subject: Elements Not to Miss Out on Business Cards [print this page] Elements Not to Miss Out on Business Cards
They are simple. They are most used. They are indispensable. But why do people simply hand out business cards for the sake of exchanging them? Why are they not taking advantage of the benefits of these cards?
Ideally, business cards are the first thing you hand out when meeting someone professionally. This is the most essential element for visual identity as it's the first item people see when they meet you. These precious little rectangular pieces can actually be written with anything: to share contact details, make a statement, remind people who you are, tell them to visit your store, and many more. But many don't maximize the use of their cards. Mostly, the back of the card remains bare while the front contains only the name, address, and contact numbers. There seems to be something missing in the card. Here are some features that might be missing on your card:
1. Elevator pitch on the card that tells people who you are. These days a name, address, designation and number on a card no longer impress people. These has been the standard look of cards, almost everyone is using this style. Simply putting your business name and logo doesn't say anything about you or communicate what your business is all about. To be unique and stand out in the crowd, consider putting a small tag line that state very simply but effectively what you do. Elevator pitches of four or five word one-liner will help you do this effectively.
2. A business card that has an impact. The common look of business cards are plain white printed with the logo in front and the name and designation in the middle. This design is so common that they are not even worth looking at. These days, receiving a card that only has a name will no longer matter to people. What will matter to them is something that will catch their eye and not simply keep your card because they have to. Design cards that are out of world such as those made of glass or plastic or in unusual shape. Make them memorable to make an impact and catch more eyes.
3. An influential message that generate interest and response. Make the most of your business cards by printing powerful messages at the back. Write some head-turning and incredibly effective copy that would give your prospects no other choice but to call you to see if what you offer is true.
4. A reason to keep your card. The usual reason why people keep business cards is to keep in touch. But most of the time this is not enough to encourage prospects to keep your card for long. So, why not give them a good reason to really keep your card. You could consider printing a yearly calendar at the back of your card or perhaps a list of emergency numbers. You could also consider producing a business card made of stone so your prospects can use it as paper weight. If you design your card effectively, you are giving your prospects a good reason to keep your card on their table as a show piece.
If your put these missing elements in your business card templates, you can effectively show people that you are both professional and serious about your job.
