several reasonsI keep business cards for several reasons. First, I might need that service one day. For instance, if I needed someone to repair a busted pipe or clean a high angle window.
Second, I might need to get in touch with that person in the future for various reasons like if he is a supplier for our company or she is an expert in the field or he is connected to the company I would like to work for someday.
I also keep business cards that contain useful information such as amortization schedules, conversion tables or lists of emergency phone numbers.
These three basic reasons are the most compelling reasons why people keep the business card printing they keep. Keep these reasons in mind when designing your card. Make it clear why you are printing these cards and who you do it for. Always remember, that your card may be passed on to someone else, or the recipient may be trying to remember you later after a long day of meeting people at a convention.
As an added bonus, here are some more tips to optimize your business card printing strategy:
Your card has two sides, if you are only using one side to print your contact details then you are not optimizing the power of the card. Add some more useful information to the back of your card.
Request people who receive your cards to pass them on to friends or relatives who might youre your service or the product.
You may want to add your picture to establish trust. I mean, why would somebody put his picture in their business card printing if they are out to con you. Makes sense?
You may also want to add some useful things in the back of your card like how to reduce water if you are a plumber; or conversion tables if you are an engineer; or the food pyramid if you are a dietician. This way, your card will be kept and used for years to come.
Apart from having an unprofessional looking card, the worst that you could ever do when networking is when you dont even have something to give. I am amazed by how some professionals forget to bring their card or even run out of cards. I mean, if you are attending a conference, you would know well ahead of time that you must have your cards with you. That means you have lead time to have these cards reprinted. In any business, forgetting your card or running out is like forgetting to wear your pants. This is how having cards, even cheap business cards, is important and why you should always have them with you.
